Choosing the right harp supplies can mean the difference between loving and hating the instrument. It’s easier to keep the harp in good playing condition when you have the right harp supplies on hand, which can make learning, practicing, and performing more enjoyable. To stay comfortable while playing and to help maintain the health of their harps, harpists and beginners should keep a good chair, learning materials, strings, cleaning supplies, and tuners in their practice and performance rooms.
The chair or stool on which the musician sits is one of the most important harp supplies. The harpist’s arms should not be obstructed by any objects while playing, so chairs without arms are ideal. A small footstool may be required to prop up the harp so the musician can reach it and play comfortably, depending on the size of the chair, harp, and harp player.
Sheet music and music theory books can help both experienced and beginning harp players in their practice rooms. These books teach musicians the fundamental skills they need to understand scales and music composition theory. Beginners can practice without the help of a teacher or tutor with the help of digital video disks (DVDs) and books covering harp playing techniques. Arpeggios, scales, and harp music on CDs can help with ear training and allow harpists to compare their own playing to that of a professional.
Without the proper strings, a harp cannot be played well. Some harps are designed to accommodate specific types of strings, such as nylon or concert gut strings, so the harpist should determine which strings are compatible with his or her instrument before replacing them. Nylon strings are easier to play and tune than steel strings, making them ideal for beginners. Lever gut strings are a good choice for a bright but warm tone. Concert gut strings are suitable for pedal harps and produce a warm, loud sound, but they require strong fingers and accurate play from the harpist.
Cleaning supplies are usually the most overlooked harp supplies. Every other day, every harp player should purchase a soft cotton cloth or duster to clean the harp. Cleaning the harp on a regular basis keeps dust and oil from collecting on the wood and strings, extending the life of the strings and the instrument as a whole. Cotton buds can be used to clean small crevices in instruments.
Harp players use tuning supplies like electronic tuners and tuning forks to keep their instruments in tune. In noisy environments, an electronic tuner with an attached microphone is especially useful. In quieter areas, pitch pipes and tuning forks can help players improve their pitch recognition skills. A tuning key is required to turn the tuning pegs.