Autoharp

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Large trapezoidal wooden frame with 36 strings and chord bars on top

The autoharp was invented in Germany during the 1800s. Most autoharps feature 36 strings that the player strums in various strumming patterns (using finger picks) while pressing down on “chord bars”. Each chord bar produces a different chord by touching (and therefore silencing) all of the strings not included in that chord. When compared with the guitar, the autoharp is somewhat less versatile but produces fuller chords that are much easier to play. It is my favorite instrument to sing along with!

How to Obtain

Autoharps usually come with 12, 15, or 21 chord bars, and the leading manufacturer is Oscar Schmidt. A nice, new Oscar Schmidt autoharp costs $400-$500, but used autoharps are readily available for much less. I recommend using an online auction company such as HiBid to find a used autoharp. The Boneyard page of D’aigle autoharps is another great place to check. Depending on the condition, used autoharps may have chord bars and/or strings in need of replacement. This takes some time and money, but I sincerely had a blast replacing the strings and chord bars on mine—so you might enjoy it as well. Many Youtube video tutorials are available on how to do this.