Folkfriends autoharp 21 chords historical aspects of the. I have had my oscar schmidt 21chord autoharp for at least 6 months and i love it. Oscar schmidt backs this instrument with a fiveyear warranty, for added peace of mind. Singersongwriter brittain ashford of the band prairie empire is known for using autoharp in her music, including the 2008 release there, but for you, go i. Oct 22, 2015 the autoharp is a very exotic instrument which enjoyed a small revival due to the movie about the life story of johnny cash.
Browse the best of ebay, connect with other collectors, and explore the history behind your favorite finds. In 1882, charles zimmerman was awarded the us patent, but the design for his instrument was different from todays autoharp history 6. It features a series of chord bars attached to dampers, which, when pressed, mute all of the strings other than those that form the desired chord. An autoharp player strums the strings with a stiff felt or.
Over 40 years later, weve grown into one of the worlds most respected sellers of. Ive been looking for a vintage oscar schmidt autoharp for a while now. Oscar schmidt classic 21chord autoharp features a sunburst glossy finish and a handcrafted body of laminated woods. Autoharp, stringed instrument of the zither family popular for accompaniment in folk music and country and western music. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Back to top the autoharp was first made in the 1880s in its current shape and is a german design. Our autoharp is the original, with over 100 years of history behind it.
I have never had an autoharp, but i have played one. While the autoharp is actually a not a harp at all but a form of zither. Autoharp trade mark registeredmanufactured and trade mark registered by oscar schmidt international, inc. The autoharp is associated with with american, particularly appalachian, folk music. This autoharp is in great condition with the exception of a white chord keytop missing see picture that can easily be replaced. Vintage 6 chord autoharp fabcondition really lovely. You will learn a variety of strumming techniques, how to work the chord bars, how to use the different areas of the strings effectively, how to play. Based on a 1930s design, this autoharp features a modern chord bar assembly on a sleek antiquelook. Premium woods, quality hardware, and modest prices create an ideal instrument. Vintage 6 chord autoharp zither with books and condition is well used with paint chipped and paint marks on the chord bars from someone who played it in the past. Oscar schmidt autoharp beginners package daigle autoharps. This is a very reasonably priced intro to autoharp book with history. A rock maple pin block provides serious strength, to assure your autoharp is always in tune.
As with any vintage instrument, establishing the value of an old autoharp can be difficult, but newer models are fairly easy to price. His wife, june carter, who wrote the hit ring of fire, used the. Premium woods, quality hardware and modest prices create an ideal instrument. Oscar schmidt gig bag with back pack straps its an autoharp beginners book with cd. With 21 chords, a resonant maple body and rock maple pin block, and the handcrafted quality oscar schmidt is known for, its a solid, affordable autoharp thats built to last. You are viewing an available auction for an autoharp from oscar schmidt. Popular books harp musical instruments over the years musicals public activities history friends. Get the guaranteed lowest prices on new oscar schmidt autoharps instruments at musicians friend. Oscar schmidt os45c autoharp appalachian thomann uk. Designing ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, autoharps, and acoustic guitars for players, whether theyre a beginner, intermediate, or professional, is what oscar schmidt by washburn does. At its peak in the early 1920s, the company operated manufacturing facilities in five cities. Ive read the information on the various types of autoharp over the years is considered tops. Vintage oscar schmidt 36 string 12 chord autoharp case harp black retro.
Oscar schmidt was a musical instruments manufacturing company established in 1871 and. This stepbystep approach to learning to play the autoharp will help beginners and teachers understand the many ways in which this versatile instrument can be used. This zither, like most zithers, has very little value today. With a wide variety of models to choose from, oscar schmidt is truly the original and only complete source for the autoharp. Feb 08, 2014 a demonstration by tom schroeder of modern oldtime melody techniques for the autoharp. The 21chord autoharp with beautiful downhome tones and attache case. Oscar schmidt makes some of the finest autoharps we sell. Modern oldtime techniques for the autoharp youtube. Autoharps for people with short arms, from riverboat music tm. Founded by oscar and his brother otto in 1871, the otto schmidt co. Excellent 1961 model 73 oscar schmidt autoharp, 36 string12 chord, all strings and accessories are present. To offer instruments to his students, he began to manufacture musical instruments. Oscar schmidt os15b 15 chord autoharp oscar schmidt os73b 15 chord 1930s reissue autoharp oscar schmidt os73c 21 chord 1930s reissue autoharp oscar schmidt os21ce 21 chord acousticelectric autoharp with pickup.
Autoharps for people with short arms from riverboat musictm, this is a sort of supplement to the our buyers guide for autoharps. The strings and chord bars are reversed to eliminate crosshanded playing. Click here to check out our add ons for new autoharps. Oscar schmidt autoharp oscar schmidt os21c autoharp classic. Oscar schmidt os15b 15 chord autoharp and more autoharps. I dont want to discourage you from the getgo, but there are many 12 or 15 chord autoharps in bad condition out there, bringing down the value of autoharps overall. Oscar schmidt 18571929 was a german immigrant to the united states that was envolved in selling musical instruments in jersey city, new jersey. The oscar schmidt autoharp is the original, with over 100 years of history behind it. She needs a little cleaning and, no doubt, a lot of tuning, but i have my fingers crossed that she will sing in time for our. It appears that the autoharp may have been invented not in america but in germany. But, the day has come, and i now await my little 1953 oscar schmidt 12chord autoharp pictured below.
Autoharps collectors weekly this is my autoharp collection, all by oscar schmidt. Oscar schmidt os73ce electric autoharp takes an antiquelooking body inspired by a 1930s autoharp and outfits it with modern chord bars and a builtin pickup. Stringed instruments in missoula autoharp builder and repair. This model comes in three vibrant colors so that you can choose which best matches your brand. Does not include case, serial number on back of instrument is 8241. Even if youve never played before, our great selection of autoharp books will help you get started on the autoharp today. A musician may position the instrument on a table, on the lap while seated, or resting against the left shoulder. Although many disagree about the origins of the autoharp, theres no arguing the. You indicate your consent to this use by clicking i agree or by continuing to use this site. Get a low price and free shipping on thousands of items. From its early beginnings in the 1900s, the oscar schmidt company has offered an instrument with a voice representing individual freedom for american folk music.
The oscar schmidt os21c 21 chord autoharp is the beginners choice of autoharps. Autoharps for sale, custom autoharps, oscar schmidt autoharps, repairs, parts and accessories for your instrument. Oscar schmidt autoharp oscar schmidt os21c autoharp. Heres one that doesnt, exactly, have a good answer. Visit our lesson books selection and learn how to play autoharp today. The oscar schmidt os30 autoharp features 21 full chords, and a case for the ultimate in portability.
You can also create your own autoharp repair kit quite easily to fix any problems you have with your autoharp. The value of an oscar schmidt autoharp our pastimes. Oscar schmidt autoharp 21 chord attache portable built in. Vintage 6 chord autoharp zither with books and tun. Its a great time to upgrade your home music studio gear with the largest selection at. Oscar schmidt os11021fne 21 chord acoustic electric autoharp natural featured brands instrument alley twitter instrument alley facebook join our mailing list for special offers and promotions. The instrument known today as the autoharp auto harp, or chromaharp is actually a zither stringed instrument for which the strings do not extend beyond the sounding box zither 1. The article cites the earliest known patent for the instrument now known as the autoharp, a british patent granted to a german inventor. Autoharp accessories oscar schmidt autoharp accessories. But ive been fussy about the condition and concerned about not buying it in person. How do i get a serial number for an oscar schmidt guitar ehow serial. Includes 247 tech support setup, connectivity issues, troubleshooting and much more.
The autoharp is a fun and easy instrument to learn to play. Unfollow oscar schmidt autoharp to stop getting updates on your ebay feed. Vintage oscar schmidt autoharp 12 chords 1960s model 73 all. Autoharp by oscar schmidt 15 chord 36 string with case model os 15b after i ship the item, i upload the tracking number and it is available on the items order details page within. Beginning autoharp instruction book paperback july 1, 1983.
The oscar schmidt musical instrument company has been producing autoharps for more than 100 years. Demonstrates the thumblead and pinchpluck techniques with open chor. You will need to provide the make and model of your autoharp, and in the case of a single string, which string it is, in order to ensure you get the right ones for your instrument. Stalking the wild autoharp this weeks tutorial explores two different kinds of tuning pins on os harps. She also regularly performs on the autoharp as part of her role in ghost quartet, a fourperson song cycle composed by dave malloy. Many variants of zithers were popular in the early 1900s, but almost nobody plays any of those variants today, thus they are pretty hard to sell. Check our find a dealer page for the authorized dealer closest to you. This 36 string autoharp was manufactured in 1964 or before. Plus the standard starter pick package, tuning wrench, picks, and warranty and paperwork everything you need to start playing the autoharp. I found it in the attic and is quite dusty as shown but in overal very good condition. About oscar schmidt musical instruments the oscar schmidt company was founded in 1871 and incorporated in 1911.
Autoharp accessories are available from oscar schmidt authorized retailers. Vintage oscar schmidt autoharp model bh series wmusic book. I bought a book for the autoharp and have learned all the strums, chord combinations and. The evil one, a 1979 hard rock album by roky erickson and the aliens prominently featured the electric autoharp of bill miller which granted an unearthly edge to the music. The auto harp is perfect for teaching accompaniment and chord progressions.
He is wanting to know what the thing is worth i dont have a clue. To provide the best performance, it is essential to replace autoharp strings as necessary, and to use an autoharp tuner sources. For more information visit oscar schmidt, autoharp help files string changing tips. This is a very reasonably priced intro to autoharp book with history, instructions.
Page 14 th e professional oscar our finest schmidt autoharp spectacular in design and workmanship, the os110 and os120 series continues to intrigue feature our exclusive ft600 fine tuning system and new for 2009 the and engage american ot1 built in autoharp chromatic tuner for perfect tuning accuracy. I cant determine the age of the autoharp, there are no dates or serial numbers on this thing anywhere. For a detailed account of the facts behind this statement, read the true history of the autoharp by ivan stiles. Products currently sold under the oscar schmidt brand are electric, acoustic and classical guitars, autoharps, banjos.
Vintage oscar schmidt autoharp 36 strings 12 chords for sale. Drops, spills and cracked screens covered from day one. Oscar schmidt os21c autoharp 21 bars sunburst finish. They feature a rock maple pin block, to assure you are always in tune, and maple back and top wood with a shiny gloss finish. Please see all photos as they are part of the description. Popular book on the history and development of the autoharp. The oscar schmidt brand trademarked the name autoharp in the 1920s, but that has expired. If you tracked down this article down, its likely that an autoharp has come into your possession, and youre wondering about its value. Vintage oscar schmidt 15 chord autoharp for sale online ebay. The oscar schmidt company was founded in 1879 by oscar schmidt and incorporated in 1911.
Oscar schmidt is truly the original and only complete source for the autoharp. This is a very reasonably priced intro to autoharp book with history, instructions, lesson, folk songs, and how to take care of your autoharp. The paperwork is old, but again, there arent any dates. Vintage oscar schmidt autoharp model bh series wmusic book condition. Founded in 1972, elderly instruments started as a small store with a handful of instruments. With its beautiful sunburst finish and its low cost, its no wonder that this is one of our best selling autoharps. In the 1970s, oscar schmidt came out with their own magnetic pickup. Zimmermann, was awarded us 257808 in 1882 for a design for a musical instrument that included mechanisms for muting certain strings during play. Schmidt was born in germany and emigrated to the united states, where he initially formed a music publishing business first. Get the guaranteed best price on autoharps like the oscar schmidt os21c autoharp at musicians friend.
If and that is a big if it is a good quality autoharp and oscar schmidt s quality is of the highest standards. Plus, with west music, you can also choose autoharps by oscar schmidt with or. Oscar schmidt autoharp 15 chord os15b case, tuning hammer, and instruction books 4 out of 5 stars 4 product ratings 4 product ratings oscar schmidt autoharp 15 chord os15b case, tuning hammer, and instruction books. Oscar schmidt registered the trademark autoharp in 1926, even though he didnt invent the term, and autoharp like instruments had been produced for over three decades before he got into the business. Other breakdowns covered after the manufacturers warranty expires. The autoharp is a musical instrument in the chorded zither family. Oscar schmidt ac448 autoharp semihardshell backpack case. Save vintage silvertone autoharp oscar schmidt to get email alerts and updates on your ebay feed. Old collectable guitars for sale guitarsite guitar database aug 14. That article has brought us a lot of reader questions, most of which had answers. Amounts shown in italicized text are for items listed in currency other than canadian dollars and are approximate conversions to canadian dollars based upon bloombergs conversion rates. Autoharp works by bob lewis bob lewis also does similar work as chuck and is an expert on diatonic autoharps. Sometimes, the tracking info is not completely up to date within.
The oscar schmidt company was formally incorporated in 1911. Although the word autoharp was once a trademark of the oscar schmidt. The oscar schmidt company os company vintagestellaguitars. I have the original owners manual and tuning wrench, but again there is not date. Particularly a pre1978 american made oscar schmidt 21bar appalachian autoharp, will give you a lovely sound. If youre looking for a great guitar for players of all levels, oscar schmidt s guitars will provide. Oscar schmidt autoharp 21 chord attache portable built in mic tuner pics book im not even positive that answered by a verified musical instrument appraiser. Oscar schmidt os15b autoharp case description os 15b oscar schmidt autoharp by.