Buying An Autoharp

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Buying An Autoharp
by Bill Miller

Chord Bars & Buttons:   Autoharps can come with different numbers of chord bars and buttons. 15 bar and 21 bar setups are most common.   For Appalachian and folk playing, 15 bars is more than adequate.   If you're planning to play professionally, or if you intend to play pop music, the 21 bar setup may be more to your liking.

Chromatic Versus Diatonic:   Chromatic harps are tuned in half-steps so they contain 12 playable notes per octave. Diatonic instruments are tuned to seven notes per octave.   Although chromatic autoharps are most common, many traditional players like the diatonic version because they can be played faster and with open tuning.

Things To Look For:   Good quality new autoharps start at about $ 600 and move easily into four figures, so many people prefer to look for an older instrument.   But shop wisely if you look for a used one.   What at first appears like a bargain may become a source of frustration instead of joy.    Here are several things to look for in a used (or new) instrument:
        1)    Check the tuning pins.   Make sure they're tight so the instrument will stay in tune.   Certain types of plywood pins won't stay in tune.   If the pins are metal, check for rust.
        2)    Check the strings.   Look for signs of rust and wear.   Harp strings aren't inexpensive and easily installed like guitar strings.   Good strings cost $ 30 and up and can take several hours to install.
        3)    Make sure the keys are easily manipulated.
        4)    See if the felts are in good condition. Deep grooves in the felt are not good.   New felts cost $ 30 or more and need a few hours of work to replace.
        5)    Check the body of the instrument for warps and cracks - the body should be straight and solid.
        6)    How does it feel?   If you're going to enjoy your instrument, then it will have to feel comfortable.   Try it on for size.
        7)    How does it sound?   If it isn't music to your ears, it isn't music.
        8)    Got an autoharp playing friend?   Ask him/her to tag along when you check out the instrument.

Here's a list of autoharp builders.

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