#Vintage autoharp value series

Specifically, the adjustment made was removing three chords that folk musicians did not use: Ab or A flat, Bb7 or B flat augmented 7th, and Cm or C minor. However, the difference to the Appalachian is this model’s entirely reordered chord arrangement that allows the player to play in every key and even has three distinct chords precisely for bluegrass, folk, old-timey, and traditional music. Probably the most unique model on this list, the OS11021AE Americana autoharp is somewhat similar to the Appalachian in that it is also specific to traditional American or bluegrass music. Special chords for bluegrass/folk music.This 1930s reissue model comes in three variants: What I like about these models is that they have the classic look of the original Oscar Schmidt Autoharp, yet have integrated modern quality improvements to create a more reliable and better sounding instrument! Most modern autoharps use type B strings, but since this model recreates the original vintage versions, it also has most of their features, right down to the strings. An advantage of a mat finish is its tendency to produce a louder sound.

This is very much in contrast to the glossy finish of other models.

#Vintage autoharp value series

The model series has the following features.įirstly, a mat black finish. This particular model is a tribute to the first vintage autoharps introduced in the 1930s. The OS21C comes highly recommended by myself, but also its users and the significant number of positive reviews they share.Īlso, this autoharp comes in two versions, the OS21C being the ordinary acoustic model and an OS21CE, the acoustic/electric counterpart.ĭepending on your preference for acoustic or electric, the Oscar Schmidt OS21C is truly the best autoharp overall in my opinion!Ī single glimpse of the OS73 and you can already tell its uniqueness from the other Oscar Schmidt models. That mechanism is called the rock maple pin block.

It has a mechanism that stops the instrument from getting off-tune too easily and frequently.

The model comes with different exquisite finishes.

It’s one of the most affordable autoharps in the market.

This particular model has the following features: The OS21C is an autoharp model with 21 chords (as its name implies), is the most versatile model in the Oscar Schmidt line, and is currently the most popular. Oscar Schmidt is the largest autoharp manufacturer in the world, which will soon become quite evident in the list I’ve prepared! To do that, you have to understand the different features and aspects that make a particular autoharp a good choice. So, if you are eager to get your first autoharp or looking to make an upgrade, here are the best autoharps currently available… 7 Best Autoharps 2020Īt the end of the day, you want to pick the best autoharp that’s right for you.

A banjo is more challenging to learn and master, whereas a dulcimer is so simple that people say it’s not even an instrument.Įither the way, the autoharp is becoming an increasingly popular instrument, and it’s not hard to see why! I often describe them as small versions of the old harp, as most people know what a harp is!īut the autoharp is one of my favorite instruments currently, it’s unique in that it can promptly play any chord you wish, is compact enough to carry around, and at the same time, allows you to play masterfully in no time.Īutoharps in the musical instrument realm can be placed somewhere in between the two popular folk instruments, a banjo, and a dulcimer. That is a typical reaction I get when I mention autoharps to anyone, especially those who are not familiar with musical instruments or have no background in folk or traditional music.

Okay, I know, it doesn’t quite ring a bell, does it? “Autoharp” may be as alien a word to you as if I’ve spoken in Deutsche or Mandarin.