Autoharps

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Dec 98 - 10:45 PM

Alan,

Don't let that Belfast woman scare ya, lad. Go for it. Fair play to ya.

Mick, stirring as hard as I can.

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Anne
Date: 03 Dec 98 - 10:54 PM

Hi: I Was at Winfield this past September and I heard Bryan Bowers playing his Autoharp. He did an amazing and hard-hitting song on Stage 2 during a story-song workshop. It was about a man who went to prison and it was very graphic about prison life. The song goes on to describe how he was about to engage in crime again after his parole, when he discovered music and the music saved him. The music gave him a way to talk about and create change. It was very, very moving actually gut-wrenching. It struck me so hard I can't remember any words or chorus. Does anyone know this song, it was quite long. Thanks. Anne

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: harpgirl
Date: 03 Dec 98 - 11:30 PM

that's probably a story about himself...I believe Bryan did some time down here in Florida. The song I am referring to is recorded on one of his albums, and probably the one you heard. I'll have to get them out to see which one..Bryan is a terrifc performer and one of his great strengths is his flat out honesty... harpgirl

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Alice
Date: 04 Dec 98 - 12:34 AM

Harry O, isn't this amazing?

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: BSeed
Date: 04 Dec 98 - 02:54 AM

Googul, if ya got somethin' ta say, come out and say it; I'm sick of the cryptic crap you've been slingin' my way. By the way: you have my permission to address me as Mr. seed. Keep your b. s. to yourself; you're the specialist in that department. (BTW, lullabyes are intended to be sleep-inducing, i.e., warm and fuzzy. "Turn Around" is warm and fuzzy, and tender and beautiful as well.) --seed

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 04 Dec 98 - 06:22 AM

Anne,

I believe the song you seek is called "Black Dog." And yes, Harpgirl, I think it is autobbiographical. Here is what I remember from Bryan discussing it on stage some 20 years ago.

I think it was in Virginia. Bryan was arrested for possession of marijana. I think he was smoking in the alley outside of a gig. He was convicted and sentenced to jail. The song describes his experience.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: harpgirl
Date: 04 Dec 98 - 01:24 PM

yes Roger, Bryan told me basically that, but said it was in Florida...harpgirl

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: gargoyle
Date: 04 Dec 98 - 11:22 PM

B.S.

My plea is simple....

Read the beginning of the thread and FOLLOW IT!!!

Neither YOUR comments, nor MY recent comments have ANY place within this forum, unless they pertain (in this case auto harps) to the subject at hand....(i.e. Lulabies....don't deal with autoharps and "sweet cuetsy" don't deal with "NOT sweet cuetsy."

Perhaps, "Joe Offer" may choose to serve the better-part of "self-discretion" that you and I, BOTH seem to lack, and delete any diatribe between us.

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 05 Dec 98 - 08:24 PM

So, Harpgirl, do you think he changes the location depending on what area he is in? Or is it just my poor memory (and believe me that's the strongest possibility).

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Dec 98 - 08:43 PM

**autoharpists ducking for cover as the seedy gargoyles hurl extraneous invective over the battlements**

(never a dull thread, huh? *grin*)

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Harry O
Date: 05 Dec 98 - 09:48 PM

Alice, Thank God we're still here. A serious request for help seems to have degenerated into little personal exchanges which have no place in this thread. Can we get back to the subject in hand ? The Gangrene cafe in Ards is surplus to musical requirements. Tughan Crane's shop behind Boot's the chemists were little help. None of the "Folk" music shops in Dublin had ever heard of an Autoharp, and when I enquired about replacing a string in the bass which had broken, I was told that only full sets could be provided - cheapies at £30+ and Goodies at £50+. Not very encouraging !!!

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Stew Schneider
Date: 06 Dec 98 - 08:16 AM

Hi Harry. Maybe I can help with the string issue. First, we need to know the type of harp you have--there are basically 3, A, B or C models. To decide that issue, I need know: 1) how many chord bars do you have; 2) do the strings pass over a bar bridge at the top of the harp (where the tuning pegs are) or do they pass round one of 36 little pins before going to the tuning peg? 3) Is it a Chromaharp or an Oscar Schmidt. Knowing which model you have determines which sort of strings you need. Finding inexpensive strings is a real challenge. The prices you are quoting (although I don't know what the reference to different qualities amounts to--there's only one quality of string that I'm aware of) are pretty close to what you will have to pay. Full sets aren't cheap and no commercial establishment handles partial sets. Maxine is the only Belfast harper I'm aware of, and she doesn't sell strings, but Mike Fenton, in England, can be very helpful on that issue. If you are interested, email me privately at [e-mail] and I will see if I can find his address. Finally, you should look at the FAQ I mentioned in an earlier posting. It contains information on restringing and refelting, as well as discussions of the types of harps and playing techniques.

stew

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Harry O
Date: 06 Dec 98 - 11:27 AM

Thanks, Stew. Will check up on those.

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Dec 98 - 11:48 AM

Harry,

Tell me exactly what you are looking for and I will price them here in the states, at Elderly Instruments. I will get back to you with a price, and if you like, pick them up and post them to you. Let me know.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Harry O
Date: 07 Dec 98 - 09:15 PM

Thanks, Mick, Watch this space. But, I should advise you that I am some K's of miles to the E. of the States. This could pose a problem.

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Dec 98 - 09:26 PM

Well, let's just see how the price plus shipping compares. If it isn't economical, nothing ventured, nothing gained. But if it works for you, then I am happy to help.

Mick

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Harry O
Date: 09 Dec 98 - 09:41 PM

Thanks Mick. I haven't forgotten. Just busy on other things. Watch this space. Harry O

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Jen
Date: 09 Dec 98 - 10:03 PM

Well, all this talk makes me want to get mine out and finally figure out how to play it... Mine is a really nice Oscar Schmidt.

Anyone have any suggestions about zithers? I have two, a mini one and a big one, and almost prefer my little one to my harp... more portable! (And it almost never goes out of tune).

Jen

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Bill D
Date: 09 Dec 98 - 10:07 PM

jen...my wife..(Ferrara, in this forum) plays zither, and is getting pretty good at it..she can tell you a few things...I'll mention this and see what happens...(if you have specific questions, it might be easier)

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Jen
Date: 09 Dec 98 - 11:07 PM

Well, if you don't mind, ask her if there are any books on how to play one, although it doesn't look too difficult. I just really like the portability of my little one, and thought there might be some books without Flats and Sharps(cause the little one doesn't have those notes).

I got mine for pretty cheap, and just thought it would be an interesting instrument to learn(of course, that's what I say with all my instruments...*grin*)

Jen S.

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: harpgirl
Date: 13 Jun 00 - 12:14 AM

rejuvenate for SINSULL

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Jun 00 - 09:10 AM

Read. printed, and saved for reference. Thanks, Harpgirl

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jan 11 - 11:53 PM

Hi, i'm relatively new to autoharp and enjoying the idea that I can play melody and its a very forgiving musical piece of istrument. does anyone know of an autoharp club in Australia
Regards, Jan

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: GUEST,Gayle
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 09:55 PM

Hi Jan. I'm in Perth. Doubt there are any clubs in OZ. Maybe we could start one!

Yesterday I was looking for a carry case for my autoharp and found a tennis raquet case - Babolat brand, is tailor made for the job. I lined the bottom with some high density foam I had from an old floor exercise mat and lined the sides with a strip of the same material. Perfect.
- Gayle

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: Jane of 'ull
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 12:04 PM

I played an autoharp for the first time last week and loved it. It was an Ashbury 21 bar. They retail for around £250 but the person whose harp it was said he picked it up for £150, think it was probably ebay. Today I saw an old zither autoharp in an antique shop for £60, don't know what make it was, it was painted black with a rose design on it. I'd prefer one like the Ashbury though.

Subject: RE: Autoharps
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Dec 12 - 07:38 PM

Its easy...use guitar chords and strum it and sing along.
It is played held under the chin...but I just strum away...have used it to teach kids easy music backing for their voice.