The sixteen metal strings in the Roosebeck Lyre Harp set provide a very classical sound. The recommended tuning as outlined below specifies the octave as well as the note. This tuning is in the key of D and spans two full octaves plus one. The strings are steel with the lowest four being nickel wound. Tuning and String Gauges 1:E5.0100.25Steel 2:D5.0100.25Steel 3:C#5.0100.25Steel 4:B4.0120.30Steel 5:A4.0120.30Steel 6:G4.0120.30Steel 7:F#4.0150.38Steel 8:E4.0150.38Steel 9:D4.0150.38Steel 10:C#4.0180.46Steel 11:B3.0180.46Steel 12:A3.0180.46Steel 13:G3.024w0.61 Nickel 14:F#3.024w0.61Nickel 15:E3.024w0.61Nickel 16:D3.028w0.71Nickel