Buying and maintaining an autoharp in the UK is very different from the situation in the USA.
This page tells you about the practical options, and where to find spare parts or
have your autoharp repaired.
"I have an old autoharp with roses on the front. If it looks something like this, the short answer is: "Sorry, not a lot." These 'Rosen' autoharps are not serious musical instruments, and they are definitely not recommended for beginners. As a musical instrument it isn't worth more than about £25... but you may get more for it as a pretty wall-hanging! For more information about 'Rosen' autoharps, download our two-page information sheet from Autoharp Notes. |
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What's best? Where from? How much? Oscar Schmidt? Sonata? Hobgoblin? Second-hand? Ebay?
Download a three-page article reprinted from Autoharp Notes.
We'll also post small ads here from time to time...
You can't buy autoharp spares in UK music shops. For many years the only UK source was Mike Fenton. Since Mike is now spending more time in the USA, Chris Younger has come on board, and also offers a maintenance and repair service.
Supply the full range of new Oscar Schmidt autoharps (to order)
Supply second-hand autoharps (as available)
Supply autoharp spares - strings, felts, springs etc - to install yourself
Supply a wide range of autoharp recordings - including of course his own!
Mike doesn't normally do routine repairs, but we now have someone who does -
Do general repairs and Maintenance, re-stringing, re-felting etc
Supply spares (including some spares for US luthier instruments)
Supply electronic pickups and fine tuners, and install them if you wish . (NB fine tuners are for Oscar Schmidt harps only)
GOOD NEWS re Chord bars -
Good News for lovers of Buck Lumbert Chord bars (and those who’ve lusted after a set of these fine chord bars)
Chris Younger is now stocking complete sets of 21 and 15 bar in maple, (top LH photo). Plus spare felts and springs.
A number of folk have already replaced the standard Oscar Schmidt 21 bar set with Buck’s bars and have been amazed at the improvement in both sound and ease of playing.
I can supply complete sets or supply and install. The 15 bar sets are ideal for the conversion of your spare autoharp to a Diatonic, key or keys of you’re choosing - and I’ll do all the fitting and retuning, if you want me to. These bars will fit on any make of autoharp.
Next time you see a ‘harp with Buck’s chord bars ask to have a play on it, you’ll want a set straight away.
Buck’s great photographs show the complete range, the walnut (bottom LH) looks really good and I can obtain those finishes I don’t stock very quickly.
Contact me at chrisyounger182@btinternet.com
Chris offers special rates for members of UK Autoharps
Alec Anness:
has been making custom built Dulcimers for the last 10 years and is now putting his unique skills, craftsmanship and quality into the manufacture of Autoharps.
Alec Anness Autoharps Designer and Maker of British Chromatic & Diatonic Autoharps
72 Wisbech Raod, Littleport, Ely Cambs CB6 1JJ
Telephone - 01353 863442
E Mail - Alec.anness@homecall.co.uk or at www.alecanness.co.uk
All my harps are made from the finest quarter sawn tone woods including a one piece laminated beech pin block. Soundboards can be made from quarter sawn spruce, mahogany and cedar wood (when available) Harp backs are also made of quarter sawn timbers.
My harps are much lighter in weight than most being built today, this is due to my specially designed frame and bracing. The harp body is jig built with a backwards bend to compensate for string tension. Fine tuners (an essential these days) are specially made by a local engineer. Custom inlay bandings and Boxwood stringing to your specification
Prices start at around £650.00 for the basic model (The Griffin)
A special Polish finish is available (Price on application)
In addition to manufacturing autoharps I now carry a stock of spare parts and provide a restringing and repair service.
Budget Harp. The Griffin Price £650
