When the string is completely slack, use pliers to pull the end of the string out of the hole in the pin and pull the string off the pin. Continue to hold your finger against the string as you turn the peg. Diatonic harps sacrifice a few of those sharps and flats (black keys) in favor of doubling up the most important notes in a particular key. Why You Need To Change Your Strings. On the other hand, there are general-purpose autoharp strings too: the Oscar Schmidt Autoharp String Set can be used with any 12 or 15-bar autoharp, which makes them a versatile option and a good addition to any autoharp player's instrument. Today's autoharps tend to have 36-37 strings and are available as diatonic or chromatic scale models (Autoharp 4). Subject: Autoharp Refurbishment: Oscar Schmidt From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 31 Mar 08 - 02:43 AM I have just acquired (more or less accidentally!) Now we are ready to install the new string. Now you are ready to tune the autoharp. Terms — String Replacement. If the note on your autoharp sounds sharper (higher) than the tuner, lower the string by turning the tuning pin counterclockwise until it matches the tuner. Type B model strings are the most common. I change strings based on how hard it is to tune the autoharp. A sudden release of tension could damage you instrument, not to mention you could put your eye out when the string ends go flying. Most models have either 15 or 21 button/chords. Count the number of turns that you loosen the pin. Adjust by turning counter clockwise (left) to raise the peg or clockwise (right) to lower the peg. Both of those instruments use a .016″ diameter string. When replacing a string that is still on the instrument, hold the string as you loosen it. This is demonstrated on an Oscar Schmidt Educator Series autoharp, but can be used for any type B autoharp. You do not want to step on it! Type A model strings are used on OS73B models, OS73C models and Autoharps that were made before 1967. When changing a full set of strings, set all of the pegs to the same height. Insert the end into the hole on the back side of the tuning pin, then pull the string around the bridge pin and toward the fine tuners. To figure the potential price range for your autoharp, you need to figure out what kind and condition of autoharp you have and then determine what similar autoharps are going for used. The winding on an autoharp string allows a spot of an inch or so on the ball end before the winding begins. The doubled strings create a fuller, more ringing sound, and for playing tunes as o… Thank you for stopping by. Using the fine tuner wrench, remove the machine screw holding the ball-end of the string. This will prevent the new string from getting wrapped around the other strings when you pull it out from under the chord bars. The magnetic pickup consists of a wire coil and a magnet. It's a great instrument for everything from personal enjoyment to large public performances. Hi. Slip the end of the hook through the hole in the tuning peg. As the string becomes taut, check to see that it is aligned across the bridge pin. Now, using the tuning wrench, back the tuning pin out even more by this number of turns. This tension should hold the string in place while you turn the pin and bring the string up to tension. T-tuning Wrench Another essential for the road. Use a tuning wrench to loosen the string. Choosing a Pickup for Your Autoharp Ken Ellis In this article we'll compare the two types of pickups and look at how the placement of a pickup on an autoharp affects the sound you get. Replace the cam and machine screw. Change strings one at a time to minimize the change in total string tension on the autoharp body. With tuning hammer, adjust the tuning peg to a height of 15/16”. Read more. If it is more than 2" to 2-1/4" mark at 2-1/4". Autoharp Strings. If you do break a string, it’s fairly easy to replace. A nice fresh set of strings brightens up the tone and helps it stay in tune longer. Using your pliers, fold this tail back toward the ball and pull the string through the cam so that the ball is seated against the cam. If you play occasionally for your own enjoyment, once every three years might be often enough. I heard of a guy once who could do it in under 40 minutes. Pull the string out of the fine tuner cam and thread the new string through. We carry all 36 strings in both A and B styles. Even when the tuner says your strings are in tune, the chords won't sound right. If you play occasionally for your own enjoyment, once every three years might be often enough. This model uses type B strings which have a ball end. Draw the string across the bridge pin and past the tuning peg but do not thread through the hole yet. Another possibility tho would be a bad spring or one broken tooth on the chord-bar holder, causing the bar to squish across the strings and hit or nearly hit where it should not. Guitar string packs are usually referred to by their thinnest string, e.g. Never cut a string unless it is completely slack. Crossing the rounds on the peg can cause the string to break. If the wire falls to the floor, pick it up. Some like diatonic 'harps, others like chromatic. Attach the ball end of the new string at the base of the autoharp by slipping it into the appropriate groove. In the case that you cannot get a reading, you will need to train your ear a bit. Accessibility, University of Wisconsin Stout, Team 1-3, Schneider-Bateman Spring 2016. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to autoharps. Since strings wear out both from use and the passing of time, the magic rule for beginners is to change strings every 100 hours or 3 months—whichever comes first. When it gets bad enough, it will be very difficult to achieve satisfactory tuning. In this auction a Vintage Oscar Schmidt Silvertone Auto Harp 36 Strings Zither in Case 1970's Music. ). This is an Oscar Schmidt Educator Series Autoharp. Turn counter clockwise (left) to lower the pitch and clockwise (right) to raise pitch. Autoharp Repairs and Service Cost Estimate. Home | Instruments+ | Retail Stores | Register | Resources | Festivals | Pix & Vids | Contact Us, Well, it depends on how much you play. If you perform every week and practice in between, once a year might be appropriate. If you perform every week and practice in between, once a year might be appropriate. Once the hook is in the hole, hold the string firmly against the peg with your index finger. Buying an instrument with 36 strings can be quite intimidating, especially when you’re a newbie. Use the electronic tuner and adjust tension to the correct pitch. The pins are covered with a plastic cover to prevent them from snagging on clothing. Autoharp strings can lose tension or break. Installing the ball or loop end is the first step in replacing the string. The ball end of the string has a little wire tail sticking out. Their model B autoharp strings are primarily for instruments built after 1967. Is there a chart of individual autoharp string sizes so that I could find a similar size guitar string to replace a broken autoharp string? The first calamity you are likely to encounter when playing the autoharp is a broken string. Cut the string so that it goes past the tuning pin by about 1½ to 2 inches. For instance, if you can’t get a reading on the low F string, tune the next F, string 6 on an Oscar Schmidt. Bridge pin - note the groove where the string sits. This will prevent if from snapping and possible causing injury. Then back the pin out 4 complete turns, ending with the hole in the pin pointed at the chord bars. And often times, the 3 most common questions regarding autoharps strings are: WHEN should I replace them? Loosening the tuning peg will prevent stripping the peg when you tighten the new string and you will not be able to keep the string in tune. Modern Oscar Schmidt harps use “B/C strings”. Using the fine tuner wrench, remove the machine screw holding the ball-end of the string. a 36 string 15 bar Oscar Schmidt autoharp. The problem with autoharp strings is that are only available expensive sets. Autoharp Help & Tips. Get Vendio Gallery- Now FREE! Be careful to not lose the washer on the machine screw, if it has one. Make sure the string winds below the hole and the rounds touch but do not cross. I believe effective density is part of the problem with synthetic padding. With the tuning hammer, turn the tuning peg counter clockwise (left) 3-1/2 turns. Use the pliers or your fingers to remove any from the bottom. 12/15/2018 Strings become brittle with use, which causes a string's harmonics to go out of tune with its fundamental frequency (see my article on tuning). This also makes it easier to tune a new string, since the strings next to it will still be pretty much in tune. Old strings sound bad, are difficult to get in tune, and can break unexpectedly. Strings become brittle with use, which causes a string's harmonics to go out of tune with its fundamental frequency (. $30. Pinch the string with your fingers at the tuning pin. Place the tuner nearby and set it to play the lowest note on your autoharp, usually an F. Pluck the F string on the auto harp. (My string is completely missing - both ends are clear.). Use the tuning hammer to turn the tuning peg clockwise (right). Slip a piece of paper between the felts and the strings. Pull the string out of the fine tuner cam and thread the new string through. Then, because the strings come at varying lengths depending on their location on the autoharp, they are at about the right length if you push about one inch through the eye of the tuning pin. Be careful  to not lose the washer on the machine screw, if it has one. Your VL is 18″ which is right between the Autoharp (17.375″) and the Hognose Psaltery (19″). Tuning by ear sucks for me, especially if all 36 strings need tuning. Subtract this number from 4. Heather Fjare - Autoharps for sale, Custom autoharps, Oscar Schmidt autoharps, repairs, parts and accessories for your instrument. You might just want to go ahead and re-string it. Chord cover for 21 chord autoharp: SAC: String anchor cover: SA: String anchor: EPC-A: End … Be sure to pick up any pieces that may have fallen on the floor. Amazon.co.uk: autoharp strings Select Your Cookie Preferences We use cookies and similar tools to enhance your shopping experience, to provide our services, understand how customers use our services so we can make improvements, and display ads. Adjust pitch by turning the tuning hammer in small increments. An autoharp typically has 36 or 37 strings, and an array of sprung dampers called "chord bars" that you force onto the strings by pushing buttons. That is when I change my strings. One could actually sound both a chord and the strings to be damped by quickly pressing and releasing a chord bar. So let’s address these questions right now, starting with… 1. Use the cardboard wedge to hold the string snugly in place while you continue. Using needle-nose pliers, bend the last 3/16 inch of the string at a right angle to the rest of the string. Sure, I'd love to try out a better autoharp, but for right now, Oscar Schmidt is the way to go! Using the needle nose pliers, bend the end of the string into a hook about 1/4" across. The B and c strings are missing. Choose a size and copy the code below to embed this guide as a small widget on your site / forum. Low octave E, wound string with ball end. All of the wound strings have an unwound bit at each end, so you can't use normal strings to replace these - they have to be specially made. Then slip the new string under the felts but on top of the paper. When the two strings are at the same pitch, use your tuner to raise the new string to its specified pitch. I've been playing my OS since I started in 1998, and I love it. Remember the number of complete turns of the tuning pin when you loosened the string? The overall effect is to make the autoharp sound more like a hammered dulcimer. Reply. Complete set of replacement strings for model RB1545, RB1552, or RB1535 auto harps. With a few relatively bizarre exceptions, designs of the second-generation instruments have stayed pretty static sin… Subject: RE: Autoharp buzzing string: how to fix? They are sharp! The string will go around the top of the peg on the long side. Even when the tuner says your strings are in tune, the chords won't sound right. If the string is missing or broken check to see if any remnants remain. Some like homemade autoharps, others can only afford the standard-Oscar Schmidt. When replacing a string that is still on the instrument, hold the string as you loosen it. Whether I needed springs or anything else wouldn't necessarily be obvious until I got into things. d'Aigle Autoharps founded by Pete Daigle is your home for any of your autoharp needs. When the string has enough tension to keep the string wound tight around the pin, pluck the string and its lower neighbor alternately so that you don't overtighten the new string. That's where I am. This guide will demonstrate the steps for replacing a missing or broken string for a type B autoharp. You may wish to dip the end of the machine screw in a light weight oil to lubricate the threads. Oscar Schmidt’s strings for autoharp are available in two versions: model A with an eyelet end and model B with a ball end. Put the tuning wrench on the tuning pin for that string. If the peg is too low, it will strip when installing the new string. I change strings based on how hard it is to tune the autoharp. Choosing a Pickup There are two types of pickups, magnetic and piezo-electric. You can find valuable information about the care and maintenance for your Oscar Schmidt Autoharp here. Measure the length past the tuning peg. You may have to turn the tuning peg a bit to align the hole. Re-String --$50.00 to $100.00 plus strings; Single String -- $5.00 plus string; Replace Felt -- $15.00 per bar; Install Finetuners -- $50.00 to$100.00 plus finetuners; Tuning -- $50.00; Cleaning -- $25.00; PRICING. Now repeat 36 more times and you are done. Don't use pliers or some other tool to turn the tuning pins. Pluck the string while you are doing this to ensure you are rotating the pin in the correct direction. An autoharp is a stringed instrument consisting of a flat, roughly harp-shaped wooden box about 2 feet long and 1 foot wide with many (nowadays usually 36 or 37) wire strings and a number (usually 12, 15 or 21) of spring-loaded cross-bars with felt pads for damping specific strings. With the tuning hammer, turn the tuning peg counter clockwise (left) 3-1/2 turns. The standard autoharp is chromatic, which means that it includes all the 12 notes in an octave (all the black and white keys on a piano). Loosening the tuning peg will prevent stripping the peg when you tighten the new string and you will not be able to keep the string in tune. Any string unintentionally struck, par for playing the autoharp, could also produce noticable sound, spoiling the chord. So it is safe to conclude that a .016″ string will work for your instrument. When it gets bad enough, it will be very difficult to achieve satisfactory tuning. Well, it depends on how much you play. To easily differentiate between the two models, check the tuning pins. A wound guitar string won't fit into the anchor plate slots. If the string is missing, as mine is, loosen the tuning peg before installing the new string. This simply happens, and is unavoidable. Double your traffic. Chromatic tuner with backup AAA batteries I sometimes carry two tuners in case I misplace one. It helps to have the pin’s hole aligned in the proper direction as well. Clip the curly part of the string off with wire cutters. HOW should I replace them? String up your RB1545, RB1522, or RB1535 auto harp with quality ChromAharP Strings. There are two types of strings for autoharps. Something you should know at the outset: designs of the first generation autoharps stayed virtually static from 1900 to 1968. Autoharp strings. Autoharp strings One full package of 36 autoharp strings, plus, some of the more frequent breaking strings like 8G and 9A. From: wysiwyg Date: 16 Dec 03 - 10:05 PM The one I had the bowed bar on was a 2-row, so I am probably not much help. It is because of those designed with chromatic scales that the autoharp is sometimes known as a chromoharp. You need to figure out first what kind of strings you have. Once the #6 string is in tune, pluck both strings … That is when I change my strings. Hold the string taut, run it past the bridge pin and the tuning pin. This Rhythm Band ChromAharP Strings Set gives you high-quality harp strings with brilliant tone that will last for a very long time. Use the pliers to remove any from the tuning peg. Clip the curly part of the string off with wire cutters. Do not let go of the string. Scenario 2: You are designing an instrument and need to know what gauge string to use. The string should be taut. Make a loop with the string and slide it between the strings and chord bar. WHAT string sets should I get? The ends of these "B" strings anchor underneath an aluminum bar, or into a fine tuner at the bottom. Voila. © 2021 iFixit — Licensed under Creative Commons — Privacy — The unwound strings, however, can be replaced with guitar strings of the correct guage. If  you don't remember how far you turned it (you might try turning all the pins the same amount while loosening strings), turn the tuning pin all the way into the body, so that the threads are just visible above the wood top. My low octave E string is missing. Autoharp Strings The autoharp has been embraced by performers such as June Carter Cash, John Sebastian, and Bryan Bowers, among others. Cut excess off with the wire cutter. You are ready to make beautiful music on your autoharp! The autoharp simplified the technique by removing the fretboard and replacing it with a series of "chord bars" that, when depressed, dampen down any strings not relevant to … The first time I did this, it took me 4 hours, so don't get discouraged. These strings have a loop ending that slips over pins in the side of the Autoharp down by the bridge. Anyway, one thing that interested me was the idea of diatonic tunings. The model A autoharp strings are designed for traditional autoharps built before 1967, and the model B set is for modern autoharps built after 1967. You could damage the pin. Sometimes the lower strings just don’t want to be picked up by the tuner. Stretch the string by hand so that it bends around its bridge pin and heads towards its tuning pin. They possess a long-lasting, brilliant tone. A new set is only about $60. Fortunately, that's not hard, and this article gives you the basic tools and examples you need. The bars are a totally different design. The strings seemed shot, so I figured I'd probably wind up replacing those eventually, but those would cost more than the autoharp, so I figured I'd try to get by for now. ''Tuning pegs may be different heights if individual strings have previously been changed.