Tech: Autoharp Tech Help

Subject: Tech: Autoharp Tech Help
From: drifter
Date: 09 Jan 18 - 09:41 AM

I have an older American made Oscar Schmidt 15 chord autoharp. I bought it used and when it arrived the sound board (top) was bowed in towards the back. If you look across the top over the sound hole it is obvious. There is no sign of gapping around the perimeter of the harp, and no sigh of the top coming unglued from the sides. It is just bowed in towards the \back. The harp still sounds good.
Is this something that needs to be repaired or can it be used as is without a repair bill?
Thanks

Dave

Subject: RE: Tech: Autoharp Tech Help
From: Bill D
Date: 09 Jan 18 - 01:49 PM

Older? Do you mean the black one? There were many issues with the wood in many of the older ones, and bowing & cracks were common. As long as it still plays ok, no real need to 'do' anything, as it would probably cost more than it's worth to correct. I suppose removing the top and adding some sort of extra brace could help, but I'd not even consider it until IT says "help". ?

Subject: RE: Tech: Autoharp Tech Help
From: drifter
Date: 09 Jan 18 - 09:08 PM

hanks for the answer. This is not the black one (though I do have one from the teens) but is an OS15EBH.

Dave

Subject: RE: Tech: Autoharp Tech Help
From: Stanron
Date: 10 Jan 18 - 04:41 AM

If you have such a thing as an 'endoscope', a small camera on the end of a USB cable, you could try looking inside the instrument for partially detached braces. On guitars a sinking front is usually caused by failed braces.

Endoscopes are available on ebay for less than $5. They come with leds which light up whatever is pointed at and plug into a computer USB port.