The autoharp is a popular instrument used in American folk music as well as country and western music. It is a beautiful, stringed instrument that is part of the zither family and is enjoying a bit of a retro comeback. Here we take a look at some of the best autoharps on the market today.
What to Look For in an Autoharp?
Generally speaking, the most popular autoharps have 15 or 21 chords. Advanced players often prefer 21 chords as it provides the most expansive in musical range. Beginners typically start off with 15 chord autoharps although 21 chord autoharps (while slightly heavier) will do just fine. Autoharps with 15 chords are generally easier to play, and make a great choice for starting out.
Like hammered dulcimers, autoharps comes with tuning pegs at the top of the instrument. While the tuning pegs are small, these can easily be adjusted with an Allen wrench or a specific autoharp tuner. Some autoharps come with a built-in pickup, as well as a secondary tuning (or “fine-tuning”) system.
Below we list several popular models by Oscar Schmidt, the world’s biggest autoharp manufacturer. These models are solid, affordable, and built to last.
Let’s take a closer look.
Oscar Schmidt 21-Chord Autoharp (OS21CE)
Another fine quality autoharp from Oscar Schmidt, this 21 chord version comes with a select spruce body design with a gloss sunburst finish. It features a spruce pin block design which you can use to tune the instrument in a precise way.
This model comes with a passive electronic pickup, as well as an integrated fine tuning system. It also comes with 36 nylon strings, not steel strings.
The Oscar Schmidt 21 Chord OS21CE comes with three rows of buttons allowing for access to a quick and smooth chord transmission. The chord bar button layout is the same and includes A, D, G, C, F, Bb, Eb and A Major; E, A, D, G and C Minor; along with B, E, A, D, G, C, F, and Bb Seventh Chords. This model is suitable for advanced players or experienced beginner musicians looking for a bit more range.
With the spruce pin block providing excellent tuning position, you can expect excellent sound and strength of play from this autoharp. While this will play identically to other Oscar Schmidt models, the sound on the OS21CE will be slightly different due to the passive pickup.
The Oscar Schmidt 21 Chord OS21CE autoharp weighs in at 12 pounds, a bit more than the version without the pickup, and comes with a 5 year warranty. This is one of the best autoharps for the money and a great choice for the beginner.
Also available in gorgeous Trans Blue and Deep Cherry Red.
Comments from Buyers:
- “The sounds are beautiful and easy to play. I would highly recommend this autoharp.”
- “Absolutely beautiful workmanship.”
- “Great sound & stays in tune. I’d say the finish is slightly more red than in the pictures, but its very attractive you can tell attention was paid to every detail. Also recommend getting a hard case if you can.”
Oscar Schmidt 12-Chord Autoharp Limited Edition (OS11021FNE)
Another relatively inexpensive autoharp, the Oscar Schmidt Limited Edition is a beautiful 21-chord autoharp, and one the manufacturer’s best sellers. It comes with a select maple body design with a gloss sunburst finish, as well as 36 steel strings. It features a rock maple pin block design which you can use to tune the instrument in a precise way.
With regard to play and sound projection, all of the chords perform superbly. It comes with three rows of buttons allowing for access to a quick and smooth chord transmission. The chord bar button layout includes A, D, G, C, F, Bb, Eb and A Major; E, A, D, G and C Minor; along with B, E, A, D, G, C, F, and Bb Seventh Chords. With 21 chords, this model is suitable for advanced players or experienced beginner musicians looking for a bit more range.
With the rock maple pin block providing excellent tuning position, you can expect excellent sound and strength of play from this autoharp. The Oscar Schmidt 21-Chord Limited Edition autoharp weighs in at 9.65 pounds and comes with a 5 year warranty.
Comments from Buyers:
- “For anyone looking to play professionally or just for fun, the Oscar Schmidt 21-chord is the best all-around instrument I could find. I highly recommend it.”
- “I had surgery on my wrist and I couldn’t play my guitar anymore. But I can play this, and it sounds wonderful! Wish I purchased one sooner.”
Oscar Schmidt 12-Chord Autoharp Classic (OS73CE)
The Oscar Schmidt 21-Chord Autoharp (OS73CE) is beautiful instrument, with near perfect ratings on Amazon. The instrument has a mahogany body with a mahogany top, finished in black satin. Like the other offerings reviewed here, this instrument features 36 strings and can play 21 chords.
The OS73CE also features a passive pickup. The nice thing about a passive pickups is there is no need for a power source and passive pickups will give you a more organic sound. The OS73CE also comes with steel strings and weights in at 10 pounds.
This is a beautiful instrument with many positive reviews. It is also one of the best autoharps on the market that we’ve reviewed.
Comments from Buyers:
- “Wow, how I love this instrument! Awesome sound, and absolutely gorgeous.“
- “I am so glad I got the model with the electric pick up. Plugs right in to my electronic tuner.”
- “Overall this autoharp is very high quality, with a nice finish. Oscar Schmidt’s a great company – should last a lifetime.”
Final Thoughts
We hope that this article has helped inform you about autoharps and what options are available on the market. They are a great option for beginning musicians – young or old. Autoharps are a lot of fun and easy to play, so why not try one out?
Interested in learning more about the autoharp? Check out our post that gives a good introduction to this unique instrument.
