Original Carter Family Autoharp

Subject: Original Carter Family Autoharp
From: PHJim
Date: 27 Jun 11 - 08:46 PM

I had always understood that Sara played all the Autoharp on the original Carter Family (Sara, Maybelle and A.P.) recordings and Maybelle didn't record any Autoharp till the later incarnations of The Carter Family, but have seen posted on another site that Maybelle played Autoharp when a solo was required. I have a number of recordings of The (original) Carter Family, but none of them seem to have Autoharp solos. Does anyone here know of a recording of The (original) Carter Family with Maybelle playing Autoharp?

Subject: RE: Original Carter Family Autoharp
From: GUEST,Roger Knowles
Date: 28 Jun 11 - 12:40 AM

I used to have an Lp from Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs with Maybelle playing autoharp. Not the answer to you question, but it may be of interest.

Subject: RE: Original Carter Family Autoharp
From: Martha Burns
Date: 28 Jun 11 - 01:11 AM

Jim, you've got it exactly right. In the original Carter Family recordings, Sara played autoharp, and played it in a way that enhanced the rhythm and filled out the sound. Maybelle played guitar, exclusively, and took the instrumental leads.
I'm curious to know what website told a different story.

Subject: RE: Original Carter Family Autoharp
From: Martha Burns
Date: 28 Jun 11 - 02:39 AM

I'm confused, Sess. What's the connection?

Subject: RE: Original Carter Family Autoharp
From: PHJim
Date: 28 Jun 11 - 10:26 AM

Thanks Martha, that's what i had always believed. I just re-read the original thread on the Banjo Hangout and notice that the poster stated ,"I believe that they switched back and forth between guitar and Autoharp," the "I believe" being the significant part of the quote.

Banjo Hangout thread on Maybelle's banjo influence
Sorry, but this link takes you to the end of the thread.