How to Find Your First New or Used Autoharp

by Claudia Meydrech aka happynutritionist
New on Wizzley - 10/1/14 ~ Updated 8/615

Intro Image - Taken by me

The first Autoharp I purchased, with little to no knowledge about what I was doing, I bought on eBay. When it arrived, a few of the tuning pins were loose, which meant that after all the work of tuning the Autoharp, it was out of tune in no time. A good Autoharp with tight pins should hold it's tune for quite a long time. The one I purchased later holds a tune for at least a month if not more. The seller didn't mention the loose pegs, and had I known better, I would have asked before bidding.

I ended up reselling the Autoharp, and was honest about the problem with the pins, suggesting that someone buy it that knew how to fix such things, and it ended up selling for a bit more than I paid for it. It really was a nice instrument and I'm sure someone is enjoying it right now.

A few thoughts if you're considering buying used:

* Look very carefully at the listings...are there strings missing?
* Are the tuning pins tight?
* Are there markings or scratches on the wood?
* Do you like the color of the wood?
* Are all the seams where wood joins wood secure?
* Does it come with a case and any accessories?

Ask all the questions you like, a good seller will be happy to answer them...if no answer, then move on, there are plenty of Autoharps available for sale.

I haven't had to replace strings yet, but know that you can search for individual Autoharp strings, or get a complete set depending upon your needs. Make sure you get strings that will go with your brand of Autoharp, and are in the right chord range if you get them individually. You can click on through the link here and search for your brand or specific Autoharp strings.

Make sure you have a sturdy Autoharp tuning wrench or tuning hammer, whatever term you prefer. It makes turning the tuning pegs and tuning the Autoharp a lot easier.

Many use plastic finger picks on the thumb and metal finger picks all fingers to play the Autoharp.

Other times you may want to use picks on the thumb and two fingers, and there are other variations as well. One of the things about playing an Autoharp is that you develop your own style.

You can learn more about that at Strumming the Autoharp.

Mel Bay books are wonderful for both beginners and experienced Autoharp players, I have all of the books you see here, and there's more if you click through and search using key words "Mel Bay Autoharp".

Also, any song book that has chords written along with the music has potential, you just have to find the songs that have chords that match your Autoharp...and as you become more advanced in knowledge about music, can change the chords to match. I like to play and sing along with praise songs, and love the green and red Maranatha praise books...they are thick books, should be spiral bound, and all have chords written with the music.

This isn't my first page about the Autoharp, I share the story of why I exchanged my former stringed instrument for the Autoharp and much more at Strumming the Autoharp. Stop by and learn more about my personal story there.