Hi Kale, thank you so much for the string measurements. It was doing my head in because I’m not musically inclined !! Just learning and the Aklot 15 string harp is my first instrument. Cheers
What I love is that you actually help those of us who are not inclined to be so creative with our own instruments (out-of-the-box) by showing the how-to details in a manner that inspires confidence in the process. Thanks for that! Your videos are always interesting and certainly helpful (as well as enjoyable!)
This was such a great video. Thanks so much for the info about where to get the strings and which ones to get. I am a complete beginner so this is a bit challenging but I will figure it out. Thanks for the string gauge measurements. I love the sound with the pick up. Do you put the string in from the bottom first?
Were you able to fix the pegs so they don’t slip? I took the aklot white harp into a music store and showed them your video. He said I would never be able to keep it in tune.
That is a common symptom with these harps... the pegs slipping. Fortunately, mine did not have that problem. However, I've heard if you push in on the peg while you tune, it typically takes care of that. Check out this video if you haven't seen it already. ruclips.net/video/nVLAXZlPTM0/видео.html Thanks for watching.
Musical Miscellany (Poorness Studios) Update Aklot fixed the string color scene, the incorrect colored strings probably had to due with the covid19 shut down which caused a difficulty with getting the right strings.
@@musicalmiscellany So yeah the newer version has Red C Strings Blue/Black F Strings, I have seen version w/ Red C Strings & Green F Strings, it's more of a Mexican style version.
I was looking at your chart of string sizes and the first one is a C with 0.038 size. The one on your harp is green and should be red. But in the list of what to buy, you don't have a 0.038R listed. You have a 0.040R listed, but there are no 0.040 sizes on your chart. I'm new to all of this and I'm just trying to make sense of it. Can you please explain this for me? My harp came with green, red, yellow, blue, and white strings so mine is really a mess. It seems like you would need to buy more than what you listed, but I'm assuming you take the extra strings and use those to replace colors, in addition to what's already on the harp and therefore only needed a couple more?
Thanks for watching the video. You have a very good eye to catch that. The string that came on the harp was .038 (based on my caliper). However, Vermont Strings (where I purchased the replacements) does not sell that size. They have .036 and then .040. They're very easy to work with and you can ask for an opinion. Long story short, they recommended I go with the .040 so that's what I bought. Speaking of which, if you're trying to replace all the strings on a harp, I'd just contact Vermont Strings and tell them what you want to do. If you measure the vibrating length of each string and the note you want, they can calculate all the sizes for you. They have a worksheet on their website to help: www.robinsonsharpshop.com/String_Worksheet.pdf Good luck!
Wow you amaze me. It’s so cool that you have the wherewithal to make it electric. I would love to do some of the things you have done. I saw when you made the Aklot tongue drum electric. I am sure my husband has some do the tools etc that you use so maybe when he has time he could help me. Because that is so cool!! Thanks for the doing the work with the strings too. I have to call them. It does drive me crazy that the color is wrong. Awesome video friend !!
Thanks for watching. I have a problem... I customize EVERYTHING. Ha ha. I suppose it's a personality flaw but I just always feel the need to make my things different from the pack.
Did you change all the strings or just the F and C strings? And do you feel a difference? I need to buy strings also. I want to buy them now though so it may be too late when I hear back from you. I asked Molly several days ago and got no response.
I only changed the ones in the video. However, you could easily change all of them. In fact, if you measure the length of each string and let them know the scale, Vermont Strings will make you a custom set fitted for this harp. That would probably be the best bet if you really like the harp. I did it on a budget. As far as the string feel, I don't really notice a difference... but I know some folks swear by a certain type of string. I'm a novice harpist so that may have something to do with it. That said, I'm happy with the way it came out.
Thank you so much for the shout out! Love this video. I would love to add a pickup but I have to be in the right mood to deal with soldering, haha. Also thank you for taking the time to measure the strings, what a great resource! :D
You're welcome and THANK YOU for all your videos and inspiration. I am one of those weirdos that actually finds soldering very satisfying but I know most folks don't agree with me. LOL. If you can't stomach the soldering, CB Gitty sells piezo harnesses all wired up and ready to go. This would certainly make the process easier. www.cbgitty.com/guitar-instrument-parts/cigar-box-guitar-parts/basic-pre-wired-piezo-jack-harness-made-in-the-usa/
Whenever I use a piezo pickup wired straight to a jack I put a capacitor across the poles of the jack. It really helps with the sound. Ben did an excellent tutorial on this that I'm sure you could find on cigar box nation! Now you've got to review a bowed psaltry!!!
Hi Frank. It was a standard jack. I too like the long shaft versions but I didn't have any in my parts box. You are 100% correct, It may have worked without the countersink if I'd had a long shaft jack.
Also how is it possible after all these months I don’t know your name? I want to call Joan and tell her who sent me plus I really should know your name 😂
if you’re buying from Canada ordering from them cost over $50 for just those couple strings.. Fyi and any local stores around here you’re having to buy a set of 26 strings for a 26 string heart but you’re paying close to $90 just FYI for everybody.
That's a good point about international shipping. It can often make inexpensive items (e.g. strings) a lot less reasonable. I would be willing to bet there's a shop in Canada that sells harp strings, but I really wouldn't know which one. I'd always recommend everyone buy locally when possible. I'm located in the US so I found a shop that was relatively close to me. Good luck.
Thanks so much for this video! Can I use your string measurements to order replacement strings? This is what I caught from the video so I want to make sure I got it right: C4 - 0.038 / D4 0.037 / E4 0.037 / F4 0.038 / G4 0.038 / A4 0.032 / B4 0.030 C5 - 0.0265 / D5 0.0255 / E5 0.0255 / F5 0.0265 / G5 0.023 / A5 0.023 / B5 0.023 / C6 0.0265 Thanks again! Looking forward to playing this (and replacing the strings haha)
Ironically, I discarded that piece of paper accidentally so I don't have the measurements anymore. I suppose I could measure them all again but what you have above looks correct. Honestly, if I was going to replace all the strings, I'd contact Vermont Strings. They have a method to calculate the ideal string gauges for any note on any harp. You just need to send them the note (e.g. C4), the vibrating length (e.g. 18.25"), and the material (e.g. monofilament nylon) for each string and they'll generate all the gauges for you. Being that all they do is harps... I'd trust Vermont Strings a lot more than Aklot. www.robinsonsharpshop.com/String_Worksheet.pdf
Thanks for this video! I also got the 15 string Aklot and considering changing the strings, so this is helpful. Question: If I were to replace all my harp strings including the white/clear ones, should I assume to round up to the closest string gauge they have available? Like if some of the white strings are .037, would you get the .040, or the .036? Thank you!
Thanks for watching. So glad it was helpful. I’d probably give Vermont Strings a call (or email) for that answer. If you measure each string and tell them the note, they have a way to calculate the best string gauge. Don’t assume Aklot knows better. Those folks know harps.
Did you really mount the pickup on the soundboard, or is it where you seemed to be indicating on the back of the soundbox? Sounds good, & the delay is a nice touch.
I may have said it wrong, but the pickup is mounted to the underside of the wood between the two sound holes. That seems to be the area with the most vibration. Thanks for watching the video.
Unfortunately, I discarded that paper but I can always re-measure them when I get some time. If you wanted to replace all the strings, I'd contact Vermont Strings and have them make you a custom set. Measure each vibrating string length and send that to them along with the note for each one... they have a way to generate a custom string set based on that information. Honestly, I would trust their string gauges more than what Aklot uses. www.robinsonsharpshop.com/String_Worksheet.pdf
Thank you for watching and also for that comment. I really glad the channel is helpful to you. I always make these vids hoping they help someone. I really appreciate it.
This is so helpful, thank you so much! I just purchased one of these because let's face it, they are so darn cute but I did plan to change out the strings. Robinson Harps/Vermont Strings has a nice set of strings for the 22-string Pakistani harps as well (if any of your followers have those). Since you are so good at this instrument-hacking stuff, do you think it's possible to put guitar tuning buttons on those zither pins? Or is there something like that which would work? Since it doesn't have levers it would be so easy to do key changes if they were like guitar tuners. What do you think?
Thanks for checking out the video. I'm glad it was helpful. I don't think guitar or ukulele tuners would work because it would be tough to squeeze 15 of them in that space. Each tuner typically requires 1/2" of room (or more) and there just isn't enough to work with. However, Banjo tuners might work as they are more narrow and require less room. You'd probably have to stagger (some higher, some lower) them to prevent them from hitting each other when you tune. That's an idea to explore though.
I love want you did with your Aklot harp, I'm a new harpist, and as a disable veteran and I needed a new hobby. I was wondering if I could pay you to convert my harp like you did yours ? please let me know. You made it look so easy, but I don't want to screw it up, so I'm willing to pay. Thank you so much for your post.
Thanks for watching the video and for your offer. I'm not sure where you're located but I'm in Texas. If you're local I could probably do it but I think shipping would just make the process cost prohibitive.
@@musicalmiscellany I'm in Denver Co. so maybe I can get my friends at the local music store to take on the challenge, after all you gave great instructions. I will be sharing your videos with them. I also enjoy Molly's videos as well. Thank you for your response.
@@arleneadams1548 Oh yeah. It's very similar to changing guitar strings. The only difference is you need to tie the ball on the end (where that's already done for you on a guitar string). Any instrument shop should be able to do it. Good luck. Fixing the string colors doesn't really make the harp sound any different but it gives me inner peace. LOL.
Hi Kale, thanks a lot for this review! i just got one two days ago and I‘m really happy with it. Do you think the sound would still improve when replacing all of the strings? I mean higher quality strings. Do you have any idea?
Thanks for watching the video Maren. It's interesting you stay that. There is a RUclipsr named Musical Molly Khan. She did a string replacement on one these harps and posted a video of it (sorry, I don't have the link handy). I couldn't hear much difference. However, I read a blog post from another reviewer who said replacing the strings made a world of difference in the playability. From the 3 strings I replaced, I don't detect any difference in volume or tone compared to the stock strings, though the new strings seem to feel a little better on the fingers. So I'm guessing it's more feel than sound. If you contact Vermont Strings, they will build you a custom string set. You just need to measure the vibrating length of each string and tell them the note you want it to resonate. They'll calculate the best gauge for each.
Great video and tutorial - thank you very much for posting. We have already been in touch with Robinson's Harp Shop which is affiliated with Vermont Strings and hope to get the replacement strings in the new year.
Hi Kale, thank you so much for the string measurements. It was doing my head in because I’m not musically inclined !! Just learning and the Aklot 15 string harp is my first instrument. Cheers
I'm glad the video was helpful. Good luck with the new harp. It's a lot of fun.
What I love is that you actually help those of us who are not inclined to be so creative with our own instruments (out-of-the-box) by showing the how-to details in a manner that inspires confidence in the process. Thanks for that! Your videos are always interesting and certainly helpful (as well as enjoyable!)
That's great to hear. I make these videos hoping they are helpful to someone. Thanks for checking it out.
This was such a great video. Thanks so much for the info about where to get the strings and which ones to get. I am a complete beginner so this is a bit challenging but I will figure it out. Thanks for the string gauge measurements. I love the sound with the pick up. Do you put the string in from the bottom first?
Thanks for checking out the video. I was hoping it would be helpful to someone.
Gee man! What a great informative video! Thanks! I just ordered my 15 strings harp.
Thanks for checking it out. I make these videos hoping they're helpful to someone so I really appreciate it.
Were you able to fix the pegs so they don’t slip? I took the aklot white harp into a music store and showed them your video. He said I would never be able to keep it in tune.
That is a common symptom with these harps... the pegs slipping. Fortunately, mine did not have that problem. However, I've heard if you push in on the peg while you tune, it typically takes care of that.
Check out this video if you haven't seen it already. ruclips.net/video/nVLAXZlPTM0/видео.html
Thanks for watching.
So cool, what program are you using to create effect/record it?
I use GarageBand for all my recording. It's actually a free program but it works great. Thanks for watching.
Musical Miscellany (Poorness Studios)
Update Aklot fixed the string color scene, the incorrect colored strings probably had to due with the covid19 shut down which caused a difficulty with getting the right strings.
That's good to hear.
@@musicalmiscellany So yeah the newer version has Red C Strings Blue/Black F Strings, I have seen version w/ Red C Strings & Green F Strings, it's more of a Mexican style version.
I was looking at your chart of string sizes and the first one is a C with 0.038 size. The one on your harp is green and should be red. But in the list of what to buy, you don't have a 0.038R listed. You have a 0.040R listed, but there are no 0.040 sizes on your chart. I'm new to all of this and I'm just trying to make sense of it. Can you please explain this for me? My harp came with green, red, yellow, blue, and white strings so mine is really a mess. It seems like you would need to buy more than what you listed, but I'm assuming you take the extra strings and use those to replace colors, in addition to what's already on the harp and therefore only needed a couple more?
Thanks for watching the video. You have a very good eye to catch that. The string that came on the harp was .038 (based on my caliper). However, Vermont Strings (where I purchased the replacements) does not sell that size. They have .036 and then .040. They're very easy to work with and you can ask for an opinion. Long story short, they recommended I go with the .040 so that's what I bought.
Speaking of which, if you're trying to replace all the strings on a harp, I'd just contact Vermont Strings and tell them what you want to do. If you measure the vibrating length of each string and the note you want, they can calculate all the sizes for you. They have a worksheet on their website to help: www.robinsonsharpshop.com/String_Worksheet.pdf
Good luck!
@@musicalmiscellany That makes sense. Thanks!
Love it! I don't 'need' another small harp but you've really upgraded what is already a good little harp!
Thanks for checking out the video. These simple mods made me love it so much more.
1:34 i was notified Vermont Strings is closed and to go to North Shore Strings for harp help. Wanted to let people know just in case.
Well that's unfortunate. They were a good shop. In any case, thanks for the recommendation.
@musicalmiscellany No problem. And thank you for the helpful vid. :)
Wow you amaze me. It’s so cool that you have the wherewithal to make it electric. I would love to do some of the things you have done. I saw when you made the Aklot tongue drum electric. I am sure my husband has some do the tools etc that you use so maybe when he has time he could help me. Because that is so cool!!
Thanks for the doing the work with the strings too. I have to call them. It does drive me crazy that the color is wrong.
Awesome video friend !!
Thanks for watching. I have a problem... I customize EVERYTHING. Ha ha. I suppose it's a personality flaw but I just always feel the need to make my things different from the pack.
poorness studios no this awesome!!! I wish I could do all that.
Very cool! Thank for posting the specifics on how to upgrade your harp. 🙏 🎶
No worries. I hope it was helpful.
Did you change all the strings or just the F and C strings? And do you feel a difference? I need to buy strings also. I want to buy them now though so it may be too late when I hear back from you. I asked Molly several days ago and got no response.
Never mind. I just read the comments below.
I only changed the ones in the video. However, you could easily change all of them. In fact, if you measure the length of each string and let them know the scale, Vermont Strings will make you a custom set fitted for this harp. That would probably be the best bet if you really like the harp. I did it on a budget.
As far as the string feel, I don't really notice a difference... but I know some folks swear by a certain type of string. I'm a novice harpist so that may have something to do with it. That said, I'm happy with the way it came out.
Good video 🤠👍
Thanks for checking it out.
Cool of you to figure this out and share it with others. Thanks!
Thanks for watching. I make these videos hoping they help somebody so I appreciate you recognizing that.
Thank you so much for the shout out! Love this video. I would love to add a pickup but I have to be in the right mood to deal with soldering, haha. Also thank you for taking the time to measure the strings, what a great resource! :D
You're welcome and THANK YOU for all your videos and inspiration. I am one of those weirdos that actually finds soldering very satisfying but I know most folks don't agree with me. LOL.
If you can't stomach the soldering, CB Gitty sells piezo harnesses all wired up and ready to go. This would certainly make the process easier. www.cbgitty.com/guitar-instrument-parts/cigar-box-guitar-parts/basic-pre-wired-piezo-jack-harness-made-in-the-usa/
@@musicalmiscellany oh that's a great idea! Thanks :D
@@musicalmiscellany OMG you're the BEST! Good deal, too. Thank you!
Oh, Thanks I'm looking for a tiny harp to travel with, and your upgrades really help its sound potential. Its sounds great. Thanks!
Good to hear. I think it really improves this little harp. Thanks for watching the video.
Whenever I use a piezo pickup wired straight to a jack I put a capacitor across the poles of the jack. It really helps with the sound. Ben did an excellent tutorial on this that I'm sure you could find on cigar box nation!
Now you've got to review a bowed psaltry!!!
Ah, that's basically a fixed tone pot. Makes sense. I should try that.... and yes... a psaltery is on the list of things to review. :-)
BTW, I had a .01 uf cap in my components box so I tried it last night. I helps. Thanks for the suggestion bud.
Was your jack a long shaft one? I've been using Neutrik long shaft jacks on my cigar box guitar builds to avoid having to drill out wood.
Hi Frank. It was a standard jack. I too like the long shaft versions but I didn't have any in my parts box. You are 100% correct, It may have worked without the countersink if I'd had a long shaft jack.
I recently got that little harp and strings were ok but had to tune a few times...
Thanks for checking out the video.
Awesome! Thanks for the info. I got the same one and well.... u know. I also didn't receive any booklets or posters about correct tuning! 😥
Yeah. They really messed up on the tuning but the harp is pretty nice... especially for the price. Thanks for watching.
I can deal with the F's being green but I need to fix the C's 😏
Also how is it possible after all these months I don’t know your name? I want to call Joan and tell her who sent me plus I really should know your name 😂
Ha. I didn't realize that either. My name is Kale. Pleased to e-meet you.
poorness studios yes nice to e-meet you too. I can’t believe this whole pandemic and I didn’t know your name. Nice name. 😊
if you’re buying from Canada ordering from them cost over $50 for just those couple strings.. Fyi and any local stores around here you’re having to buy a set of 26 strings for a 26 string heart but you’re paying close to $90 just FYI for everybody.
That's a good point about international shipping. It can often make inexpensive items (e.g. strings) a lot less reasonable. I would be willing to bet there's a shop in Canada that sells harp strings, but I really wouldn't know which one. I'd always recommend everyone buy locally when possible. I'm located in the US so I found a shop that was relatively close to me. Good luck.
oh shoot turns out The $90 strings they recommended would work or not the right colours and gauges 😩
Btw I love that you made it electric! 😆 🤣 😂
Yeah. That is a really nice feature to have.
Im going to so do this with mine...thanks!
Glad I could help. Good luck.
I 'm curious why they made sound hole behind the harp insted of the front?? it's must be a lot louder
I don’t know the answer to that either but I’ve seen this design from other brands too.
@@musicalmiscellany since I seen some of the other have sound hole on the front even on the both side so I will try some mods
Thanks so much for this video! Can I use your string measurements to order replacement strings? This is what I caught from the video so I want to make sure I got it right:
C4 - 0.038 / D4 0.037 / E4 0.037 / F4 0.038 / G4 0.038 / A4 0.032 / B4 0.030
C5 - 0.0265 / D5 0.0255 / E5 0.0255 / F5 0.0265 / G5 0.023 / A5 0.023 / B5 0.023 / C6 0.0265
Thanks again! Looking forward to playing this (and replacing the strings haha)
Ironically, I discarded that piece of paper accidentally so I don't have the measurements anymore. I suppose I could measure them all again but what you have above looks correct.
Honestly, if I was going to replace all the strings, I'd contact Vermont Strings. They have a method to calculate the ideal string gauges for any note on any harp. You just need to send them the note (e.g. C4), the vibrating length (e.g. 18.25"), and the material (e.g. monofilament nylon) for each string and they'll generate all the gauges for you.
Being that all they do is harps... I'd trust Vermont Strings a lot more than Aklot. www.robinsonsharpshop.com/String_Worksheet.pdf
Thanks for this video! I also got the 15 string Aklot and considering changing the strings, so this is helpful.
Question: If I were to replace all my harp strings including the white/clear ones, should I assume to round up to the closest string gauge they have available? Like if some of the white strings are .037, would you get the .040, or the .036? Thank you!
Thanks for watching. So glad it was helpful. I’d probably give Vermont Strings a call (or email) for that answer. If you measure each string and tell them the note, they have a way to calculate the best string gauge. Don’t assume Aklot knows better. Those folks know harps.
Did you really mount the pickup on the soundboard, or is it where you seemed to be indicating on the back of the soundbox? Sounds good, & the delay is a nice touch.
I may have said it wrong, but the pickup is mounted to the underside of the wood between the two sound holes. That seems to be the area with the most vibration. Thanks for watching the video.
Good video! Could you post your findings on the string gushes you found? Thanks !
Unfortunately, I discarded that paper but I can always re-measure them when I get some time.
If you wanted to replace all the strings, I'd contact Vermont Strings and have them make you a custom set. Measure each vibrating string length and send that to them along with the note for each one... they have a way to generate a custom string set based on that information.
Honestly, I would trust their string gauges more than what Aklot uses. www.robinsonsharpshop.com/String_Worksheet.pdf
Your channel is so impressive! You are a master at your craft! even though that craft can be lots of different things depending on the day haha
Thank you for watching and also for that comment. I really glad the channel is helpful to you. I always make these vids hoping they help someone. I really appreciate it.
Thanks so much for this video and the string measurements!
You're welcome. I made this video hoping it would help somebody, so it's always good when it does.
This is so helpful, thank you so much! I just purchased one of these because let's face it, they are so darn cute but I did plan to change out the strings. Robinson Harps/Vermont Strings has a nice set of strings for the 22-string Pakistani harps as well (if any of your followers have those). Since you are so good at this instrument-hacking stuff, do you think it's possible to put guitar tuning buttons on those zither pins? Or is there something like that which would work? Since it doesn't have levers it would be so easy to do key changes if they were like guitar tuners. What do you think?
Thanks for checking out the video. I'm glad it was helpful. I don't think guitar or ukulele tuners would work because it would be tough to squeeze 15 of them in that space. Each tuner typically requires 1/2" of room (or more) and there just isn't enough to work with. However, Banjo tuners might work as they are more narrow and require less room. You'd probably have to stagger (some higher, some lower) them to prevent them from hitting each other when you tune. That's an idea to explore though.
@@musicalmiscellany Thanks! Paraguayan harps use guitar tuning pegs on their harps but they are much lighter by design. It is interesting to explore.
I love want you did with your Aklot harp, I'm a new harpist, and as a disable veteran and I needed a new hobby. I was wondering if I could pay you to convert my harp like you did yours ? please let me know. You made it look so easy, but I don't want to screw it up, so I'm willing to pay. Thank you so much for your post.
Thanks for watching the video and for your offer. I'm not sure where you're located but I'm in Texas. If you're local I could probably do it but I think shipping would just make the process cost prohibitive.
@@musicalmiscellany I'm in Denver Co. so maybe I can get my friends at the local music store to take on the challenge, after all
you gave great instructions. I will be sharing your videos with them. I also enjoy Molly's videos as well. Thank you for your response.
@@arleneadams1548 Oh yeah. It's very similar to changing guitar strings. The only difference is you need to tie the ball on the end (where that's already done for you on a guitar string). Any instrument shop should be able to do it. Good luck. Fixing the string colors doesn't really make the harp sound any different but it gives me inner peace. LOL.
Hi Kale, thanks a lot for this review! i just got one two days ago and I‘m really happy with it. Do you think the sound would still improve when replacing all of the strings? I mean higher quality strings. Do you have any idea?
Thanks for watching the video Maren. It's interesting you stay that. There is a RUclipsr named Musical Molly Khan. She did a string replacement on one these harps and posted a video of it (sorry, I don't have the link handy). I couldn't hear much difference. However, I read a blog post from another reviewer who said replacing the strings made a world of difference in the playability. From the 3 strings I replaced, I don't detect any difference in volume or tone compared to the stock strings, though the new strings seem to feel a little better on the fingers. So I'm guessing it's more feel than sound. If you contact Vermont Strings, they will build you a custom string set. You just need to measure the vibrating length of each string and tell them the note you want it to resonate. They'll calculate the best gauge for each.
Thanks a lot for your quick and kind answer ! Í´ll give it a try :)
@@marenschormann2688 I'd love to see what you come up with. Let me know if you post a video.
Great video and tutorial - thank you very much for posting. We have already been in touch with Robinson's Harp Shop which is affiliated with Vermont Strings and hope to get the replacement strings in the new year.
Awesome! I am glad the video was helpful. Aklot really needs to fix those string colors.