When stringing your harp, you should start with string No.1 at the top and proceed downwards. If you start with the bass strings you will find that the strings are constantly getting in the way of your fingers.

First insert string No. 1 through the top of the soundboard, and pull the string right out of the soundbox through the elongated hole at the back.

Make a knot as shown here. In the knot, insert a short piece of 3rd or 4th octave string. Pull the string back and cut it 50 or 60mm above the top part of the neck.

Now thread the loose end through the hole in the tuning pin, and take your tuning key and wind the tuning peg forward. The string should make at least three turns around the pin, and the loose end of the string should be caught under the turns. Don't forget to place the string in the notch of the appropriate bridge pin.

Wire bass strings have a loop of silk at one end through which a short wooden peg may be inserted instead of making the normal knot.

Tighten the string and proceed downwards, without attempting to tune the harp at this stage. The thick strings and metal covered strings of the fourth octave downwards do not need to be locked.

Leave the strings under tension for an hour or so, then start tuning.