I just got around to checking the D'Addario catalog. The do make some
plain steel strings in thick enough gauges that they should work for
the Nyckelharpa resonate strings in the lower notes. Use PL024 for the
G# then PL022, PL021, PL020, and that should take care of your wound
strings. This will give you approximately 12 lbs. of tension when in
tune and that should resonate just fine. Just Strings has these in
stock.

--- In nyckelharpa@yahoogroups.com, "rlindau" <rlindx@...> wrote:
>
> Has anyone experience using plain strings for the lower resonance
strings?
>
> The sets I see (e.g., from ANA) all use wound strings for the lower
> resonance strings.
>
> I have problems with the resonance strings that run around my lower
> C-string peg - the winding on one has frayed due to contact with the
> C-string (which itself is wrapped around the peg, as you'd expect).
>
> It would seem that plain strings would be immune to this fraying
problem.
>
> A lesson is to loosen the resonance strings before turning the
> C-string peg (not that I do so often - usually the fine tuner
suffices).
>
> It doesn't seem possible to position the C-string winding so that the
> resonance strings don't contact it.
>
> I suppose another solution might be to put a cap over the C-string peg
> (something like a pen cap) so that the C-string winding is covered,
> and then run the resonance strings outside the cap. Such a solution
> wouldn't be very aesthetic, of course, and could lead to other
> problems (rattling, buzzing, misalignment of resonance strings with
> the slots in the nut, etc.).
>
> Thx, Rob Lindauer
>