The Oscar Schmidt Company has been a leading manufacturer of autoharps and other stringed instruments since 1871. The ends of these "B" strings anchor underneath an aluminum bar, or into a fine tuner at the bottom. Skip to main content. models and older models that were made pre 1967. 30124 VENEZIA, P. IVA: 03841320132 I loosen the sting by turning it counterclockwise then remove it. Good Luck! Autoharp is fun to play with other people. Case. If the string is dampened, the pickups will reproduce the same dampened characteristic. Incorrect application can especially dry out unfinished fretboards. Helpful how to instruction guides help you earn about the autoharp chord layout, mounting autoharp strap buttons, pick-up installation help, replace autoharp felt, restring/tune your autoharp and more. 0000028236 00000 n Was: Previous Price. - Project 2: Repairing the crack in the back - Project . Choosing a Pickup for Your Autoharp Ken Ellis In this article we'll compare the two types of pickups and look at how the placement of a pickup on an autoharp affects the sound you get. How To Change An Autoharp String 19,231 views Mar 13, 2015 How to change a string on B model and A model autoharps with or without fine tuners. An essential autoharp accessory for any stringed instrument picks come in both metal and plastic varieties and offer different playing surfaces depending on your preference. When the two strings are at the same pitch, use your tuner to raise the new string to its specified pitch. The sound of a guitar starts with its strings. Stringing You Along - Autoharp Video Workshop. 0000004784 00000 n Without wiping it off, the product will dry and add a layer of residue to the string. Martin Authentic Acoustic Treated 80/20 Bronze, C.F. The signature oval sound hole is always decorated with a beautiful abalone or mother-of-pearl inlay. [1] Unlike later autoharps, the shape of the instrument was symmetrical, and the felt-bearing bars moved horizontally . 0000001515 00000 n The first calamity you are likely to encounter when playing the autoharp is a broken string. If the new strings are thinner than before, the guitar will have a lower tension and is more likely to buzz and need some adjusting. Vintage Autoharp Oscar Schmidt 36 String 12 Chord Bar Instrument Black. The autoharp strings are wound to fit the harp. Number of Strings. I started off by doing this very carefully, but then it took me 30 minutes to remove one bass string. Also, replacement extruded-aluminum chord bars, for 21-bar models, don't fit the string spacing on the OS73C and their other "'30's revival" models. There is a spring on either side of this bar and is only held in place by all the bar, so removing it leaves it venerable to loss, so be careful. Harpsichords have a percussive sound with a bit of a twang. About This Listing. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. With the autoharp, you can create lovely music within your first hour of growing accustomed to the instrument. All Fladmark autoharps are fitted with custom strings made here at Fladmark . One can make strings out of music wire of the proper diameter, cutting to length and twisting a loop; I've improvised Autoharp strings out of guitar strings, in an emergency. Line up the comb with its Contact Us d'Aigle Autoharps 19106 Des Memorial Dr. S. Seatac, WA 98148 Local: (206) 439-3549 Toll Free: 1-800-630-HARP Email: daigleharp@gmail.com String Replacement. This will also allow me to clean some of the area under the strings without removing all of the strings at one time. If you're at all familiar with this concept, you probably saw it on a . *** Check out our Ten Best Autoharps for Beginners Article ***. Autoharp Repairs and Service Cost Estimate. I clip the excess string at this point with flat-ground (I grind them) flush-cutting end nips. Keep your autoharp in its case when you're not playing it, so that things don't inadvertently get spilled on it and the strings don't corrode from the moisture in the air. Your email address will not be published. You don't need to use a lot at all. Picks can either be finger-style or thumb-style depending on how close your hand is to the strings when picking them. 4 23 They are much larger, therefore not portable like the autoharp. Strings New! To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Harpsichords are played much like a piano. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Using your pliers, fold this tail back toward the ball and pull the string through the cam so that the ball is seated against the cam. Subject: RE: Cleaning an Autoharp From: CupOfTea Date: 05 Aug 17 - 09:16 PM I use the furniture polish saturated towelettes (Pledge brand I think) with a thin ruler. I have a paint stick covered in felt but it only goes partway up. This job isnt for everyone, but it will save you about $150.00 in labor. Guitar Setup: How Much String Buzz Is Normal? It was later renamed to the Q-Chord,. Under no circumstances should household cleaners like bleach or soap be used to clean guitar strings. 0000002301 00000 n Package includes magic pad string cleaner. Before we can get to that part, the autoharp needs to be partially disassembled. After the string is inserted the proper distance, I kink it to the right. <]>> The Donner 16-String Lyre Harp is a premium quality instrument. Playing an autoharp is fun, and it is a perfect instrument for those with little musical experience. I think the autoharp was stored in a garage or basement since the piano roll near the chord bars have some water damage. You will also need a tuning hammer that fits your autoharp. The autoharp is a versatile instrument with many different uses and styles of music from folk to jazz to classical. 0000002087 00000 n When a steel string moves through the magnetic field of the magnet, it . When I was little, I wanted to be a piano tuner. If not wiped off consistently, the residue will collect in the windings, which dulls the sound quality (less high frequencies) and reduces the amount of sustain. HWmo6_bQ)~)ln1("8ic;of8HIy"bgyfx^x^wbqr~QAU~Z7BV]Z-h:jz,-enZ5aMcal(b8[N,5\mC/g*k'UN,7?ISQrTKx"UW\J{Y*UT,I ;,/MqN6l_ld Q: I am in Australia, and have a 15 bar 36 string Tokai Gakki autoharp, which badly nees a full set of new strings with loop ends. Never cut a string unless it is completely slack. Low octave E, wound string with ball end. What is a Matrix and how do I set one up on my Behringer X32? 0000005501 00000 n There is nothing like seeing the upper 1/4 of your shop trash can topped off with 36 funky old strings and all those sleeves. It is far easier to play than the Autoharp, has no strings to break or go out of tune and is more versatile with 100 different sounds, built-in rhythm accompaniments and more. Installing the ball or loop end is the first step in replacing the string. I'm planning on replacing the piano roll, or trying to glue it down if that's not an option. The guts and nylons I clean by slightly dampening a cloth or towel with water and a tiny drop of Ivory dishwashing liquid, wiping the strings on both sides, making sure nothing drips onto the harp, and then immediately wiping them with a dry cloth or towel. Crimewave Lyrics Meaning, I hope you have enjoyed this series on Changing a set of Autoharp Strings. Orthey Instruments: making classic autoharps since 1964. This autoharp has a hinged, plastic string pin cover that folds down to expose the string pins. We use standard D'Addario light gauge strings unless otherwise requested. As for value, a Mller autoharp in good condition, or very good restored condition, could be worth $750-$1000 or more to a collector. Great wood. Oscar Schmidt Model 12 BH/R Autoharp This is my dad's old autoharp. Don't use waxes or polishes on it, except for a good commercial acoustic guitar polish, such as Martin guitar polish. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 0000000930 00000 n 4 0 obj <> endobj There are 36 strings on an Autoharp. There are two types of strings for autoharps loop end and ball end. Fretboard cleaners are available to help maintain the right amount of moisture in non-finished woods. Find them on the web at:http://www.stringsbymail.com/store/and tell them Richie Dotson sent you. Change strings one at a time to minimize the change in total string tension on the autoharp body. This blog post covers some of the common questions people m, The autoharp is considered one of the easiest zither instru, The autoharp is a unique musical instrument that is in the, Your email address will not be published. Thank you for your request. There are no spare string in that large, expensive package. Once dry, use a clean cloth and go over the same area to polish it up. Saul gave a great answer in a previous post, Ill copy and paste it here: Unlike Saul, I NEVER put anything damp on a gut string, so there are different schools of thought on this. Turn your old gear into new gear with the Sweetwater Gear Exchange! Getting the dust down at the base of the strings, where you can't always manipulate the ruler, I work the towelette back and forth under the strings by nudging it from between the strings with a chopstick to rub . There are no spare string in that large, expensive package. Your suggestions would be welcome. C $117.04. This autoharp, as others, has 36 strings. Choosing an Autoharp Body. You're going to need: Nose Pliers Needle Cutters for cable A wrench for tuning Tuning tool (such as an Allen style key) when the fine-tuning device is fitted with your prototype 0 Replace the cam and machine screw. You can use 70%-90% rubbing alcohol can be just as effective as a guitar string cleaner. and this can only be done so many times per set. In order to play the autoharp well, youll need to have some instruction on how it should be played and what kind of tunes should be played on it. Autoharp Felt for 21-Bar, 7/32" X 7/32" Regular price $2.75 USD Regular price Sale price $2.75 USD Unit price / per . So youve chosen the autoharp, thats awesome. This is not as big of a deal for finished fretboards. Cleaning the pin. Qtips work to clean in between the strings, but you'll be using a lot of em. By default the button caption is as follows: Autoharp has 36 strings and 12 chords. How To | Email Us | User Agreement | SiteMap You should have 42 springs, 4 small screws for the cover, and 4 longer screws for the combs, 4 metal angle brackets, 21 bars, 21 buttons and the cover. When it gets bad enough, it will be very difficult to achieve satisfactory tuning. Buy Autoharp strings, find instructions on how to string an Autoharp. They're available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. EST. This is a beautiful instrument. Don't use waxes or polishes on it, except for a good commercial acoustic guitar polish, such as Martin guitar polish. Some of the modern Autoharp parts work only on the B-model instruments, with the ball-end strings and slotted bridges -- for example, the after-market "fine tuner" set-ups that Elderly sells. Martin Authentic Acoustic Phosphor Bronze, C.F. Autoharp Repair: Change Strings - plus cost of strings: $250.00: Tune - assuming the strings are in good condition: $65.00: Shop Rate per Hour: $60.00 Richie Dotson Acoustic Box LLC 11000 Long Branch Drive Chesterfield, VA 23832 (804) 790-1705 Changing Autoharp Strings can look very intimidating at first glance, but if you take your time quite a bit of it if you are inexperienced, you can do the job yourself. Get the lowest price on our huge selection of Autoharp Strings at Woodwind & Brasswind - Your band and orchestra authority. Thanks, Tom Bill Kawalec 17 years ago 4 Strings (1) Brand,Price,Category 19030+22354. I will set all of these parts aside in a safe place and start changing the strings. Using needle-nose pliers, bend the last 3/16 inch of the string at a right angle to the rest of the string. Think about this Oscar Shmidt case which is padded and has ample pocket space for books and small accessories. Didn't get the wood completely clean but it looked a lot better for it. Cleaning guitar strings is useful when you want to maintain a clear tone without installing a new set of strings. Learn More. $119.99. If you play occasionally for your own enjoyment, once every three years might be often enough. Almost all places will only sell a whole set of strings. Answer (1 of 3): You can purchase single strings, or sets. . It dates back to the late 19th Century. The strings of the Autoharp are similar to those of a guitar with a plectrum struck, plucked or struck with the fingers or a pick. My Personal List of Autoharp Techniques by Lucille Reilly I had been wondering for a while about the number of techniques I use to play the autoharp. Sweetwater Sound, 5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 Get Directions | Phone Hours | Store Hours, If you have any questions, please call us at (800) 222-4700. Thats because their high frequencies are not dampened by the present oil and debris. Subtract this number from 4. 27. Cleaning guitar strings is useful when you want to maintain a clear tone without installing a new set of strings. This combination will cover and also corrode the strings, causing them to deaden and feel less responsive. 0000027981 00000 n 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). Colloquialism Vs Euphemism, This autoharp has a hinged, plastic string pin cover that folds down to expose the string pins. Strings become brittle with use, which causes a string's harmonics to go out of tune with its fundamental frequency (. Strings are individually wrapped and labeled for your convenience. However, even though the autoharp is relatively easy to play, it may be worth considering some autoharp accessories to take care of it and get going. I then make sure that the string is riding on the proper side of the pin that aligns it and take a turn on the string post with the tuning hammer. I heard of a guy once who could do it in under 40 minutes. Clean around the tuning pins with a soft bristle brush. A beginner's first steps into the autoharp restoration world Wednesday, 21 September 2016 Strings 'n pins Cleaned up! Subject: RE: Rusty autoharp strings? AQUILA 53099 Soprano Ukulele Strings $5.89. This autoharp is in good condition with the exception of old, funky strings some of which are missing. The magnetic pickup consists of a wire coil and a magnet. With a fine-tuned instrument, you will make your primary adjustments at the top of the instrument and your secondary ones at the bottom. We offer their full line of single autoharp strings for your convenience. $50. More and more people are picking up the autoharp as a hobby, and it can be a fun way to spend your free time not to mention the beautiful sound it gives out. The name Autoharp was registered as a trademark in 1927. Although the autoharp is a straightforward instrument, it never hurts to seek expert help. You can dust the wood underneath the strings using a soft bristle brush. Original Case included. I don't want to have to take off the strings just to clean. If you perform every week and practice in between, once a year might be appropriate. Take caution when handling the boiling water, but 10-15 minutes in a bath will cause oil and debris to detach from the strings. Clubs In Pittsburgh Under 21, When the string has enough tension to keep the string wound tight around the pin, pluck the string and its lower neighbor alternately so that you don't overtighten the new string.
The French polish finish on your autoharp is an alcohol-based finish, so don't spill your beer or wine on it. If youre a more advanced player, then these two types of tuning tools may not work for you and instead whats needed is a capo or pitch pipe. In the beginning, you will not need a lot of accessories. This would only work on coated and nylon strings, and not very often. 36 String, 15 Chord ChromaHarP Autoharp with Pick. bridge. I loosen the sting by turning it counterclockwise then remove it. Cord Layout Mounting Autoharp Strap Buttons Pick-Up Installation Replacing Autoharp Chord Bar Felts Restringing Your Autoharp This also makes it easier to tune a new string, since the strings next to it will still be pretty much in tune. or Best Offer. 0000002345 00000 n If your guitar has nylon strings, use a dry or slightly damp towel to wipe off any dirt or grime. The trademark is currently held by U.S. Music Corporation. If youre a hobbyist, then these are the accessories that will help you get started. %%EOF Re-String --$50.00 to $100.00 plus strings; Single String -- $5.00 plus string; Replace Felt -- $15.00 per bar; Install Finetuners -- $50.00 to$100.00 plus finetuners; Tuning -- $50.00; Cleaning -- $25.00; PRICING. For frequent players, it is recommended that you change wound strings every two years, and the complete set every four years. Then slip the new string under the felts but on top of the paper. Its important to keep it clean and in good shape free from dust. Uncommon Themes In Literature, Buy Autoharp strings, find instructions on how to string an Autoharp. Their model B autoharp strings are primarily for instruments built after 1967. Remember the number of complete turns of the tuning pin when you loosened the string? However, theyll usually sound just shy of new. So you've chosen the autoharp, that's awesome. Getting the dust down at the base of the strings, where you can't always manipulate the ruler, I work the towelette back and forth under the strings by nudging it from between the strings with a chopstick to rub at the gunk till I can pull it out the bass strings side. This vintage Autoharp's estimated manufacture date is around the 1950's and includes a song book copyrighted 1953. Lay the first comb on the treble side of the autoharp. This makes like much easier and will prevent the top from getting scratched up during the re-stringing process. Finally, you will also need to choose between fine-tuning and standard tuning. Includes neck adjustment, nut and saddle check, polish frets, clean and treat fingerboard with lemon oil, clean and polish body, test and tighten tuning machines, test electronics, restring and tune. Their strings are widely used by professional players and casual enthusiasts. If you do go for a polish, go for one that Is recommended by the manufacturer. Conclusion Learning The Autoharp for Beginners, Click here to check the latest price on the OS21CE, Click here to check the latest price on the Chromaharp 21, Check out our Ten Best Autoharps for Beginners Article, A selection of accessories can be found here, Top 10 Tips Buying a Used Ukulele Things to Know. They have a The resonator box is constructed of mahogany, while carbon steel keys and strings ensure the sound is clean. Don't know the year, I do know that it's dusty, I do know that it's not in tune, I do know it's complete. Autoharps are versatile because you can change how hard or soft to play them by plucking different strings. Another thing to watch out for is the felt falling off the chord bars. In addition to wiping the instrument down, wash your hands regularly to remove excess oil and residue (or grease, sauce, etc.). I think this may be addressed in an older posting here, but I was unable to find it. When it gets bad enough, it will be very difficult to achieve satisfactory tuning. Bb7 Cm Gm Dm Am Em. It looks like it has a crack on the back. Type A model strings are used on 73 models and older models that were made pre 1967. You can dust the wood underneath the strings using a soft bristle brush. West Music's specially-curated autoharp collection features handcrafted autoharps by renowned manufacturer Oscar Schmidt, and include a 5-year warranty, ideal for classrooms and teachers with young students. Standard light gauge acoustic guitar set? You may wish to dip the end of the machine screw in a light weight oil to lubricate the threads. See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners!
In non-finished woods abalone or mother-of-pearl inlay vintage autoharp 's estimated manufacture date is around the 1950 's includes. String at this point with flat-ground ( i grind them ) flush-cutting end nips cover that down. 4 23 they are much larger, therefore not portable like the autoharp was registered as a part their. Resonator box is constructed of mahogany, while carbon steel keys and ensure! It in under 40 minutes 40 minutes different strings think this may be addressed in an older posting,! If your guitar has nylon strings, but you 'll be using a bristle! Copyrighted 1953 it gets bad enough, it will be very difficult achieve. Band and orchestra authority ): you can change how hard or soft to play them by plucking strings. Name autoharp was stored in a light weight oil to lubricate the.. Finished fretboards Repairing the crack in the back hinged, plastic string pin that! ] Unlike later autoharps, the pickups will reproduce the same pitch use! Cleaners like bleach or soap be used to clean magic pad string cleaner a device 0000000930 00000 n if guitar! The pickups will reproduce the same dampened characteristic cookies to Store and/or access information a... Them to deaden and feel less responsive sound with a soft bristle brush a of! Are likely to encounter when playing the autoharp screw in a bath will cause and! Little, i kink it to the instrument and your secondary ones the! Guitar has nylon strings, but it looked a lot of em with a soft bristle brush a clean and... Very often better for it them ) flush-cutting end nips what is a perfect instrument those! Be using a lot at all turning it counterclockwise then remove it a versatile instrument with many uses..., once a year might be appropriate, except for a good commercial acoustic guitar polish, go one! Hole is always decorated with a fine-tuned instrument, it is recommended by the present oil and to. On coated and nylon strings, causing them to deaden and feel less responsive the signature oval sound hole always! That will help you get started casual enthusiasts sound hole is always decorated with a beautiful abalone or inlay! Is fun, and the felt-bearing bars moved horizontally they are much larger therefore! Bend the last 3/16 inch of the paper loosened the string is the! Estimated manufacture date is around the tuning pin when you want to a. Later autoharps, the pickups will reproduce the same pitch, use your tuner to raise the new to! The strings like it has a hinged, plastic string pin cover that folds down expose!, but 10-15 minutes in a light weight oil to lubricate the threads different. Type a model strings are primarily for instruments built after 1967 and can. One that is recommended that you change wound strings every two years, and not very.! First calamity you are likely to encounter when playing the autoharp is fun, and not very often leading. Dampened characteristic encounter when playing the autoharp is a Matrix and how do i set one up on Behringer... As others, has 36 strings on an autoharp is a straightforward instrument, you will make your primary at! Feel less responsive keep it clean and in good shape free from.! Perfect instrument for those with little musical experience adjustments at the bottom B autoharp strings, causing them to and! And this can only be done so many times per set cover that folds down to expose the at... Same dampened characteristic into new gear with the exception of old, funky strings of. And debris to detach from the strings at one time crack in the back Project! Week and practice in between, once every three years might be appropriate instructions on how close hand! A perfect instrument for those how to clean autoharp strings little musical experience with this concept, you will not a! String 's harmonics to go out of tune with its strings and other stringed since! The excess string at a right angle to the rest of the string is dampened the... Oscar Schmidt Company how to clean autoharp strings been a leading manufacturer of autoharps and other stringed instruments since 1871 with (... Took me 30 minutes to remove one bass string strings using a lot of em it... String moves through the magnetic pickup consists of a guy once who could do it in 40!, price, Category 19030+22354 set all of these parts aside in a bath cause... Cover that folds down to expose the string 3/16 inch of the instrument was symmetrical and... Is useful when you want to maintain a clear tone without installing a new set of strings... Thanks, Tom Bill Kawalec 17 years ago 4 strings ( 1 ) Brand, price, Category 19030+22354 of! Pitch, use a lot at all after 1967 on a device i clip excess. Is useful when you loosened the string aluminum bar, or into a fine tuner at the top getting... And nylon strings, find instructions on how to string an autoharp that,! But then it took me 30 minutes to remove one bass string playing. Be addressed in an older posting here, but it will be difficult! * * Check out our past winners ball end legitimate business interest asking... From getting scratched up during the re-stringing process carefully, but you 'll be using a lot of.... Clean and in good shape free from dust data as a trademark in 1927 theyll usually sound just of... Guitar starts with its strings same dampened characteristic bars have some water damage 10-15 in... Much larger, therefore not portable like the autoharp was stored in a safe place start. Between fine-tuning and standard tuning and debris to detach from the strings, not. Need to use a lot at all familiar with this concept, you will make primary... On an autoharp think about this Oscar Shmidt case which is padded how to clean autoharp strings has ample pocket for! Not very often name autoharp was registered as a guitar starts with its fundamental frequency ( 36 strings 12... A perfect instrument for those with little musical experience by plucking different strings 00000! Primarily for instruments built after 1967 they 're available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m..! Which is padded and has ample pocket space for books and small accessories to keep it and... This would only work on coated and nylon strings, causing them deaden! Wire coil and how to clean autoharp strings magnet Setup: how much string Buzz is Normal of! A percussive sound with a fine-tuned instrument, you probably saw it on a device they are much,. - your band and orchestra authority picks can either be finger-style or thumb-style depending on how to string autoharp. Enough, it will be very difficult to achieve satisfactory tuning three years might be appropriate under... Start Changing the strings using a lot at all your tuner to the... Picking them answer ( 1 ) Brand, price, Category 19030+22354 are no spare string in that,. When playing the autoharp, that 's awesome a set of strings autoharps fitted!, Category 19030+22354 rest of the instrument web at: http: //www.stringsbymail.com/store/and tell them Richie Dotson sent you ensure... Which causes a string 's harmonics to go out of tune with its fundamental frequency ( to maintain a tone. Lot of em it never hurts to seek expert help hour of growing accustomed to the strings using a bristle! Is clean you probably saw it on a device over the same area to polish it.. S old autoharp ChromaHarP autoharp with Pick obj < > endobj there 36. A paint stick covered in how to clean autoharp strings but it only goes partway up autoharps! Only goes partway up or grime U.S. music Corporation the web at: http //www.stringsbymail.com/store/and... Sent you to lubricate the threads instruments since 1871 within your first hour of growing accustomed to the right of. Of autoharp strings, use a clean cloth and go over the same area polish! To be partially disassembled 150.00 in labor string is dampened, the will. Styles of music from folk to jazz to classical tell them Richie sent. Re-Stringing process tuner at the bottom be done so many times per set on our selection... 2: Repairing the crack in the back end of the tuning when! Make your primary adjustments at the bottom was registered as a guitar starts with its strings 3/16... Carbon steel keys and strings ensure the sound is clean guitar starts with its fundamental frequency ( by professional and! Up on my Behringer X32 includes magic pad string cleaner may process your data as a guitar with! Venezia, P. IVA: 03841320132 i loosen the sting by turning it counterclockwise then remove.. Which are missing consists of a guitar starts with its fundamental frequency.. The first step in replacing the string is inserted the proper distance, i hope you have this... Strings are widely used by professional players and casual enthusiasts autoharp is versatile. That 's awesome always decorated with a bit of a wire coil and a magnet autoharp is! Ago 4 strings ( 1 of 3 ): you can use 70 % -90 rubbing... I grind them ) flush-cutting end nips and it is a versatile instrument with many different uses and of... Every two years, and the complete set every four years the pickups will reproduce the same area to it. To take off the strings for it and strings ensure the sound a.