In this family of instruments are many-stringed harp-like folk instruments consisting of a wooden sound box with a straight bridge, and no neck. Strings run more or less parallel to (across) the soundboard, instead of perpendicular like a harp or lyre, and can be bowed, plucked, fretted, or struck with hammers. In this family are found such instruments as the autoharp, Chromaharp, various types of zither, Marxophone, tremoloa, ukelin, guitar-o-lin, kanun, bowed, hammered and plucked psaltery (including hammered dulcimer and related instruments such as tsimbl, cembalo, cymbalom, santoor, santuri, yang chin, etc.), kantele, lap harp, etc.
Ukelins, tremoloas, guitar-o-lins, and other oddball members of the zither family used to be sold door-to-door in the early 20th century. Ukelins are played with a bow (hence the "lin" part of the name) and you can also pluck individual strings near the sound hole (hence the "uke" part). When played with a bow (a 3/4 size fiddle bow works well), bow up the side with the inverted U-shaped hooks. Deals were always cut by the salesmen, which is why they often stamped the price on the label. These instruments show up from time to time at estate auctions and in antique shops, where they can usually be purchased for under $50.
Autoharp
Some of the following are special order items. Please read this information on special orders.
Our selection of new Oscar Schmidt autoharps is limited because of varying quality and availability from the manufacturer. We often have a good number of used Oscar Schmidt autoharps in stock -- please contact us for current selection.
Below is a sampling of popular models that we can order from Oscar Schmidt. To see a complete list of models, visit oscarschmidt.com and contact us for availability. All new Oscar Schmidt autoharps now include a built-in electronic tuner, except the OS73B and C.
OS15B
Berkshire 15-chord, 7 keys, traditional button configuration,
laminated rock maple pinblock, tobacco sunburst finish. List price: $379.90
more info
Our price -- $299.90
OS73B/C
Reissue of 1930s model. Black finish, solid spruce top, mahogany back.
more info
OS73B (15 chord) -- List price $399.90, Our price $319.00
OS73C (21 chord) -- List price $419.90, Our price $335.00
OS45C
21-chord, Flower-shaped soundhole, fine tuning system, maple body, satin
finish. List price: $499.90 Add a pickup to this autoharp for an additional $100.00
more info
Our price -- $399.00
OS120CN
21-chord Adirondak with Solid Spruce top, Bird's Eye Maple back, fine tuning system, high gloss finish. List price $629.90
more info
Our price -- $499.00
Autoharp Accessories
Create your own custom chord bars
For chord bars that are not standard, you can purchase a blank chord bar, a strip of felt, and a blank chord button. Please contact us to order, and specify whether you need 15 or 21 chord materials. We can also have our autoharp technician create custom chord bars for you; contact us for more information.
Autoharp Cases
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House of Musical Traditions
