Help: Autoharp Models: History

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Bill D
Date: 18 May 14 - 06:23 PM

note... advertised sale prices range from $30 or so to $125 or so. It all depends on who wants it and condition.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Jack Campin
Date: 22 May 16 - 08:54 AM

How do the chord switches on the Erato mechanism work?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antique-Mullers-Auto-Harp-String-Erato-Germany-Made-Ebonised-Travel-Case-1900-/301955244510

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,Bill the cable guy
Date: 08 Feb 18 - 11:16 AM

Hi folks,
I have an old Oscar Schmidt 12 bar, 36 string autoharp. Probably hasn't been played in 40 years or more. 4-digit stamp on the back "6301". Does this indicate being made in 1963? I am considering restringing as all existing are quite corroded. I am in a far north town in North east B.C. Has any one got any hints as to whether it is worth it and how to go about it?

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Feb 18 - 02:06 PM

Bill:

Yes, it was made in 1963.

It's worth restringing if you want to play it and if it is not warped (sight along the top from one side to check) and if it has no cracks.
Also, check the felts under the bars by removing the two plates holding the bars in place and removing the bars one by one. If they're worn a little you can level them with sandpaper but if they're worn a lot they will have to be replaced. Remove the bars very carefully as they are spring loaded so be sure the harp is lying on its back on a level table.

You can buy a new set of strings at any music store but there are two kinds. Your harp has "loop end" strings but to be sure, remove the end cover and look at them. Do they have loops that fit over the little pins sticking out of the harp?

The other type is a "ball end" string that is captured in a metal plate on top of the harp which is visible. If the ends of the strings are not visible they are "loop end".

Replace the strings one by one so as not to change the overall tension too much.

Autoharps are, in general, easy to repair and you do not need a lot of experience or skill so have at it. The harp is only worth about US$40 anyway so you don't have much to lose.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,The Curious Man
Date: 27 Feb 18 - 08:23 AM

Hello!

Seeing how this thread seems to get replies, I was wondering if somebody could help me identify a 'harp that I've recently became a proprietor of.

Here is a picture.

Seems to have no cracks or warps, has a great tone despite dead strings and used felt. Obviously has been played and well taken care of before it was forgotten.

Considering restringing and converting to a 21-chord with new felt, but interested if anyone knows the model and/or any potential issues it may have.

Cheers,
The Curious Man.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 27 Feb 18 - 02:39 PM

Curious:

This is an interesting harp. It has all the characteristics of a Model 15B Berkshire harp including the logo, the rectangular buttons and, especially, the complement of chord bars. Only the Berkshire model included the Eb and F7 chords. These were manufactured from about 1967 to 1978.

But, the way the strings are identified at the bottom (the end away from the tuning pins) is wrong. Nearly all autoharps have some sort scale resembling a piano keyboard at that end or they are entirely unmarked. The individual names of the strings on your harp were only used on special models made for specific customers such as Music Educator's Group (MEG) or Monntgomery Ward (Airline models).

So, this is either some kind of special model that we are not familiar with or it has been modified.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,The Curious Man
Date: 27 Feb 18 - 03:43 PM

Huh! That's pretty interesting.

I've dug around eBay (as well as Reverb and such) and I found a couple of identical models, most sellers who did indicate a model called it a 15BH. Not sure how accurate that is.

Sadly, there are no stickers left on this thing, if there were any, and there isn't a serial number underneath the metal plate either.

I'll likely give it a nice refurbishing job, though.

Thanks for the help!

The Curious Man.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,Guitaro in Lincoln NE
Date: 26 Mar 18 - 05:54 PM

I saw one a couple days ago at a Music shop in Lincoln, NE called Roots Music.
Pretty fine shape.
http://www.rootsmusicshop.com/

I hope this helps you in your search.
Jim O

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST
Date: 19 May 18 - 11:05 AM

I see a reference in here that classifies a Mark Fackeldey autoharp as rare. I have his Mark IV and it's a beauty. It has 18 bars, and a built in pickup. The downside is that it has started to develop a couple cracks on the top and one on the back and, yes, the top is showing signs of sinking. As far as its value goes, what affects it more, its rarity or its condition? Any estimates?