An Hour to Tune

The delicate structure of the harp requires extra time before a performance to acclimate to the venue’s temperature and get the strings tuned, hence the reason I arrive an hour before playtime to each performance.

The harp is made of wood, layers of maple, with 46 strings of natural gut. The process of getting the strings into tune is a long one. I use a Korg chromatic tuner to determine the actual tone of the string, then a “key” to turn the peg either loosening or tightening the string.

But even before tuning the harp requires a bit of time to “settle” after each move and to adjust to the temperature of the venue. Each location is different and the number of direct lights or open windows and doors can all contribute to temperature affecting the harp.

Hiring a harpist for weddings or corporate events is quite good value for money because all of this extra time for moving the instrument, getting settled, acclimated and tuned are included in the price you pay for the performance.