Help: Autoharp Models: History

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?

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,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: 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 - 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: 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,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: 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: 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: Bill D
Date: 18 May 14 - 12:42 PM

Nothing made by Schmidt will solve your financial worries. That model was made in large numbers, and if in decent condition would be a nice thing to play. I have 2 similar examples that I've played for 35-40 years, and no one tries to buy them from me. I prefer the 21 bar type, but some like having several 15 bar types and setting each one up for different keys.

Play it... or sell it, but don't expect to get rich

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,John
Date: 18 May 14 - 11:13 AM

We have an Oscar Schmidt 15 EBH autoharp. I am trying to find out it's age. We have had it about 30 years. When looking online I see a lot of 15 EBH/R. What's the difference? Distinctive markings on ours are: (1) a white logo in a parallelogram with "Autoharp"/"By Oscar Schmidt"; (2) below the chords, the string tone and octave lettering is in white right on the wood background; (3) the wood is a straight maple color without any embellishments; (4) all metal parts are silver toned bright work; (5) no model designation can be seen through the sound hole. So when was it made? Is it a cheap one or something we can send a kid through Harvard Medical School?

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,Guest, Marshall
Date: 25 Feb 14 - 11:46 AM

I am looking at an autoharp for my wife who now plays dulcimer in DAA and DAD I play clawhammer banjo mostly in G, C, some D, and occasionally A. The harp is older but only played about an hour when originally bought some years ago The seller thinks it's a model OS 15EBH/R. Reported to have no delaminatiom, semi-hard case, tuning wrench. I suspect is was US made. I see new ones (Foreign) one in the range of $300 to $245, and used ones from $38 (Goodwill) to $190 asked. One reference on Mudcat suggested $110, assuming no case or shipping. Any guidance will be appreciated.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,Olivia
Date: 17 Aug 13 - 07:26 PM

Hi all,

I recently bought a 15 chord, 36 string Oscar Schmidt autoharp. It has "BH 159" engraved in the wood at the bottom. I know it's a B Model, but is 159 the serial number?

Thanks,

Olivia

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 09:35 PM

re: fine tuners. Those take a LOT of care installing and fitting. I sort of understand why some folk..(mostly pro performers) would like them, but I have always felt that the right wrench and a digital tuner are enough if it is tuned often. (The right wrench means a close fitting 8-point T-handle.)

(The better felt I got from a gasket company years ago... from their scrap bin... it was gray with a red center stripe and was thick enough it needed to be shaved slightly for the 4 large bass strings. It has shown almost NO wear.)

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 08:01 PM

It did have other chord bars, but it was changed back and the others were sold separately. The seller gave me an E maj button and bar. I am sure you understand what I was talking about when I said that I could feel that they had been tuned diatonically. It feels the same as it does when you have a dulcimer or a guitar tuned up differently and try to go back to the original tuning.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: PHJim
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 07:05 PM

GUEST,I hope this thread is not dead yet..,
   
   If your 'harp was once tuned to a diatonic scale, then the chord bars would have been re-felted to accommodate the new tuning. Unless your chord bars have been changed back to a chromatic arrangement, they will not work with a chromatic tuning.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,I hope this thread is not dead yet...
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 07:03 PM

Well, I guess it only shows 4 pictures there. If you scroll down on the original EBAY posting that I put up, you will be able to see all 12. Click on any of them for larger pictures.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,I hope this thread is not dead yet...
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 07:00 PM

BTW here are some better pictures (Notice that there are 12).

Auto Harp Pictures

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,I hope this thread is not dead yet...
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 06:57 PM

Thank Bill,
Do you have any idea if I can get fine tuners for this model? That is the basic gist of why I wanted it.

As for the felt, I actually agree completely. I was just fiddling with this instrument (I play all kinds of strings, but had never played an autoharp before) and looked at the felt to check its condition. The felt is white, like you said, and even though I can tell is has rarely been used, I felt like I was having to press the buttons too hard.

Call me touchy or ignorant about autoharps, but the felt just seems a little too soft.

I know that this is not for me, but for my wife, but I actually think it is a really run instrument. Very easy to pick up (not literally, because it is actually a LOT heavier than I thought it would be). ;0)

After only about a hour or two of playing, I'm already thinking about changing the bars or even replacing them with a different type. Is that possible? I really love the easiness of the instrument, but the "feel" of the bars/buttons is really cramped.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 06:02 PM

From the small picture,it looks as good as the same model I have been playing since 1978 or so. It is a 21 bar 'harp, which gives a lot of freedom in keys to play in.. (I re-cut the Bb⁷ to make an Emaj chord, and moved the bars all around to what *I* considered comfortable.)

I also replaced the white felt with a stiffer type, but that is a separate issue.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,I hope this thread is not dead yet...
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 05:11 PM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pre-Owned-Oscar-Schmidt-36-String-Autoharp-with-Case-No-Reserve-/380671966059?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:31

Link to the ebay listing. I hope it was a good deal. ;0)

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,I Hope this thread is not dead yet...
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 05:09 PM

I just bought this OS autoharp on ebay for my wife a few days ago and it arrived today. After opening it up, I was surprised that it was as old as it is. It is in absolute wonderful condition. The strings were loosened while it was in storage and retuning it, I could feel that it had been tuned on a C (higher strings) and G (lower strings) diatonic scale. The strings want to go back to their old tuning. I tuned it chromatically, but it will probably need a new set of strings (anyone know a place to get inexpensive strings?)
Anyway, it came with a booklet that has the date August 1, 1982 in it. So I know that it is at least 30 years old. No discernible wear, cracks, or rust at all. It all looks brand new and came with a sort of flimsy hard case. It onviously spent most of its life in the case. It also came with an extra felt bar and an E major button. I suppose they belong together.
Here is a link to the ebay listing:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pre-Owned-Oscar-Schmidt-36-String-Autoharp-with-Case-No-Reserve-/380671966059?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160


I would really like to know what model it is. I know that it is a model C from the chord buttons, but nothing else. It looks like it might be maple, but I am not really good with woods other than those commonly found in hardwood floors. Any help identifying it would be much appreciated. I am thinking about getting a fine tuning set put on it.

Thanks,
Ryan

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 20 Mar 13 - 11:07 PM

cool, frank.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Stringsinger
Date: 20 Mar 13 - 11:23 AM

The autoharp that I played on for the Walton's Theme and for the other score Jerry Goldsmith used for the Walton's pilot, a Christmas special called "The Homecoming" was a fifteen bar (Eb,D,F7,Gm,Bb,A7,C7,Dm,F,E7,G7,Am,C,D7,G) with rounded corners and a slight round indentation for holding it on your knee or forearm.

I also played this harp on a movie called "The Wild Rovers" and it was featured in the intermission part of the movie (on DVD).

It may be one of the few times this instrument was featured with a full orchestra on a movie score.

I sweated out the tuning by placing the wrench on the tuning pegs and retuned constantly while the orchestra was tuning up but it held its tuning well.

Jerry's daughter played it on subsequent episodes of the Waltons. She was a folklore student (I think at Oberlin).

I played dulcimer on "The Homecoming" also. .

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 19 Mar 13 - 11:16 PM

As I recall the first Chromaharp I ever saw was made by Sekova, Korean I think. That would have been about 1969 or 70. Sekova was a company who ran or bought from a box shop that made all manner of knock offs. I recall a Sekova Beatles Bass (Hofner Copy)

Don

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,Nigel
Date: 19 Mar 13 - 07:23 PM

Hi - I'm in the Uk, where, as we all know, it's hard to find an Autoharp.....

I have been doing some research & I am confused about the lineage of ChromAharP as a brand/logo, to suggest potential quality.

Some references suggest that ChromAharP was a Japanese maker of decent quality products ( back in the day ?) but many 'harps, bearing ChromAharP labels are credited to other, arguably 'low end' brands ?

Have other makers 'borrowed' the ChromAharP 'logo' & simply applied it to their products ? or are they made under licence ? A search of Ebay in the U.S. of ChromAharP shows the variety of producers.
regards,
N

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 08:02 PM

Well... that split in the top doesn't look to me like it would render the entire instrument useless.... but it might be a good reason to lower the price quite a bit, so as to mess with it. Much worse cracks can be fixed or disguised...

This doesn't mean I recommend buying it... I just wouldn't toss it out if *I* had it.. ( I some some woodworking and would try to save it)

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 07:16 PM

This is a "Golden Autoharp" manufactured by Oscar Schmidt expressly for The National Autoharp Sales Company which marketed them mainly to school teachers between about 1950 and 1963. The serial number, 5317, indicates that it was manufactured in the 17th week of 1953.

As Don pointed out, there is a visible split in the top which makes this instrument useful for spare parts or for kindling.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 03:46 PM

It appears to have a split in the top and it is missing the string end pin cover. And you can't tell if the felts are intact or badly worn.

I think this harp is rare in some places and not so much in others. I'm not a fan of the golf tee buttons. I prefer the trapezoids on the Harps made after 1968 or so. Easier on the fingers.

Don

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Jan 13 - 01:09 PM

A bit late.. but I have to say that I have one of that exact model of 'harp, and it plays & sounds very well! One can never be sure just from a picture, but that picture is of an instrument that LOOKS ok.

(I bought mine from a friend who was reputable dealer 20 years ago for almost that exact price) I don't play it regularly, but it tunes up pretty well and has that 'old' twangy sound that some favor. If the strings are still good, it 'might' be a decent buy.

So.. all I can say is- that model was decently built... if there is a return policy, it might be worth a try.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,harpgirl
Date: 22 Jan 13 - 11:43 PM

I would say no it is not worth the asking price or any price if you want to. get a playable autoharp. Rare autoharps are those made by luthiers who arenow deceased such as Mark Fackeldey. This autoharp is not rare.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Uncle Tone
Date: 22 Jan 13 - 04:51 AM

What the image can't tell you is if the body bows when the strings are tightened. If it does, then hang it on the wall. That'll be the only thing you can do with it.

I honestly wouldn't buy an old autoharp through eBay unless I can handle it and try it first, if I wanted to play it.

Tone
Autoharp twanger

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,Raina McKenna
Date: 21 Jan 13 - 11:33 PM

Would anyone that has some knowledge of Autoharps please take a look at this autoharp that is listed on eBay for me?

eBay item number#         
290845156776


http://www.ebay.com/itm/290845156776?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

It is listed as an antique and vintage. It caught my eye and I want to know if there is a way to trace the serial numbers etc. Is it worth the asking price?

Thank You for any help that you can provide. There are quite a few pictures on the listing. It is a "The New Golden Autoharp" with a Serial Number of 5317 (Are the Serial Numbers sequential?) Would that make the autoharp kind of rare? I mean would a number 5five thousand three hundred seventeen be rare if there were say twenty thousand made for instance?
Thank You for taking the time to consider my questions.
Raina

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,Carolyn
Date: 30 Dec 12 - 11:05 PM

I recently got a 15 chord Oscar Schmidt autoharp model number OS-15BB.The inside label says serial number 880086, 1879-1979. Outside it has a little gold sticker saying made in Korea. What year do you think this was made and what part was made in Korea? Also, if I tighten the black bar screws over the lower sounding strings it does deaden/block the last two strings from ringing. Should I leave the screws (the ones holding the chord bars in)a little untightened? It plays well this way but it is loose!! Thanks

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 01 Jun 12 - 01:03 AM

Sounds like you have an early 1963 Oscar Schmidt autoharp. If we're right it will have a sound hole (discontinued in 1964), the "scroll" logo decal (switched to the "trapezoid" logo in 1964), 36 strings and 12 bars.

How did we do?

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 31 May 12 - 08:16 PM

Leon hi...
What kind of autoharp do you have? Is it an Oscar Schmidt, a Chromaharp, or some other maker? How many chord bars? What color is it? How many strings? With this information we might be able to help you find out more. A photo would be great!
harpgirl

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Green Man
Date: 31 May 12 - 05:03 AM

My wife was a very good harper and I play guitar and a melodeon. The melodeon and tha autoharp compliment each other really well and produce a glorious sound.

My melodeon does not smell either.

GM

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,leon van egmond
Date: 30 May 12 - 06:32 PM

I just bought an old autoharp,serial number6320, is there some kind of database,where I can look up the model and find out when it was manufactured?

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 13 Feb 12 - 10:58 PM

Kimmy:

What is shown in the picture on eBay is an Oscar Schmidt Model 15. That particular logo was used from late 1964 to mid 1967 so that should date it pretty close. During that period, OS made a whole series of 15-bar harps including the 15B, 15EB, 15BH, 15EBH, 15C and 15EBH/R. They all looked similar but had subtle differences. The Model 15EB had no sound hole and it had two different sets of chord bars available, the Newport and the Berkshire. The cord sequence you described is the Newport version.

So, our guess is that you have a mid-sixties OS Model 15EB Newport.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,Kimmy
Date: 13 Feb 12 - 05:05 PM

I need a little bit of help figuring out exactly what it is I own. I have an OS autoharp, 36 string, 15 chord. I bought it a few years ago at a junk shop for $20. It came with a blue lined autoharp shaped (not rectangular) case, and the Mother Maybelle records. I have looked under the silver plate at the bottom when I was replacing strings, and didn't find anything to indicate model or a serial number.

The body of the harp is exactly like this one on ebay. What confuses me is the chords on the harp. I really love that when you look right up close, the little knots all over remind me of birds eye maple. It has the same chord bars as the one from ebay, but the chords left to right are: G min, B flat major, A7, C7, D min, F, E7, G7, A min, C, D7, G, C dim, C# dim, D dim. I love the rich sound of this harp, but I find I play my Chromaharp more because the chords seem to work out better for playing in a group.

What I am hoping to find out is how old is this harp? Why isn't there a sounding hole? And is this harp worth getting a 21 chord set for?

Thank you all in advance!
--Kimmy

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: Bill D
Date: 16 May 11 - 10:14 PM

You need to use Google... I never heard of a Judy harp, but here is one

Picture here

It's just a small zither-like thing with no frets. Tuning is done with some sort of wrench at the top end...not a standard autoharp wrench, but larger hex wrench. (There is one pic there that shows the top)

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST
Date: 16 May 11 - 07:07 PM

What is the Judy Harp? How do you tune it? What do you tune it to?

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 05:45 PM

I have recently purchased "The Jewel" Chromaharp from a swap meet in San Diego, it is in practically perfect condition, looks brand new. My wife got it because she is interested in learning to play the autoharp. Since this particular harp is unique we think it might be best to sell it and get her a more typical one. Does anyone know roughly what the value of this "the Jewel" is and where would be the best place to sell or swap it? or any information at all would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, -Clay Worrell
oh, and my email address is [e-mail]. thanks again

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: jtafaro
Date: 17 Oct 10 - 12:55 PM

I just boucht a Classic OS C/R on ebay for 127 USD. It has a brown chord bar cover but no label. The paperwork that came with it included three price lists from OS dated 1980 to 1982. It is very clean and after cleaning it up and replacing two missing strings it sounds pretty good. The more I play it the more it opens up and the better it sounds. I don't know if the back and top is solid or lainated but I think they might be solid wood and it may have been made in the USA. One day soon I am going to replace the strings and one or two chord bars that I don't use but for now it sounds OK and really stays in tune. I don't have a problem tuning it with the T wrence and an electronic tuner. I doesn't have fine tuners. I play the fiddle and Uke and tuning is not anything new to me. I would like to know it this is an early 1980's harp. When did OS send the manufacturing over seas. I know ukes and mandolins went from here to Japan to Korea and now is done in China. Some of those are realy great.

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: DADGBE
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 06:52 PM

Hi Amy,

What color and shape are the buttons?

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Aug 10 - 05:48 PM

I have an autoharp that is black 36 strings, 15 chords. It has a trapezoid symbol under the strings with the words Autoharp by Oscar Schmidt. Any idea of its age?
Thanks!
Amy
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 10:50 PM

Generally speaking, you should be able to get a standard autoharp string set from almost any good music shop - they may have to buy them in. If not, they are readily available on the net.

There are two main types, you need to check what style of end is on the strings (other end from the tuners) - more info is readily available about autoharps on here. See links to other threads listed at top of this thread.

Subject: RE: Help: Auto harp Models: History
From: GUEST,samphire
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 12:47 PM

Hi I have an old Muller 26 string, 6 bar Auto harp I picked up in a junk shop, its a bit knocked about but mechanically seems to work fine. Unfortunately half the strings are missing and those that remain are very rusty. Can anyone tell me anything about this beast and also where I could buy replacement strings for it?

Thanks in advance samphire

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,DJ
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 02:47 PM

I have a 10 chord autoharp with no name or numbers on it anywhere to be found. I would like to know if anyone knows who the maker might be and roughly its age.It has four sided square tunning pegs and has 31 strings. If you could e-mail me at [e-mail] I would be able to send a photo of it. I have been to numerous sites, but can not find this model anywhere. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

Regards & thank you
DJ

Subject: RE: Help: Autoharp Models: History
From: GUEST,jay kaplan
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 11:43 AM

I found an autoharp- oscar schmidt 21 chord model at a thrift store for 40.00 and need to know if there is a serial # or a way to date it. Also I would like to sell or trade it for a guitar for my son as he is more interested in a guitar than an autoharp at 12 yrs old.