Hidden Valley Harps

The following tips are given to help you care for your harp.

Heat & Humidity
Especially high heat can be extremely dangerous for the life of your harp. Therefore, avoid placing the harp in a sunlit window or next to the fireplace or heater. Be particularly careful not to leave your harp in a closed car for an extended period of time or on a warm day.

Sudden and drastic changes in heat and humidity can be especially damaging to the harp and should therefore be avoided. Dry Climates: Use a humidifier in the room with the harp as needed. A damp sponge placed in aerated tubing can be used and should be placed inside the soundbox. Also, keeping house plants near the harp helps. Humid Climates: We find that asking other harpists in your area about coping with humidity problems may be helpful, or check with your local fine furniture store.

Finish
For weekly dusting, we prefer the Pledge Dry Wipes or Mitts. We use Old English lemon oil to maintain a healthy finish. The lemon oil is lightly wiped with a soft cloth on the harp. Be sure to remove any excess oil. No spray should be used. This care should be given once every 2-3 months.

Levers

Loveland levers
To Correct Slipping Levers:
Tighten the nut on the side of the lever by using a 1/4”, open-end wrench.

To Correct Buzzing:
If buzzing occurs when the lever is in the up position, you may need to use a 7/64” ball-headed Hex driver to tighten the screw that holds the lever to the wood. This tool will also be necessary to remove and replace levers, or make adjustments, throughout the life of the harp. If you cannot locate this particular tool, at your local hardware store, contact us.

If buzzing occurs when the lever is in the down position, not touching the string, it is usually caused by plucking too forcefully, or an “out-of-alignment” bridge pin. While looking down on the harp, notice the position of the string between the lever and the lever pin. If the string is too close to the lever, loosen the string and then carefully tap the bridge pin in towards the neck. If the string is too close to the lever pin, pull the bridge pin out a tiny distance.

Enjoy your harp!