What Is an Autoharp Worth? Your Guide to Pricing and Value

An autoharp is a stringed instrument that’s loved for its ease of play and its role in folk and traditional music.

Unlike many other stringed instruments, the autoharp has a series of bars. When pressed, these bars mute all the strings except for those that form a desired chord. This feature makes it possible to produce harmonious music with minimal training. As a result, it’s popular in educational contexts and music therapy practices.

When it comes to purchasing an autoharp, prices can vary just as much as the instruments themselves.

The value of an autoharp can be influenced by various factors including its brand, age, condition, and whether it comes with any accessories or customizations.

For new autoharps, prices typically start at around $100 and can rise to over $1,000 for high-end models. Used instruments often represent a cost-saving opportunity but require careful evaluation to ensure they’re in good condition and still produce a quality sound. The intended use, whether for professional performance, hobby playing, or therapeutic practice, can also shape the investment one is willing to make.

Key Points

• The autoharp is a versatile instrument, accessible to players of all skill levels.
• Cost can vary widely based on the autoharp’s brand, quality, and condition.
• My purchase decision should be informed by the intended use and personal budget.

Understanding the Autoharp

The autoharp, a stringed musical instrument well-loved in folk music, has a rich history and comes in various physical forms with differences in materials and features that can affect its value.

Historical Background

The autoharp’s ancestry begins with the zither and is formally credited to Charles F. Zimmermann, who patented his design in the 1880s. However, it was entrepreneurs like Alfred Dolge and the Phonoharp Company that popularized the instrument. Oscar Schmidt, a notable manufacturer, eventually received the “Autoharp” trademark.

Typically associated with folk music, the autoharp has resonated through generations due to its ease of play and adaptability. This has incited a robust market for vintage models as well as modern variations.

Physical Structure and Variants

My examination of an autoharp reveals a fascinating structure: it’s essentially a wooden sound box with up to 36 strings stretched over it. A series of chord bars with dampers are pressed to mute all strings except those that form the desired chord. Here’s what I find notable about its structure:

• Materials: Traditional autoharps may be made from woods like maple, mahogany, or spruce — each imparting a distinct tonal quality to the music. You might find them with a glossy or a satin finish, contributing both to aesthetics and sound resonance.
• Models: The Oscar Schmidt OS45CE is an example of a modern autoharp, coming with a pickup for electric amplification. Known for its quality craftsmanship, Oscar Schmidt’s variety spans beginner models like the OS15B to more advanced options like the Chromaharp.
• Variations: Beyond the standard acoustic autoharp, some variations include electric autoharps, which permit amplification, and even custom models with unique tuner layouts or decorative inlays.

String Count and Tuning: Autoharps usually have 15 or 21 chord bars, each fitted with felt dampers to mute incorrect strings. The number of strings can vary, with many featuring 36 or 37 strings tuned chromatically. Each string passes over a metal bar before terminating at a tuning peg, allowing for precise tuning — a process familiar to those who have played other stringed instruments.

Autoharp Purchase Considerations

When I think about buying an autoharp, I focus on whether to get a new or used one and understanding the price ranges for different models. Selecting the right autoharp is crucial, whether I’m a beginner or a seasoned musician, and this decision impacts the value and longevity of the instrument.

New vs. Used Autoharps

New Autoharps:

• Pros: Comes with a warranty, no wear and tear, and up-to-date specifications.
• Cons: Higher cost, may require additional setup or adjustment.
• Notable Models: Oscar Schmidt OS21C, Oscar Schmidt OS73, and Chromaharps.

Used Autoharps:

• Pros: Lower cost, potential for high-quality instruments at a reduced price.
• Cons: Possible hidden damages, worn strings or chord bars, no warranty.
• Buying Tips: Check for a sturdy maple pin block and examine the type A and type B strings’ condition. Preferably purchase from reputable sources like folkstrings.com.

Price Ranges for Different Models

• Entry-Level Autoharps (21 Chords):
  • Price Range: $300 – $500
  • Common Models: Oscar Schmidt OS21C, various Chromaharps.
  • Features: 21 chord buttons, suitable for beginners, might lack advanced features.
• Mid-Range Autoharps:
  • Price Range: $500 – $700
  • Common Models: Oscar Schmidt OS21CQTB.
  • Features: Better wood quality, more refined sound, 21 chords.
• High-End Autoharps:
  • Price Range: $1000 and above
  • Common Models: Custom-made by luthiers, Oscar Schmidt OS73 models.
  • Features: High-quality materials, customized chord setups, sometimes more than 21 chords for advanced playability.
• 15 vs. 21 Chord Autoharps:
  • 15 Chord Autoharps: Typically less expensive, enough for basic play.
  • 21 Chord Autoharps: Offer a wider range of chords, slightly higher in price.

Playing the Autoharp

Playing the autoharp is a delightful experience that combines simplicity with musical expressiveness. I find it particularly engaging because it allows me to produce chords and melodies with ease, making it a joy to play, whether I am a beginner or a seasoned musician.

Chords and Tuning

When I play the autoharp, I use chord bars to select the chords I want to play. Each bar is associated with a specific chord and by pressing down a bar, it mutes all strings that are not part of that chord, which allows for clean, resonant sound.

Here’s a brief guide on tuning the autoharp:

• First, I compare each string to a tuning reference, which can be a tuning fork, pitch pipe, or electronic tuner.
• For the fine-tuning system, I use a tuning hammer on the tuning pegs, to adjust the tension of each string until it matches the desired pitch. Autoharps typically have 36 or 37 strings, which correspond to various notes.
• For the best sound, I keep my autoharp in tune, as it profoundly affects the quality and enjoyment of my play.

Remember to handle the strings carefully – they’re similar to guitar strings and can be sensitive to how they’re plucked or strummed. Most of the time, I use a flatpick or fingerpicks for playing, similar to how I’d play a guitar, banjo, or dulcimer.

Maintenance Tips

The joy of playing the autoharp also comes with the responsibility of maintaining it:

• I need to keep my autoharp away from extreme temperature and moisture, as these can warp the soundboard and affect the tuning.
• Regularly replacing the felt on the chord bars ensures the chords don’t sound muted or buzz, which can affect my playing experience.
• As for the structure, solid construction with a black satin finish not only looks good but also offers protection and durability for my instrument, ensuring a better playing experience.

I’ve found that serious musicians often seek additional resources or autoharp accessories to enhance their instrument’s performance – like a fine tuning system or improved chord bars for a more responsive play. Having extra fingerpicks or a tuning hammer on hand never hurts either.

Frequently Asked Questions

When considering purchasing an autoharp, understanding its value is key. Below, I’ve addressed some common questions to help guide you through the buying process.