Showing posts with label strings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label strings. Show all posts

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Replacing Harpsichord Strings

Woo-ee, replacing harpsichord strings is probably one of my least favorite things to do on the instrument.  The sound of a breaking string strikes fear in my heart and jarrs the ears.  In fact, I heard the sound of a breaking string on a video today and it almost gave me a heart attack.

On the harpsichord list, there has been a discussion about old style pins vs. zither pins.  I am very much a fan of old style pins and find them easier to deal with when it comes to replacing strings.  Oh, I can handle both, but I feel clumsier with zither pins (which used to be ubiquitous, but are not so much these days).  I am comfortable with old style pins that have holes or not, thanks to quality instruction early on.  I do remember the first time I tried to change a string (before I was taught how) and it was a nightmare - horrible!  Glad I was finally taught how to do it right.

Are you curious how to change a string on an old style pin?  Well, here is an instructional video to assist you in learning how!  YouTube user hpschdnu (AKA Carey Beebe from Australia) has posted a number of instructional videos on the elements of harpsichord upkeep.  Very helpful!  Many thanks.