My Autoharp Story
I love the feel and look of stringed instruments. My most recent love is the Autoharp, with enough strings to keep anyone happy tuning, strumming, and tuning some more.
My love for stringed instruments started with the violin as a child, I still love the sound of the violin, either played classically or folk/fiddle style. But the violin just wasn't my "niche".
About 4 or 5 years ago I saw and heard my first autoharp, and it was love at first sight :-) I said goodbye to the violin, selling it to someone who was starting a studio to teach violin lessons in New York City, and used the money to purchase a 21 chord autoharp. It was pre-owned, had been given to someone who wasn't interested in the instrument, and kept it in storage since the 1970's It's a beautiful instrument, like the one pictured, with a bit lighter, nicely grained wood.
I also purchased a Korg tuner, a nice sturdy tuning wrench, and finger picks for all fingers, plastic for the thumb, and metal for the fingers. I don't use all of them most of the time, more often that not I use the thumb and two finger picks.
Playing is so easy if you have music that provides you with chords...and the more chord buttons your autoharp has the better. It does take some practice and getting used to, and if you want to tune your own harp, that will take time too, but once it's tuned, if the pegs are tight, it will hold the tune just fine for some time. Humidity and temperature changes can affect the tuning a bit, but generally, I don't have to tune it more than once a month, if that, when played regularly.
I really enjoy the Mel Bay autoharp books, they are great when you're just learning to play. I have Mel Bay Presents "You Can Teach Yourself the Autoharp" which has great instructions and also a CD in the back so you can view playing methods online. I use Mel Bays "Hymns for the Autoharp" and also have Mel Bay's "Traditional Autoharp", an Instructional Manual. Each has it's unique way of presenting the instrument and how to play.
Take a look at the autoharp books and resources that are available, I'm sure you'll find something you're looking for, and if you have any comments or questions, do get in touch! I love hearing from other Autoharp lovers. It's August 21, and I'm realizing I don't have my guestbook option set up, so will get that going right now.
Thanks for stopping by!
Some Autoharp Items that Caught My Eye
The autoharp offered here looks a lot like mine, though mine is an Oscar Schmidt, and I own at least a few of the Mel Bay books listed. You learn something from every one.
Washburn 21 Chord Autoharp
One of the most popular autoharps available. Chord more...1 point
Songs of Christmas for Autoharp by Meg Peterson
Thirty-one Christmas songs from all over the world more...1 point
Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Autoharp by Meg Peterson
A step-by-step, self-instruction method. Includes more...1 point
Mel Bay Hymns for Autoharp by Meg Peterson
Gospel music is rooted in the folk tradition of Am more...1 point
Mel Bay A Treasury of Favorite Songs for Autoharp: Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Banjo, and Keyboard by Meg Peterson
The songs and ballads in this book include a rich more...0 points
Mel Bay A Treasury of Hymns and Spirituals for Autoharp, Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Banjo, and Keyboard by Meg Peterson
There is a wide selection of hymns in this book, i more...0 points
Autoharp Owner's Manual by Mary Lou Orthey
The Autoharp Owner's Manual covers autoharp mainte more...0 points
AUTOHARP and MUSIC Links
- ARTICLES ABOUT MUSIC...YOU CAN ADD YOURS!
- A collection of articles about things related to music...songs, instruments, and more.
Autoharp and Cafepress
Be sure to click the link under the pics to see more items
100 Songs Blender
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CrossCountry wrote...
The autoharp was one of my all-time favorite instruments in elementary school. One class had only a single autoharp and too many kids wanting to play it. How fun to see one again. Linda
Ladymaggic wrote...
This is awesome as I too love the autoharp, and have been strumming it like a guitar..maybe I should learn it a bit better. Thanks for this, and for visiting and commenting on my Great Wall..... Maggi
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A few years back I purchased my first autoharp. It's a beautiful instrument, both easy and complex, an instrument that definately deserves a "le...
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