Buying an Autoharp, New or Used

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What We'll be Learning about Buying an Autoharp

I love my autoharp, it's easy to learn to play, a popular folk instrument, but didn't know a lot when I first started shopping for mine.  I hope to take you through a few of the mistakes I made to spare you making the same. 

We'll talk a bit about buying a used (that's what I did) or new autoharp.  Each has it's advantages.

If you're thinking of purchasing this as a gift, or for yourself, but have never played the instrument, we'll look at some of the more challenging features of the instrument, then you can decide whether you want to "take on" or give someone this beautiful, instrument.

Finally, we'll look at some of the essential tools you need to have when you own an autoharp.

I'm going to have fun sharing this, and hope you have fun reading it!

Buying Used - Things to Consider 

The first autoharp I purchased, with little to no knowledge about what I was doing, I bought on eBay. When it arrived, a few of the tuning pins were loose, which meant that after all the work of tuning the autoharp, it was out of tune in no time. A good autoharp with tight pins should hold it's tune for quite a long time, mine does for at least a month if not more. The seller didn't mention of the loose pegs, and had I known better, I would have asked before bidding.

I ended up reselling the autoharp, and was honest about the problem with the pins, suggesting that someone buy it that knew how to fix such things, and it ended up selling for a bit more than I paid for it.

So a few thoughts if you're considering buying used:

Look very carefully at the listings...are there strings missing?
Are the tuning pins tight?
Are there markings or scratches on the wood?
Do you like the color of the wood?
Are all the seams where wood joins wood secure?
Does it come with a case and any accessories?

Ask all the questions you like, a good seller will be happy to answer them...if no answer, then move on, there are plenty of Autoharps available for sale.

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eBay

The 21 Chord Autoharp 

After purchasing a 15 Chord autoharp (the same used one that I returned), it didn't take long for me to realize that I wanted a 21 chord. I had read that a 15 Chord was easier if you are starting out, but in my opinion, the instrument is so easy to learn anyway, that the extra chords make it more enjoyable to play by expanding the list of songs you can play by quite a bit. Oscar Schmidt is the most recognized name in autoharp manufacturers. This isn't a bad price for a new autoharp.
Oscar Schmidt 21 Chord Autoharp

Oscar Schmidt 21 Chord Autoharp

Amazon Price: $259.00 (as of 12/15/2009)Buy Now
Used Price:

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Autoharp Starter Package 

Comparing this with the price of the 21 Chord Autoharp alone, I'd jump on this deal..as I type this it's as if you are getting the extra items free. You get the autoharp and a case, plus an instructional DVD on how to play by John Sabastian....remember him? My generation will, he was with the Lovin' Spoonful, and did an album or two of his own.
Autoharp Package

Autoharp Package

Amazon Price: (as of 12/15/2009)Buy Now

Suzuki Synthesized Autoharp 

Q-Chord with AC Adaptor

Quite honestly I don't know a lot about this, but it looks like fun. If you click through the links (there's no obligation to buy when you do) you'll be able to read more information and reviews.
Suzuki Q-Chord with AC Adaptor Synthesized Autoharp

Suzuki Q-Chord with AC Adaptor Synthesized Autoharp

Amazon Price: $233.98 (as of 12/15/2009)Buy Now

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

You'll notice that autoharps have two different types of chord dampers, mine has buttons like the one pictured in the intro.
Don't forget to stop by and visit Strumming the Autoharp

Accessories - Replacement Strings 

I haven't had to replace strings yet, you can search for individual strings, or get a complete set depending upon your need. Make sure you get strings that will go with your brand of Autoharp, and are in the right chord range if you get them individually. You can click on through and search for your brand or specific strings.
Oscar Schmidt ASB Autoharp String Set

Oscar Schmidt ASB Autoharp String Set

Amazon Price: $89.99 (as of 12/15/2009)Buy Now

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Accessories - Tuning Wrench  

Tuning, Your Biggest Challenge

Tuning the autoharp is going to be your biggest challenge, because there are so many strings to tune...mine has about 36. Many take their autoharps to be tuned by a professional at a music shop or elsewhere, but if you like a challenge, have a little patience, a good ear, and a good tuning wrench and tuner (I'll get to that next), you should be able to do a fine job of tuning your own autoharp. I tune my own all the time...and it lasts quite a long time, I haven't tuned mine in at least a few months. Weather affects this, as the season changes from the humid summer to the dryer months of winter because of our indoor heating, my autoharp usually needs a tuning.

Make sure you have a sturdy wrench, it makes things a lot easier.

Endust Autoharp Tuning Wrench

Endust Autoharp Tuning Wrench

Amazon Price: $3.59 (as of 12/15/2009)Buy Now

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Accessories - Korg Chromatic Tuner 

More on How to Tune

I use a Korg Tuner, purchased a few years ago, so it's not as up-to-date as this one, but it works great. I lay it on the autoharp and play the note and adjust until the note I'm looking for appears on the display. There's instructions with it, and it takes a little getting used to if your new to it.

What I started out doing was to first use a small electric keyboard that we own, and worked through the stings by ear...then fine-tuned using the Korg. Now I'm used to using the Korg and don't need to do that. Your final test is going to be actually strumming out the chords one by one...you'll know if they're off, believe me.
Korg CA1 Chromatic Tuner

Korg CA1 Chromatic Tuner

Amazon Price: $14.65 (as of 12/15/2009)Buy Now

Usually ships in 24 hours

Accessories - Autoharp Case 

Or Gig Bag

While my old, 1970's like-new autoharp came with a hard case (the previous owner had it stored away, never used it), many use these lightweight gig bags. If you already have an autoharp and just need a case, here's a nice one, or click through the link and search "autoharp case" for other varieties.

Oscar Schmidt AC445 Autoharp Gig Bag

Oscar Schmidt AC445 Autoharp Gig Bag

Amazon Price: $35.67 (as of 12/15/2009)Buy Now

Usually ships in 24 hours

Accessories - Finger Picks 

Some Use All 5 Fingers, Some Don't

These are your basic finger picks, often plastic on the thumb and metal on all fingers, you bend them to fit. Some don't use all fingers, some do, one of the things about playing an autoharp is that you develop your own style, you can learn more about that at Strumming the Autoharp.
National Brand - 4 Fingerpicks - 2 Thumbpicks

National Brand - 4 Fingerpicks - 2 Thumbpicks

Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 12/15/2009)Buy Now

Autoharp Songbooks 

I Love Mel Bay Songbooks

Mel Bay books are wonderful for both beginners and experienced autoharp players, I have all of the books you see here, and there's more if you click through and search using key words "Mel Bay Autoharp".

Also, any song book that has chords written along with the music has potential, you just have to find the songs that have chords that match your autoharp. I like to play and sing along with praise songs, and love the green and red Maranatha praise books...they are thick books, should be spiral bound, and all have chords written with the music.
Mel Bay Hymns for Autoharp

Mel Bay Hymns for Autoharp

by: Meg Peterson

Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 12/15/2009) Buy Now

Mel Bay Songs of Christmas for Autoharp

Mel Bay Songs of Christmas for Autoharp

by: Meg Peterson & Dan Fox

Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/15/2009) Buy Now

Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Autoharp

Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Autoharp

by: Meg Peterson

Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/15/2009) Buy Now

Maranatha! Music Praise: Hymns and Choruses

Maranatha! Music Praise: Hymns and Choruses

by: Maranatha! Music

Amazon Price: (as of 12/15/2009) Buy Now

Shop With the RocketMoms 

If you're not looking for an Autoharp, and need other ideas, you'll find plenty of them here...click through and choose the category that catches your eye, then visit the link for great shopping ideas written by people who share more than just a picture and a price. This list will grow from now through the holidays, but is helpful any time of year.
featured lens Holiday Shopping with the RocketMoms

Are searching for that perfect gift? Something unique and special that will knock the socks off your mom, girlfriend or boss? Then do some shopping with the RocketMoms. RocketMoms are committed to raising the bar. They are dedicated to creating top-n...

About Me  

Lensmaster happynutritionist has been a member since May 13 2006, has rated 369 lenses, favorited 22, and has created 59 lenses from scratch. Claudia Meydrech donates their royalties to Soldiers Angels. This member's top-ranked page is "Corrie Ten Boom". See all my lenses

My Autoharp Story 

This isn't my first lens about the Autoharp, I share the story of why I exchanged my former stringed instrument for the Autoharp and much more at Strumming the Autoharp, done a few years ago. Stop by and learn more about my personal story there.

Pictured below are the hands of Sara Carter of the Legendary Carter Family Musicians playing an older style autoharp. This is just one of a number of ways to play the Autoharp, see more at my other Autoharp page.

Hands of Sara Carter of the Legendary Carter Family Musicians, Fingering an Autoharp


Hands of Sara Carter of the Legendary Carter Family Musicians, Fingering an Autoharp Premium Photographic Print

Schaal, Eric
24 in. x 24 in.
Buy at AllPosters.com
Framed

Comments? Questions? 

If I can help, I will!

Say hello, or ask your question about buying an Autoharp, and I'll be happy to help!

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by happynutritionist

I found my niche when I discovered the autoharp, and hope that if you purchase one, you'll have found yours. It's a wonderful instrument and easy to... (more)

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