Harping Tools - Almost everything you need to play the harp

As a harpist with minor OCD, I tend to take everything I need in my bags, in which my colleagues always tell me I am taking too much stuff! Though there are certain tools that I found really useful when I have orchestra rehearsals and performances.

First of all, you need a HARP (of course!). I also like to bring my spare strings and tuning key with me wherever the harp is. Then there are electronics which include the electric tuner with pickup clip, electric metronome, and a Zoom recorder. Pencils (always more than 1), erasers and markers are necessities — I like to use markers to mark the harmonic spots, and use nail remover to remove the ink after the concert.

Here comes the special/weird tools that I found really useful in orchestras!

• K&M music and instrument tray (in photo), perfect place for putting tuning key, tuner, pencils and erasers for rehearsals!

• Professional musicians’ earplugs do a great job in protecting my hearing for loud passages

• Nail cutter (also use to cut strings) and nail file for my fingers

• Petite Pig felt harp picks for glissandi (usually for loud passages)

• A lot of string ends in case the string end of the broken string disappears

• 3M Micropore Tapes for attaching scores and sticking everything else

• Cleaning cloth for wood instruments

And that reminds me of some special occasions for harp playing:

• Silver spoons for 2nd harp part in Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra

• Credit Cards for bass string glissandi in Andy Akiho’s Ping-Pong Concerto

What else have you got that you find it (them) really useful or special? Feel free to share!