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Help: How to move autoharp button ?

13 Sep 00 - 02:56 PM (#296571)
Subject: How to move autoharp button ?
From: Les B

Just got a new 15-bar autoharp and three blank bars to add some of the missing chords - Em, Bm, & A - I got them all marked and cut, and then discovered that the Em bar has it's white button in the forward position (nearest the hand) and would play better in the back position.

In retrospect, I should have turned the bar around, but too late now. Is there a recommended way to gently pry or heat the button loose and move it back and reglue it to the bar ?


13 Sep 00 - 06:25 PM (#296717)
Subject: RE: Help: How to move autoharp button ?
From: Bill D

2 possibilities...new felt glued to the bar, re-cut and turned around, and simply wedging a sharp chisel under the button and popping it off (may need some sanding) and re-gluing it with epoxy. (IF you try the chisel, lay the bar on its side or, preferably, hold it in a vise and tap away from your hand gently)


13 Sep 00 - 06:56 PM (#296741)
Subject: RE: Help: How to move autoharp button ?
From: GUEST

Just add another button where you need it.


13 Sep 00 - 11:51 PM (#296903)
Subject: RE: Help: How to move autoharp button ?
From: Les B

Bill - I thought of a sharp chisel, too. I'm concerned about part of the bar peeling up, can't tell just what it's made of. This is one of those new Oscar Schmidt's that's made to look like a 1930's model. If the worst comes to pass I can re-order a bar.


14 Sep 00 - 12:06 AM (#296912)
Subject: RE: Help: How to move autoharp button ?
From: harpgirl

Les.B Are you replacing one of the fifteen with your extras? Why can't you just swap two from back to front? Also why not use a solvent if you have to take the button off? Am I missing something here? How have you got the strings tuned? harp