How high on the pedal harp should gut strings be used?
Most pedal harpists use gut strings in the 3rd through 5th octaves. However, there are several different opinions on whether to use nylon or gut strings in the 2nd octave and above. Nylon strings are cheaper and have a longer lifespan. Since the 1st and 2nd octave strings break more often than lower strings, this makes nylon strings appealing. However, their sound is slightly inferior to gut. Gut strings are richer in tone, a bit more expensive, and more fragile. Your decision will rest on a balance between cost, longevity, and performance, depending on where your harp is being played.
