Playing the harp can be a beautiful and enchanting experience, but the sudden sound of a broken string can be a harrowing moment for any harpist. When this happens, many questions arise, such as “Why did my string break even though I wasn’t playing?”
Temperature and humidity changes
There are several reasons why a string might break, and the most common ones are related to temperature and humidity changes. You may have experienced the sound of a broken string in the middle of the night, and this usually happens because the temperature drops suddenly, causing the string tension to increase and eventually snap. In Hong Kong, where the humidity levels are around 80-90%, natural gut strings such as sheep gut are susceptible to damage due to the humid conditions. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a dry and stable indoor environment to reduce the risk of string breakage.
String materials
Different string materials have different probabilities of breaking. If you use synthetic strings like nylon, Silkgut, or Silkgut Copper, you’ll notice that they tend to break less often. In contrast, natural gut strings are more sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, making them more susceptible to breaking.
Rough contact points
Another common reason for string breakage is rough contact points. When the soft strings come into contact with rough surfaces, they tend to wear down and eventually snap. A harp string has four contact points, including the eyelet, semitone lever or disc, bridge pin, and tuning pin. If any of these contact points are rough or uneven, the string can wear down quickly and break more easily. Therefore, it’s crucial to use abrasive cords or “sandpaper” designed specifically for harp strings to smooth out any rough contact points before restringing.
String lifespan
Finally, strings have a lifespan, and some people keep backup harp strings for convenience. However, storing strings for too long can cause them to dry out and become brittle, affecting their sound quality and lifespan. Therefore, it’s essential to store strings properly in a controlled environment to maintain their quality.
In summary, harpists must be aware of the various factors that can cause strings to break. Temperature and humidity changes, string materials, rough contact points, and string lifespan are all critical considerations that can impact the performance and longevity of your harp strings. By understanding these factors and taking proper care of your instrument, you can reduce the risk of sudden string breakage and enjoy the beautiful sounds of your harp for years to come.