![change action strings octave change action strings octave](https://help.apple.com/assets/5EFDEEB1680CE2A512819D40/5EFDEEC6680CE2A512819D76/en_US/b1fc668b20d120c72983b7f85fc5aa5f.png)
In the bottom position another wheel is turned, shortening the string again to create a sharp, giving the scale of C-sharp major if all pedals are set in the bottom position. In the middle position the top wheel pinches the string, resulting in a natural, giving the scale of C major if all pedals are set in the middle position. In the top position no pegs are in contact with the string and all notes are flat thus the harp's native tuning is to the scale of C-flat major. The discs are studded with two pegs that pinch the string as they turn, shortening the vibrating length of the string. When a pedal is moved with the foot, small discs at the top of the harp rotate. There are seven pedals, each affecting the tuning of all strings of one pitch-class, and each pedal is attached to a rod or cable within the column of the harp, which then connects with a mechanism within the neck.
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Pedal harps use the mechanical action of pedals to change the pitches of the strings.
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At least one manufacturer gives the harp a 48th string, a high A. Using octave designations, the range is C♭1 to G♯7. The notes range from three octaves below middle C♭ to three and a half octaves above, usually ending on G♯. It typically has six and a half octaves (47 strings), weighs about 80 pounds (36 kg 5.7 st), is approximately 1.85 metres (6 ft 1 in) high, has a depth of 1 metre (3 ft 3 in), and is 55 centimetres (22 in) wide at the bass end of the soundboard. The concert harp is large and technically modern, designed for classical music and played solo, as part of chamber ensembles, and in symphony orchestras as well as in popular commercial music. Folk musicians often use the term "harper", whereas classical musicians use "harpist". A person who plays the harp is called a harpist or harper. Larger instruments like the modern concert harp mix string materials to attain their extended ranges. On smaller harps, like the folk harp, the core string material will typically be the same for all strings on a given harp. Harp strings may be made of nylon, gut, wire or silk. Depending on its size, which varies, a harp may be played while held in the lap or while it stands on a table, or on the floor. Some, known as frame harps, also have a pillar those without the pillar are referred to as open harps. All harps have a neck, resonator and strings. Organologically, it is in the general category of chordophones (stringed instruments) and has its own sub category (the harps). The harp is a multi-stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicularly to the soundboard.