<p>That was what I was starting to think after the 2nd post but having had a young student break a string at a school competition last week when I was out of town I wanted to try to help just in case. Most harp strings except for the lowest bass wires have several strings you can get out of each string to that made me wonder as well. Moral of the story for any string player is always carry a full set of extra strings with you at all times. But that did not help my violin playing son when his shoulder rest fell off his violin on way into a competition and person escorting him in proceeded to step on it and break it into many pieces or when the same kid had his chin rest crack in the hallway minutes before a big competition. Oh well, you learn to rise to the event and make due. First event he got into the orchestra. Second event he did not win but played without chin rest and judges all commented on how well he adapted to the situation. </p>