Buying an Autoharp for Beginners! SWA, Stalking the Wild Autoharp

Support SWA on Patreon: / halweeks
www.halweeks.com
5 different "grades"(and price ranges) of Autoharps you'll want to consider when starting to play.
Here are some links for sympathetic souls who can help you with your first Autoharp:
www.daigleharp.... Pete Daigle builds beautiful Luthier Harps and also Stocks "upgraded" Oscar Schmidt harps, and can help you will all things autoharp-y. He built the harp I play in this video.
autoharpworks.com/ Bob Lewis can help you with a fine vintage autoharp. He also stocks strings, felts, and parts, and can get them out to you quickly.
minpin.com/auto... Chuck Daniels is an Autoharp Technician, and also has his own line of quality Autoharps. He can upgrade harps, and does great maintenance work too!
www.diatoddnics... Todd Crowley is a real go-to guy who no longer is doing harp upgrades and maintenance, but is there to help you, and walk you thru doing it all yourself!
There are a number of other high quality autoharp builders around the US....and they would all be excellent choices.....if one is near you, all the better!
I no longer do maintenance or upgrade work, not stocking the parts....but WILL consider it if you are local to me....we will have to obtain parts beforehand. My contact info is listed at the top, above.
Remember my lessons are available online via Skype! Details at my website.

[@zita-lein]

I fell in love with the autoharp in kindergarten more than 50 years ago and am now considering playing. This video was perfect for me. Thanks so much!

[@michellestevans4263]

Me, too!!!!!

[@kitwells]

Probably one of the most informative and clear videos about any musical instrument! It takes a very special teacher to acquire this level of instruction. I gained so much from this well thought out teaching. Thank you, Hal!!

[@wildautoharp]

Thanks, Kit. A handful of experienced autoharpers have been trying to explain these points to newbies for decades. Every day someone shows up in one of our forums asking questions, and we have to explain all this information....it can be overwhelming for them, right at the beginning to take in all this detailed information about a seemingly simple instrument.....so it was my hope that by putting this "out there" I could make it easily available, and also pervent some of the pain and confusion associated with buying the wrong thing at the beginning. Hope it helps some people.

[@suechan6414]

We had an autoharp when I was a kid. It was just okay for strumming chords when you couldn't manage it on a guitar but kinda boring and we never could get it tuned so it would sound good. Just recently I came across a video of a young guy sharing how he played the autoharp Appalachian style. I fell in love! I ordered an old autoharp on eBay before I found this video. You are so right. I'm going to give the cheapie to my baby grand daughter to play with. Got a vintage OS 21 chord that I requested new strings put on. That was a lot of fun and I learned to play a lot of songs by ear (I can't sing) which is so much more fun than how I learned piano with lessons.But then I realized the felt bars needed work. So I ordered another vintage OS 21 chord that has new strings AND new felt! I love the autoharp so much that like the multiple accordions and handpans just to figure out what I was doing, I will be sharing them with the next generation to develop a love of music. (It helps to finally be old and retired with a pension that allows for these luxuries) Thank you so much for your excellent information packed videos. Without help like this, people like me who live in areas where nobody knows anything about these instruments can enjoy them!

[@gtuneit]

Your ability to articulate all that so logically and completely is very impressive. This is a great asset to anyone interested in the autoharp.

[@vanessagreen3986]

Best, most informative autoharp channel! VERY helpful!!!!

[@h.wagner]

Hal - You have managed to put together a marvelous summary of the ins and outs of obtaining a "new" autoharp. This is the video I will send people to when the topic comes up. (And it does come up very frequently). Thanks for putting he work in for this and your other on-line tutorials

[@wildautoharp]

Thanks that's the use I meant it for......

[@helenmorgan8892]

Awesome info! I was married to a luthier. He built mine from a 70s OS body and the 1920s bars. He built it like a jamming harp. They only key thats hard to play for me is 'B'. Im no where where you are in ability but love to watch.

[@TomArmitage1]

Thanks, Hal. This was a very helpful, clear, and informative video. I'm just now getting back to autoharp playing after a long absence. I first learned how to play the autoharp back in 1963 at a UCLA folk festival in a workshop led by Maybelle Carter and Mike Seeger. It feels great to be inspired to get back to playing again.

[@wildautoharp]

Welcome back! KZbin is a great resource for learning......

[@nopms]

Hello Hal, I've an Oscar Schmidt OS73C AutoHarp - 1930's Reissue on the way to my doorstep ...will be viewing your great instruction videos extensively!

[@nigelbleddfa]

Excellent video. The sound and the picture quality are both very good and, unlike some autoharp videos made by others, allow the viewer to appreciate your playing skills. The information was extremely helpful to beginners like myself and you have encouraged me to persevere with my OS73C. Please keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@deebee3672]

Great video! I just purchased a d'Aigle Desert Eagle autoharp 2 days ago, can't wait to get it. Will definitely be looking up your teaching videos!

[@wildautoharp]

Great choice!

[@suescheel7333]

Thank you so much for this video Hal. I learned a lot. I'll definitely be checking our your other videos after I purchase an autoharp.

[@susanbowers247]

Thank you for sharing this. I have a Oscar Schmidt reissue A custom with fine tuners. I love it. I am glad that you mentioned the buttons for the straps. Mine does not have the buttons. I had thought about having some put on but am very nervous about it. This is probably the only autoharp I will ever have and am afraid of anyone putting the buttons on because I think they have to drill holes to attach them. At any rate, I usually sit to play.

[@wildautoharp]

Reissues with fine tuners are definately a rarity. They were added by someone, they were never manufactured that way! Strap buttons are one of the easiest jobs to do yourself, and completely safe and foolproof. www.daigleharp.com/Images/Help%20Files/installingstrapbuttons.pdf

[@songsfromthelord888]

Thanks Hal for the video. 🙂 Remember, Hal, God loves you 🙂

[@andrewz4537]

Thanks for a very informative video. I'm in the process of procuring an autoharp (as I understand it the name is specifically an Oscar Schmidt instrument, not the others [like Kleenex, Sawzall etc.]) reconditioned by someone I don't know well but in my estimation is very honest and trustworthy. I was looking for the link to the list of people who do reconditioning that you mentioned in the video but was unable to find it.

[@TheCountryLifewithColumbusMark]

Excellent information. I'm going to look into this instrument. Thanks.

[@amieann48]

Thank you for all this information. I been looking for one to play.

[@cajsheen2594]

I was thinking of putting in an offer for a 'harp, a 1900s 'blackie' and have never played before! Thanks for your advice! Much appreciated! XXX

[@dougmoench9233]

Superb intro Hal! Thanks for this great info for us beginners. I have run into the issues you discuss with other attempts at learning music. Very much appreciated. Subscribed!

[@alisonorr2056]

I just bout an autoharp , it’s not here yet ... and hope you are still making currant videos.... and I really hope you don’t change your Celtic background... I so appreciate your videos❤️

[@Turboganz]

Nicely done. Presented in an orderly fashion, succinct. I learned on an OS 70s model (no longer have it) and want to pick it up again. Things have changed (industry), so this is helpful.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

Google Autoharp Angels

[@danielcarroll5667]

Thanks , I was just about to call about one in a local "trader" paper & probably would have bought it just because of the price , you have reminded me you usually "get what you pay for"

[@NealBraverman.]

Thanks for your in-depth and Wonderful explanation of the various Auto harps for beginners which will be what I do need to look into in my Boston, Ma. Area!! I did look on EBay and found much of what I heard you say extremely helpful!! Many thanks! Neal Braverman:))🎤📖☮️🌈

[@wildautoharp]

Yes, however many arthritic folks still play. If I were you, I'd try to find someone who has one that you could try. Sometimes playing it table top style is a little easier to push. It's a subjective thing; some folks can and some can't.

[@shaunafulcher6307]

I have just watch your great video! I, too, have rheumatoid arthritis and used to play guitar, which I can no longer do. I remember using an autoharp as I was training for my teaching credential in a Music for Children class. I thought I could try this for my hands as well. I have yet to find one to try, but in my search, I did find some EasyChord small (for children?) harps and I thought I could start there, to see if my hands & wrist could withstand it all. I looked at the ChromaHarp Autoharps that can be played on a table, but saw that they were also very heavy. Otherwise, I may have to pick up the harmonica again 😉

[@louiseallen3152]

Great videos Hal, thanks for your advice, very informative

[@CharlotteFairchild]

A renovated autoharp can be renovated to be a diatonic. It may cost more. Totally worth it.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

I have renovated a vintage autoharp with a 21 chord kit and new strings. I am in Georgia if anyone needs help near here.

[@lindamorgan2678]

Thank you so much excellent presentation the information and your style and personality :-)

[@pelemilQM]

Hi! Thanks for this informative video. Is Tokai Gakki a good autoharp brand? Thanks 🙂

[@mothersgauri4137]

This is a VERY helpful video !! Thanks so very much !!!

[@judypeters9895]

Love the videos, they are really helpful

[@lowcountryhooper]

Online auctions are a crap shoot. First autoharp I got had a cracked pin block, not playable at all, "as is" auction. Was lucky with second one, didn't have any chord bars but the Autoharp body was in good shape. Bought the 21 chord bar conversion kit. Still ended up costing around $250 and quite some time and effort to clean it and set it up. Actually $350 if you count the $100 I spent on the first one.

[@ChrisLeeW00]

For some of us, we enjoy doing some restoration work, but it's true that you won't necessarily save any money with this approach!

[@johnbaird7549]

Don’t worry we’ll get over it.

[@daveking-sandbox9263]

I purchased an old zither at a flea market about 15 years ago when I was in Kentucky. The strange thing is that on the long side there is also a guitar fingerboard, it looks something like a lap steel, have you ever seen one of these zithers?

[@brucefern2600]

This was wonderful Hal .... thanks

[@creepydoll]

Hi Hal, I was hoping you could help me. Arthritis has led to deformities in my hands, but I've been trying to find an instrument that I could use, as I haven't been able to play an instrument in some time. Is a lot of pressure needed to hold down chords? Thank you so much for your time and help.

[@lynnsamuels2667]

I've just pulled my old autoharp out of its case and am loving your videos. Mine is an Oscar Schmidt 21 chord with a serial number 880538. Would you guess that means it is 1988 .. it has made in Korea label. Given it is "late" '80s, do you think it would be worth a remodeling / renovating / tune up?

[@wildautoharp]

Lynn S Always worth rescuing an old autoharp friend. New strings and felt. Any more work than that might be more investment than you should make given the instruments. Get Fladmark strings: totally worth the extra money....there are often flaws with other strings, and you can't do anything about it because the aren't guaranteed.

[@ensignj3242]

Never played before. I’m not very, musical. I don’t read music -yet. I’m a beginner harmonica player. I think I want to play auto harp but want quality. So, I’m thinking of getting Daigle after I heard your comparison. Thank you for advise.

[@wildautoharp]

I have since moved to Seattle and work for d'Aigle Autoharps. You can't go wrong, they are excellent.

[@FranklinNewhart]

So here I am with a vintage Oscar Schmidt 12 chord Autoharp. But in a sad state. The harp itself is in great shape but it is minus The whole bar set. All that remains is the one bar holder. I have tracked down the parts I need to rebuild it. The harp itself was an almost free find. So the parts to repair will be a small investment. I am an experienced Luthier who's hobby is rescuing old instruments. Sadly I cannot find 12 chord parts so it will be rebuilt with 15 chords.

[@laurameeks8653]

So more about the blackies please… I picked up an autoharp at a yard sale for $25, chromaharp name on it, it’s mostly black…looks to be made of plywood, yet not lightweight overall, maybe 8#, 15 chord, with old strings on it that are slightly out of tune, but have tension on them. I’m gonna take a crack at tuning 🤞🏼question, this is a blackie right?

[@wildautoharp]

No, not really, Laura. The Chromaharps are usually better off than the old vintage Oscar Schmidts. They were more from the 70s' and tend to hold up better. But I'd tune it up and play it "as is". If you take to the instrument, you'll want a better one. Felts can still fall off, and wear out, but you have a chance of actually getting to play it. Don't expect it to stay in tune, at least not for about 5 tunings. As a matter of fact, by the time you go thru one tuning, you'll find that the first ones are out of tune again. You might have to tune it about 3 times before it stays long enough to play for a little bit. Then it'll go out again. Stay at it. Eventually you can tune thru in about 5 minutes. Good luck, have fun.

[@andreagerber9709]

So, right near the end of the video, you go to put that harp down and I see there's some kind of webbing strap on the TOP of the harp. What's that all about? :) So happy to have discovered your channel. I'm a school teacher and I think my summer project may just be skype lessons!

[@wildautoharp]

You've basically got it. It's just webbing, with a screw thru it into the frame. Drill a pilot hole and make sure the screw will be between the tuning pegs. I have them on all my harps and can't live without.

[@robertacton1271]

I have a vintage autoharp from my grandmother . It has to be at least 80 years old. Unlike any I've seen . Only three chords? marked as "1 5 + 4" Key of C Was this likely a kids toy? .

[@DR_AERONAUTICS]

Hal, I inherited a 37 string autoharp that is labeled "Phonoharp Company, Boston Mass". I think this means it was produced pre-1928 and qualifies as an "old blackie". It must have sat on the shelf 20, maybe as long as 50 years. I sounded the 30 working strings and its trending about 8 half-steps flat. In the hopes of not collapsing the instrument, since I have reason to believe its original owner was in the family too, are there any tips for tuning it (example tune the instrument 8 half-steps flat instead of forcing concert pitch, tune over a few days, etc.)? Its 5.5 pounds which I do not believe to be light, and maybe it has more strength than lighter harps. Thank you for your great videos! I really hope I can get it working as it sounds beautiful.

[@wildautoharp]

I don't think you are using the right teminology with "half step". If so, a C note would be about an E. If so, tuning it all so it's 8 half steps flat would result in a harp that had no tone at all because all the strings would be slack. Probably just as bad or worse than it is now! Perhaps you mean "cents" (a cent is 1/100th of a tone) in which case it might or might not work. As I stess in the video there is absolutely no way to know. It might even work, if only temporarily...but with the old strings it will still sound terrible...and you don't want to get new ones because that would cost you about $70 and the harp might implode. Hang it on the wall. Or gamble. That's all you can do. If you do tune it, try 1/2 step down. (C tuned to B , B tuned to B flat, etc). Then stand back and watch the fun begin!

[@DR_AERONAUTICS]

@@wildautoharp Thanks for the tips. Yes, I believe we are talking half-steps. I have some strings that are an entire octave off. Others are close. Guess I'll have to decide if its worth the risk.

[@sallyflores532]

I was given a 15 chord OS. It says OS-100-15 inside. What does that mean? There were not enough chords that I used to use for folk music so I installed a 21 chord conversion kit from Elderly. Turned out awesome. I'm almost 70 and can't crank my left wrist to hold the harp upright. So I play in my lap and upside down, because I like to strum with my right hand. The OS buttons are easy to turn upside down so no problem. Then the tuning pins got in my way so I covered them with with a cheap pool noodle, sliced in half. I look pretty silly but it's all about the music, right? I think the autoharp is cool. Such a rich sound. I want to take some lessons. Do you have a group going now?

[@lindas.martin2806]

This was very helpful, thank you for putting this together! Will contact you via your website. I am wondering, Given we are almost in 2020, if you have any additional thoughts since you made this video, other contacts, models, etc. Have a great day!

[@MargaretCorbett-w4r]

Wow thank you

[@SMRogers]

Do you recommend buying a 21 cord autoharp?

[@wildautoharp]

Yes, absolutely. Further, I recommend the Oscar Schmidt 21 chord bar setup over the other ones without a cover (Chromaharp, Sekova, etc, which are all the same harp with a different label)...because on the OS you can move the buttons to different rows...and some arrangements are bettter than others, and the OS will allow you to change. Even further still, the OS has other chords available, and you can change out some of the bars you don't need for chords you do. But yes to the 21chord! Thanks for watching and thanks for asking. I might use your question in a Q&A video I have coming up...but won't show your name.

[@janiedockus2710]

Ouch....I bought one from the web for $15....vintage...needs a tune up for sure...wondering if it will be worth the work?

[@wildautoharp]

Is it an old black one? If so, it's a big gamble, because, like I say in the video, sometimes they look fine, and when they get up to tension they collapse, sometimes immediately, sometimes 6 months, even a year down the road. That time might be worth the $140 you'll drop on strings and felt.....not counting labor....IF it holds together....but it might not...in which case, you lost the gamble. Maybe it's NOT one of the old black ones....if so, maybe you have a better chance that it will hold up.

[@c_farther5208]

When you are done playing, do you put it in a case or sit on a shelf and what about those holders that hold the autoharp upright?

[@wildautoharp]

C_ Farther mine has to go in a case with a humidifier. Only necessary for a solid wood harp in conditions dryer than 50% humidity. Not necessary for ply wood.

[@wildautoharp]

C_ Farther as far as stands go they are great but I can only use while I'm currently using instrument I can't leave it out because of humidity.

[@c_farther5208]

Okay, so keep it in a case then. I am so honored you answered my post. I cannot thank you enough for opening up this new world of learning the autoharp. You have the fastest hands...I just practice and practice, I can't get that fast. I hope in time...You're a great teacher-mentor.

[@wildautoharp]

C_ Farther and thank YOU for keeping the comments coming on my videos. Chatter helps drive a video's visibility up! It's great to hear from folks who are getting into what I'm doing here.

[@jennyft4055]

Thank you!!

[@robfriedrich2822]

Oh, 900 $ sounds very high. For me the over 500, I have to pay for a Oscar Schmidt with pick up, are a challenge

[@sabragalloway9828]

As I sit here with my ebay $130 Schmidt 15BH realizing I'm going to need to replace all strings and felt ( after watching all your how to videos of course) Gonna have to figure out what kind of strings and felt to order. strings are over a $100 a set So even if I can manage to do this myself which at this point is highly doubtful, It's Quickly turning out to be not such a huge bargain. Oh boy I wish I'd watched this video first....

[@wildautoharp]

I just remade this video. It's 8 years old. In the new one I have instruments to show from each category.

[@sabragalloway9828]

I bought a new one oscar schmidt 15 chord for aprox 350. I tuned the old one which didn't sound terribly awful and put it for sale on fb market place.maybe it'll sell maybe not Better to just do that than keep throwing money and time at the used one.

[@vanessagreen3986]

Can anyone recommend an autoharp repair expert in the Nashville Tennessee area?

[@wildautoharp]

Maybe. I'm asking around, stay tuned.

[@wildautoharp]

Tell me more. My Nashville person moved. There are not a lot of us around. It will depend on your need.

[@jhhl]

People actually give me their old harps, and many are pretty pathetic! But one of them was like it was in a time machine, in perfect shape, solid felts, etc. So: It helps to have experience, and sometimes you can get lucky! But, go with those harps that have had experienced hands on them! And if you have a smartphone, you can easily get a tuner app, they are pretty cheap , and in your pocket!

[@ChristopherJamesG]

Way to crap on my pancakes Hal... ;) Great video.

[@wildautoharp]

I know, right?

[@grahammewburn]

I'm interested in buying a good quality autoharp Cheers Gray Australia

[@wildautoharp]

We can definately help you from d'Aigle autoharps over in the States. If you are looking for something locally, I really don't know how that's done . On Facebook there's an AU Autoharp group, and they have meetings and festivals and such. They would know where to find stuff down under. Good luck to you. If you want to look at a d'Aigle, take a look at the video I just posted today; they are available NOW but won't last for long. We can build anything you like.

[@coblerl]

Hal, very much enjoyed your video! Question: Is the chord bar on an Oscar Schmidt OS21 able to be customized to your own preference.

[@wildautoharp]

Randolph Coble yes...you can buy different ones at elderly instruments...or cut them yourself. You can move any button to any row too.

[@coblerl]

Thank you ! Our church formed a ukulele choir about 7 years ago and we currently have about a dozen + members including bass and percussion. I developed severe arthritis (age 75) in my fretting hand and am strongly considering the autoharp as an alternative instrument.

[@wildautoharp]

Have you tried one yet? I've had arthritic students who can do it, and some who can't. See if you can test drive one!

[@handleycrafts8714]

Well, you just dashed my dreams. It seems than no where in the music instrument world that you can get a barely acceptable instrument for under a $1000. you would think an expert such as yourself, would know the limitations of a beginner such as money, knowledge etc. We DON'T NEED a $1000 instrument! If we can't find anything playable for under 400-500 dollars then we best find our entertainment and hobby elsewhere.

[@wildautoharp]

I DO know. And I wish the market could provide one. But it can't.

[@daveking-sandbox9263]

I like your Islamic mandala background. Where did you get that?

[@wildautoharp]

Celtic. Probably Amazon; search celtic tapestry. This is a very old video so I can't remember where it came from. Thanks for watching.

[@daveking-sandbox9263]

@@wildautoharp I think I have just found it on the web, I’m an expat living in Germany and this German guy seems to be playing the instrument that I have, he calls it a Diskantzither. Well it does seem to come from Europe originally. Have a great weekend, Dave