HI

I bought my first Autoharp in 1960 at an auction - a simply three bar job (to which I added 2 more bars for the minor chords)and enjoyed playing it over the years in several Folk Groups. I have several others now including a couple of electric autoharps (Omnichord by Susuki).

Now to the thread, When I first started (and still do) I played it resting on a table - for several reasons

- It had ball feet on it.
- It was of the same family as a Lap Harp (played on the knee)
- The table amplified the sound.
- it made sense to me.

I even made a case to carry it that turned into a table/sound box for playing at gigs.

During the mid 60's I played on the same bill as Peggy Seeger and got into a discussion about how the instrument should be played - me on by box (not a soap box I may add) and her against her chest (cross handed to me,), I should add the discussion went on some time and led to some music etc. and we parted on friendly terms.

So where does on play a Autoharp?

I have noticed a lot of 'new' autoharps have less space to the right of the keys making my style impossible to use. But also an old picture of the Carter Family shows the Autoharp being played in my Style.

I know it doesn't really matter how you make music as long as you make it but I would like to find out how the two styles evolved and which people prefer and why.

Take care - sing and play well,

Pete (Clansfolk) - email: clansfolk@ovation.net