Steve Moss
Moss Harp Service
Moss Harp Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Pedal Harp
What is harp regulation?
How often should my harp be regulated?
Can you perform my free warranty regulation?
How often should I change my strings?
Can you restring my harp at my regulation appointment?
How do I keep my harp clean?
What is harp regulation?
Regulation is a periodic maintenance service designed to keep a harp
in optimal playing condition. A pedal harp regulation typically
includes:
How often should my harp be regulated?
In general, a harp should be regulated every one to two years,
depending on how often it is played. Many professional harpists have
their instruments regulated every year. Beginning students can go two
years or more before their instruments need regulation.
Can you perform my free warranty regulation?
Lyon & Healy and Salvi harps offer a free regulation on new
instruments after the first year of ownership. I am authorized to
perform these, but I do need to clear it with the manufacturer ahead
of time. Please let me know if you are due for a warranty regulation
when you arrange the appointment.
How often should I change my strings?
A harp is only as good as the strings you play it with. I have heard
$15,000 harps that sounded like $15 toys because all of their strings
were worn and false. I recommend replacing the strings in the first
and second octaves once a year. Worn strings in these octaves will
make a harp sound like it needs regulation even when it doesn't.
Replace the bass wires every two years if possible. Old bass wires
loose their sustain and eventually start to sound like slack rubber
bands if you leave them on long enough. Since your bass wires will
ring sympathetically even when you are playing in the upper register, a
nice new set of bass wires make your entire harp sound richer. The
strings in the third, fourth and fifth octaves can last longer. Inspect
them periodically for wear where they contact the discs, and in the
area where your fingers touch them. Replace them as they wear and
fray in these areas.
Can you restring my harp at my regulation appointment?
It is difficult to regulate a newly restrung harp, as the new strings won't
hold pitch long enough to check the intonation. Ideally, new strings
should be on the harp for a week or two before regulation. If I am only in
your town for a few days, you can still have the harp restrung if we
arrange it ahead of time. I will change the strings during the early part of
my visit, tune them frequently, then regulate your harp toward the end of
my stay.
How do I keep my harp clean?
Wash your hands before handling your instrument. Dust your harp off
frequently using a soft cloth made for musical instruments. Dust out
the front of the mechanism with a soft stencil brush. Check with your
harp's manufacturer to see what polish they recommend for the type
of finish on your harp.
Pedal Harp
What is harp regulation?
How often should my harp be regulated?
Can you perform my free warranty regulation?
How often should I change my strings?
Can you restring my harp at my regulation appointment?
How do I keep my harp clean?
What is harp regulation?
Regulation is a periodic maintenance service designed to keep a harp
in optimal playing condition. A pedal harp regulation typically
includes:
- Replacing pedal and slot felts.
- Inspecting and adjusting pedal rod length.
- Inspecting the base, pedal springs, and pedal levers, strings, nuts,
and discs, and making any necessary repairs. - Inspecting and adjusting string alignment.
- Eliminating or controlling unwanted noise.
- Adjusting intonation in Natural and sharp pedal positions.
How often should my harp be regulated?
In general, a harp should be regulated every one to two years,
depending on how often it is played. Many professional harpists have
their instruments regulated every year. Beginning students can go two
years or more before their instruments need regulation.
Can you perform my free warranty regulation?
Lyon & Healy and Salvi harps offer a free regulation on new
instruments after the first year of ownership. I am authorized to
perform these, but I do need to clear it with the manufacturer ahead
of time. Please let me know if you are due for a warranty regulation
when you arrange the appointment.
How often should I change my strings?
A harp is only as good as the strings you play it with. I have heard
$15,000 harps that sounded like $15 toys because all of their strings
were worn and false. I recommend replacing the strings in the first
and second octaves once a year. Worn strings in these octaves will
make a harp sound like it needs regulation even when it doesn't.
Replace the bass wires every two years if possible. Old bass wires
loose their sustain and eventually start to sound like slack rubber
bands if you leave them on long enough. Since your bass wires will
ring sympathetically even when you are playing in the upper register, a
nice new set of bass wires make your entire harp sound richer. The
strings in the third, fourth and fifth octaves can last longer. Inspect
them periodically for wear where they contact the discs, and in the
area where your fingers touch them. Replace them as they wear and
fray in these areas.
Can you restring my harp at my regulation appointment?
It is difficult to regulate a newly restrung harp, as the new strings won't
hold pitch long enough to check the intonation. Ideally, new strings
should be on the harp for a week or two before regulation. If I am only in
your town for a few days, you can still have the harp restrung if we
arrange it ahead of time. I will change the strings during the early part of
my visit, tune them frequently, then regulate your harp toward the end of
my stay.
How do I keep my harp clean?
Wash your hands before handling your instrument. Dust your harp off
frequently using a soft cloth made for musical instruments. Dust out
the front of the mechanism with a soft stencil brush. Check with your
harp's manufacturer to see what polish they recommend for the type
of finish on your harp.
Looking for more
answers? Try my blog,
The Harp Herald
answers? Try my blog,
The Harp Herald