I believe that the pedal is there for accidentals (sharps and flats). I believe that the strings on a harp are just the "regular" notes, like the white keys on a piano, and if you want sharps or flats you've got to pedal to get it.
harp
A lever harp is usually smaller and had levers along the top of each string. A pedal harp is larger and had 7 pedals.
In 2002.
the piano or a pedal harp or concert harp
A large pedal harp, typically used in orchestras.
depends on the size of the harp...usually the estimate is around 50+ for a pedal harp and 43 for a folk harp.
Pedal Harp
The standard for concert pedal harps is 47 strings.
Most concert pedal harps have 47 strings.
Different types of harps have different numbers of strings. A standard concert pedal harp has 46 or 47 strings, whereas a lever harp has fewer strings.
Joanna Newsom's harp is a full-sized concert pedal harp. They tend to range 54 to 56 inches at the top of the column, and weigh from 23 to 27 pounds (depending on the maker).
Tighten (or loosen) the strings. There is a pedal that releases the dampening pads.