Table of Contents
How much does it cost to restring an autoharp?
quite a bit of it if you are inexperienced, you can do the job yourself. Strings can run you (including shipping in Jan. 2011) between $80.00 and about $135.00 depending on where you shop and what you are looking for.
How often should you change autoharp strings?
When do I need to change my strings? Well, it depends on how much you play. If you perform every week and practice in between, once a year might be appropriate. If you play occasionally for your own enjoyment, once every three years might be often enough.
What kind of strings does an autoharp use?
Type B model strings are the most common. They have a ball ending with a small hole in the ball. These are used on Autoharps with the bridge that is set in the body and Autoharps with Fine Tuning Systems.
How many strings does an autoharp have?
Modern autoharps most often have 36 strings, with some examples having as many as 47 strings, and rare 48-string models (such as Orthey Autoharps No. 136, tuned to G and D major).
Is it hard to play an autoharp?
Shaped much like a washboard, the autoharp is a fretless stringed instrument that has buttons with little felt pads. The relative simplicity of it is what makes it such an easy instrument to learn to play. It’s also what inspired Bulat to pick it up and learn to play.
Can you use guitar strings on an autoharp?
The autoharp needs a special string set. Guitar strings are very poor substitutes. The wound strings of the bass end are the same type as on a piano, on which only the core wire of a wound string contacts the bridges. A guitar string would hang up and break.
How do you clean autoharp strings?
The finish on your autoharp can be cleaned by gently wiping it with a microfiber cloth. You can dust the wood underneath the strings using a soft bristle brush. If you use a cleaner or polish, spray or dab the polish directly onto the cloth, then use the cloth to clean your instrument.
What are the chords on a 21 chord autoharp?
21-Chorder A standard 21-button” Oscar Schmidt or Chromaharp autoharp’s “factory layout” chord array (given in Circle-of-Fifths) is Ab, Eb, Bb, Bb7, F, F7, C, C7, Cm, G, G7, Gm, D, D7, Dm, A, A7, Am, E7, Em, and B7.
What is an A model autoharp?
There are 2 different types of Autoharp strings. Type A model strings are used on 73 models and older models that were made pre 1967. These strings have a loop end that slips over pins in the side of the Autoharp down by the bridge. The pins are covered with a plastic cover to prevent them from snagging on clothing.
How many strings are on a autoharp?
Modern autoharps most often have 36 strings, with some examples having as many as 47 strings, and rare 48-string models (such as Orthey Autoharps No. 136, tuned to G and D major).
Can you buy individual autoharp strings?
Individual strings for model B autoharps. Made for models post-1968 with ball ending. Sealed in plastic wrap to keep in optimal shape. Strings are individually wrapped and labeled for your convenience.
Is autoharp easy to learn?
Shaped much like a washboard, the autoharp is a fretless stringed instrument that has buttons with little felt pads. The relative simplicity of it is what makes it such an easy instrument to learn to play. It’s also what inspired Bulat to pick it up and learn to play.
When should autoharp strings be replaced?
If you play occasionally for your own enjoyment, once every three years might be often enough. I change strings based on how hard it is to tune the autoharp. Strings become brittle with use, which causes a string’s harmonics to go out of tune with its fundamental frequency (see my article on tuning).
What is my autoharp worth?
Playable, good-condition 15-chord autoharps can still bring in some revenue – I have seen some change hands locally in the $125 range, although $75 is closer to the average. Playable, good-condition 21-chord autoharps bring in more, and upgraded, new-condition 21-chord autoharps can do even better.
