Buying a New or Used Autoharp
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What we'll learn about how to buy an Autoharp
I love my Autoharp. The Autoharp is easy to learn to play, a popular folk instrument. How and where to buy a good Autoharp is the focus of this page. I hope to take you through a few of the mistakes I made when buying mine 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 have never played the instrument, or are buying it to give to someone who has never played, we'll look at some of the more challenging features about the 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.
Image Credit: See below
Claudia a/k/a happynutritionist
Updated 5/29/12
We'll talk a bit about buying a used (that's what I did) or new Autoharp. Each has it's advantages.
If you have never played the instrument, or are buying it to give to someone who has never played, we'll look at some of the more challenging features about the 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.
Image Credit: See below
Claudia a/k/a happynutritionist
Updated 5/29/12
Contents at a Glance
Going from a 15 to a 21 Chord Autoharp
It made a big difference
After purchasing a 15 chord Autoharp (the same used one that I returned...see the story below), it didn't take long for me to realize that I wanted a 21 chord instrument. 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
Amazon Price: $269.00 (as of 05/29/2012)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
21 Chord Autoharp with fine tuning system added
A second set of tuners
This Autoharp has an additional fine tuning system, to make it easier tune your Autoharp yourself. The fine tuning is a second set of tuning pegs positioned on the bridge of the Autoharp. The fine tuning system is used to make minute adjustments in the pitch of the strings. Once you have the string tuned to the right note, you can use the fine tuning system to get the note exactly in tune. I wish I had this feature, it would be very helpful.
Oscar Schmidt OS120CN Autoharp
Amazon Price: $420.06 (as of 05/29/2012)
Usually ships in 6-10 business days
Things to consider when Buying a Used Autoharp
Learn from my experiences
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 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. It really was a nice instrument and I'm sure someone is enjoying it right now.
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.
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. It really was a nice instrument and I'm sure someone is enjoying it right now.
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.
Acoustic Electric Autoharp
I have never played an Electric autoharp, have you?
Oscar Schmidt OS150FCE Acoustic Electric Auto Harp
Amazon Price: $377.00 (as of 05/29/2012)
Product Description
High gloss finish, Flame maple top, Built in EQ442 active electric pick up, Built in FT600 Fine Tuning System, 21 chords
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Autoharp Starter Package
Harp, Case, Instructional DVD
For a little bit more money, or perhaps close to the same depending upon the current deals, you can get the 21 Chord Autoharp, 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
Amazon Price: (as of 05/29/2012)
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 and a new, somewhat similar page showing pictures of my Autoharp, I Love My Autoharp
Autoharp Replacement Strings
Buy individually or as a set
I haven't had to replace strings yet, but know that you can search for individual Autoharp strings, or get a complete set depending upon your needs. 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 the link here and search for your brand or specific Autoharp strings.
Oscar Schmidt Oscar Schmidt Autoharp String Set Model B
Amazon Price: $74.99 (as of 05/29/2012)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Autoharp 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. The same thing happens when the weather gets more humid because of the affect it has on the wood.
Make sure you have a sturdy Autoharp tuning wrench, it makes turning the tuning pegs and tuning the Autoharp lot easier.
Make sure you have a sturdy Autoharp tuning wrench, it makes turning the tuning pegs and tuning the Autoharp lot easier.
Endust Autoharp Tuning Wrench
Amazon Price: (as of 05/29/2012)
Korg Chromatic Tuner to Tune the Autoharp
And more information on how to tune
I use a Korg Tuner, purchased a few years ago, so it's not as up-to-date as the one pictured below, but it works great. I lay it on the Autoharp and play a string 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 tuner. 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.
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 tuner. 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 CA-40 Large Display Auto Chromatic Tuner
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 05/29/2012)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Autoharp Case or Gig Bag
To protect the fine wood and strings
While my old-but-like-new 1970's Autoharp came with a hard case (the previous owner had it stored away for years), many now 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
Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 05/29/2012)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Finger Picks - Metal or Plastic Finger Picks to Play the Autoharp
Some Use All 5 Fingers, Some Don't
Most use plastic finger picks on the thumb and metal finger picks all fingers to play the Autoharp. Other times you may want to use picks on the thumb and two fingers, and there are other variations as well. 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.
PICKS NATIONAL 4 FINGER & 2 THUMB PICKS BANJO BLUEGRASS
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 05/29/2012)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Autoharp Song and Music Books
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...and as you become more advanced in knowledge about music, can change the chords to match. 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.
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...and as you become more advanced in knowledge about music, can change the chords to match. 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.
My Autoharp Story
This isn't my first page 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.
by Schaal, Eric
24 in. x 24 in.
Buy Here
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.
by Schaal, Eric
24 in. x 24 in.
Buy Here
More Autoharp Song Books and Sheet Music
Available for a limited time
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Guitars For Vets (G4V) provides 6 free private lessons and a new acoustic guitar to military Veterans at VA medical centers. The private lessons are then followed by group sessions that provide a forum in which community is fostered.
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Questions? Please ask, or just say hello.
If I can help, I will!
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Wayne_Jordan
Sep 21, 2011 @ 9:49 am | delete
- I spent most of my career as a piano tuner, and became interested in autoharps when several local players brought in their harps to be tuned. The instrument has a sweet sound, and I was surprised to learn that good players can coax a melody out of a harp as well as play chords.
Nice lens; you were very thorough. As a piano tuner, I second your recommendation of the Korg tuner; every autoharp player should own one.
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happynutritionist Sep 21, 2011 @ 10:41 pm | delete
- I am honored to have someone with your experience leave such a comment, and thanks for your opinion about the Korg tuner. Thanks for visiting.
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Megan
Jul 27, 2011 @ 3:30 pm | delete
- i'm trying to shop for a used autoharp and i'm confuse about the different chord pads. different autoharps have different sets of chords but there doesn't seem to be any identifier if the model number or title. is there a way to tell which sets might be a good match for your voice?
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- Hi Megan, I think I understand what your asking...let me give an answer a try, and if not, let me know. Autoharps manufactured by Oscar Schmidt and such have either 15 or 21 chords and the chords are set of the same for each. The only time they would be laid out differently (I am pretty sure I'm right about this) is if an owner takes it upon themselves to customize the sets to their liking. When I purchased mine, I can't say I thought about how my voice would match with the harp. You can play at a higher and lower end when strumming the chords. In fact, you can pretty much develop your own style of playing after you've gotten the basics down. I am not a professional musician, so hope this helps a little. Thanks for the visit, and the best to you in your search. Before I "go" here's a link to an autoharp forum, maybe there will be more information about layouts there:
http://autoharpworks.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=20
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cwkerns
Jul 14, 2011 @ 6:08 pm | delete
- Very clear and precise. I enjoyed it. I also have an autoharp and enjoy playing it from time to time (sure don't enjoy changing the strings though) My forte is Guitar.
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Jun 25, 2011 @ 6:24 am | delete
- Very interesting. I remember being mesmerized by the autoharp when I was in elementary school. Our music teacher played this instrument. Thanks for sharing these important tips. Here's to making beautiful music!
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Kim
Feb 18, 2011 @ 10:11 am | delete
- Hi, Thank you for all the tips. I am currently looking to purchase an autoharp for the first time. I am looking at the OS120CN which has a tuner built in. What are your thoughts about that tuner? I have very little to no music background, so need all the help I can get with tuning.
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- Hi Kim, Thanks for your visit. I looked up the autoharp you mentioned and it looked interesting, so I added it above under the 21 Chord Autoharp....basicly the built in tuner means that there is an extra row of tuners for fine tuning...tuned after you've tuned the best you can with the main tuners for finer tuning. I don't have them on mine, but can see they would be a nice advantage...especially if you don't have music background or don't have an "ear" that picks up on the sound of the notes. This is an easy instrument to learn to play, tuning takes time, but once you have it tuned, it should hold the tune for a good bit, mostly affected by humidity changes or quality and age of the autoharp. If I can answer any other questions, let me know...and I'd be honored if you purchased through this page, I get a small percentage of the sale and share a bit of it with Guitars for Vets. Have a great day!
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Tipi
Jan 14, 2011 @ 6:13 pm | delete
- I love the sound of an auto harp. I used to have one, but never did learn how to play. I ended up giving it to one of my sons, who is very musical, and he learned how to play it.
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- That's a nice thing to be able to pass on to your son, I'm sure it inspired him. Thanks for the visit, always love hearing what you have to share.
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Diane Jones
Mar 27, 2012 @ 6:25 pm | delete
- I have a herard that it waas so easy to play.. I though you just push in the cord that you are playint in , I play a few cord on guiter but my fingers gets very sore.Pleas let me know ok
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ohcaroline
May 2, 2010 @ 12:17 pm | delete
- Glad I read this after reading the Strumming Lens. There's a lot to take in when buying one. Nice to eliminate mistakes before buying. :)
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Heather426
Nov 15, 2009 @ 7:07 pm | delete
- had to come back by and bless this lens...
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- Heather, thanks so much for coming back for a visit, I appreciate the blessing. Have a thankful Thanksgiving:-)
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theraggededge
Nov 14, 2009 @ 4:50 pm | delete
- Fascinating, I've never seen this instrument before. Would like to see/hear one in action!
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- You can do that, "theraggededge", by visiting my "Strumming the Autoharp" lens, I have a couple of links to it on this page...I have videos there of people playing the autoharp.
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Jewelsofawe Nov 13, 2009 @ 12:09 pm | delete
- This is an interesting instrument. Nice lens on it.
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- Thanks for your comments! Yes, "seashell2", it's a wonderful instrument for children because it's so easy to just push buttons to get the chords as long as you can keep it tuned.
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seashell2
Nov 12, 2009 @ 10:21 am | delete
- Nice work... I remember playing an autoharp way back in Elementary School... awesome instrument!
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jgelien Nov 11, 2009 @ 7:35 pm | delete
- You have show-cased a wonderful selection. Wonderful lens. 5 *****
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JoyfulPamela
Nov 10, 2009 @ 11:09 am | delete
- Fantastic lens with excellent advice for purchasing an autoharp! Great job!
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GonnaFly
Nov 10, 2009 @ 4:21 am | delete
- Great lens! Lots of good info.
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mmkellis
Nov 9, 2009 @ 11:16 pm | delete
- Very interesting. Good advice you gave for buying used.
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Table of Contents
- Going from a 15 to a 21 Chord Autoharp
- 21 Chord Autoharp with fine tuning system added
- Things to consider when Buying a Used Autoharp
- Acoustic Electric Autoharp
- Autoharp Starter Package
- Autoharp Replacement Strings
- Autoharp Tuning Wrench
- Korg Chromatic Tuner to Tune the Autoharp
- Autoharp Case or Gig Bag
- Finger Picks - Metal or Plastic Finger Picks to Play the Autoharp
- Autoharp Song and Music Books
- My Autoharp Story
- More Autoharp Song Books and Sheet Music
- % Donated to Guitars for Vets
- This is a Squid Angel Blessed Page
- "Thumbs up", Pins, Facebook and Tweets
- Questions? Please ask, or just say hello.
- Random unrelated pages you might like
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