How to Clean Rust From a Lever Harp
Modern day lever or Celtic harps look quite delicate, however, the metal parts on these harps are made with stainless steel, which does not rust. This is not true of the lever harps played in the Middle Ages where the harps were transported in all weather. The wood would split and be mended with metal clasps that rusted in the rain. The levers and tuning pins would also rust. These harps saw a tremendous amount of use, so it was important to keep the instrument free of rust. If you have a lever harp with rust, you will remove it the same way those harpers of the Middle Ages did.
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Things You'll Need
- Tuning key
- Steel wire brush
- Mask
- Dry cloth
- Spray-on lubricant
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Fine steel wool
- Extra-fine steel wool
Instructions
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Unstring the harp by unwinding the nylon strings from the pins with a tuning key. Pull the strings through the metal holes in the soundboard from the back of the harp. Set the strings aside.
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Gently scrub the pins, levers and string hole rings with a steel wire brush to remove any loose rust. Wear a mask to prevent inhaling the dust. Wipe these areas with a dry cloth, and then spray them with a lubricant. Keep the brush away from the harp's wood or paint finish.
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3
Go over the pins, levers and string hole rings with a small piece of 220-grit sandpaper. Be careful not to sand off the harp's finish. Wipe away any loose rust with a cloth.
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4
Spray the pins, levers and string hole rings again with lubricant. Use a piece of fine steel wool to remove any remaining rust. Wipe away any loose rust with a cloth.
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5
Go over the metal parts one last time, using lubricant if necessary, with a piece of extra-fine steel wool. Wipe away any excess lubricant and rust with a cloth.
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Tips & Warnings
Removing the strings will make it easier to remove rust from your lever harp.
Replace any nylon strings stained with rust.
References
- Photo Credit Harp Strings image by ne_fall_photos from Fotolia.com
