Autoharp Assistance Requested

Subject: RE: Autoharp Assistance Requested
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 08:43 PM

Then you are having WAY too much fun! (jealous)

~S~

Subject: RE: Autoharp Assistance Requested
From: GUEST,Bill D...sometimes member
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 07:39 PM

I'm showing Dick G & Susan 'alternate' browsers, so don't have my cookie set... (Camsco has a booth at our Mini-festival tomorrow)

Subject: RE: Autoharp Assistance Requested
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 07:17 PM

Bill-- join the damn Mudcat, for cripes sake!

:~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Autoharp Assistance Requested
From: GUEST,Bill D
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 06:50 PM

yep...I play autoharp..., and live close. Now we have 2 reasons to meet.

Subject: RE: Autoharp Assistance Requested
From: Songster Bob
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 01:59 PM

That part about backing out the pins is an important point. Since zither tuning pins work by screwing into the wood, if you just cut the existing string and start from there in tightening the new string, you end up with a pin that goes from 1/2 way in to one that's 3/4 or 7/8 of the way in. Back it out 3 whole turns before putting the new string on. Then you're back where you were when you finish, because you should have 3 turns or so on the pin to prevent breaking the string from metal fatigue.

If you're going to do all the strings, you can back all the pins out to about the same position (use a straight edge to find any outliers). It not only looks nicer when finished, but makes tuning easier -- a pin that's too low is harder to get the tuning wrench onto than one that's the same height as its neighbors.

And, to save yourself trouble, get a good tuning wrench -- one with a star head, not a square one. Look for zither tuning wrenches (or even harpsichord tuners -- they're the same beasts). Those wrenches that come with autoharps are usually pretty bad, and can chew up the tops of your tuning pins.

Bob

Subject: RE: Autoharp Assistance Requested
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 01:53 PM

Suggest you PM BillD to come share his knowledge here.

~S~

Subject: RE: Autoharp Assistance Requested
From: HiHo_Silver
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 01:45 PM

Re Autoharp restringing: There are a number of ways to replace the strings. If replacing a full set, I usually remove the chord bars and springs for ease of access. extreme care must be taken so as not to loose any parts or get the chord bars incorrectly placed or turned end for end in replacement. This method does, however allow you to clean and inspect both the harp and the bars for excessive wear and damage. Tuning pins should be checked and backed out suficiently to allow for mulitiple tunings without bottoming out.
Probably a safer way for the less knowledgeable is to thread each string up under the chord bars individually without removing any parts.

Subject: Autoharp Assistance Requested
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 01:26 PM

I am finally going to restring my autoharp and start to learn to play it. I am planning on going to MLAG. But I would appreciate some help in the mean time with string replacement, and some "up and running" instructions. I am in the "Mary Cliff" area of the world. I seem to recall an autoharp circle that played in the metro DC area some years ago. Anyone? Thanks in advance.