LEARNING THE LYRE PART 5
Hopefully, you watched the recommended videos on tuning your lyre. I am still having difficulty with maintaining the tune 2 weeks after the first time I tuned it, (11/2/2023) but that is OK, I am still learning.
I learned the importance of having backup strings for each string position not from a manual but after breaking a sting. I was so focused on tuning the string to the note G4 and I kept turning the wrench clockwise and counter clock wise, back and forth quickly. I was close to having the string at just the right spot and thought “one more turn”, the string broke.
When I received my lyre there was a booklet, the manual, and a set f strings, each numbered. that came with my lyre In addition, what I did not know, BECAUSE I AM A NEWBIE, and what the manual does not tell you is: the strings are numbered because they belong to that particular slot. My bifocaled eyes are not conditioned to examine each string and figure out which one was the right one for that note. The good news is, each string is numbered. There are no instructions that will inform you as to why the strings are numbered nor is there a manual that identifies the number of each designated spot.
I did figure it out though, counting from right to left I knew to use string number 9 for note G5. The next day I did it again! GENTLE TURNING MEANS GENTLE TURNING!!!! So I used string numbered 13, I was given a set of extra strings for each note. Then my daughter, the violin player informed me that I needed to get the correct string. And my betrothed the keyboard player told me I needed to get the correct string and I broke the string again, the next day! Oh my!!!
I think I was getting flustered.
My betrothed came by and tuned my lyre with a new string, not a number 9 and gave me some encouragement. After the two lectures from people who know me I reached out to the Facebook group I had joined and I was told the same thing.Yes, it was also pointed out to me that I need to be very mindful of the string when tuning. GO EASY ON THE TURN.
The good news, after breaking the string the first time I had ordered more, I had to order the set of 16. The bad news is: when the set came it 3 strings were missing including the one I needed; the good news was, instead of returning the incomplete set or the company sending me the missing strings, Amazon informed me that they were sending me a new set.

I wrote all of this because I want you to understand the importance of your supplies, IF POSSIBLE I was able to use the other string to tune G5 however, to the musical ear of my betrothed, there is a difference. I resumed playing: TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR

The process of putting string on the lyre is not complicated, if you see where the string started , thread it through that hole, make sure the string gasket is in place, mine came with extra. And before turning the string make sure it is aligned with the other strings which means you have to pay attention to the position of the tuning pegs. The actual string is more than what is needed so I clipped the excess off.

NOTE: I was watching a few videos on changing the string and one of the channels the woman purchased her instrument from an individual and the string was not labeled, I don’t know how that effected the string selection, perhaps it does not matter?????

How to change a lyre harp string

How to String and Tune Your Lyre — from Palumba, offering kinder lyres for Waldorf schools

Nylon & Wire Lyre Sound Comparison

Yes, I am a part of the Facebook group and they have answered a few questions. However, it takes time for someone to respond, I need answers at the time I am practicing which is why YouTube is important and I thought the books I purchased would help.

Written by Marsha L Floyd