From a maintenance and repair standpoint autoharps come in two body styles, ``A'' and ``B'', which are shaped a little differently and, more importantly, require different strings. The chord bar units also currently come in two styles, 15-bar and 21-bar, and although the construction of the two types of chord bars is different, either set of chord bars can go on either body style.
It should be noted that ``B'' and ``C'' designations in the model numbers do not refer to the body style for purposes of ordering strings. They instead refer to the style of the chord bar unit. When present in the model number, a ``B'' refers to a 12- or 15- bar model (though the 12-bar models are no longer made, they are of similiar construction to the 15-bar models and also carried the ``B'' designation), and a ``C'' refers to a 21-bar model. The absence of either letter in the model number, however, is not instructive. If you already have your autoharp before you, the main point here is that these letter designations will not help you choose your replacement strings.
For purposes of knowing which style strings to purchase and for the evaluation and repair sections of this publication which are body-style specific, the two body styles are as follows:
NOTE: The pins are usually hidden by a cover that is screwed (on older instruments) or hinged (on newer instruments) to the end of the instrument.
The ``A'' Style autoharps are currently being made again. They are the OS-73 models. All of the other current models, including the OS30C ``Attache'' model, are ``B'' style.
Besides the loop-end/ball-end difference between the two styles, there is also a difference in the length of the plain wire between the end of the string and the start point of the windings. The ``B''-style body requires a much shorter length between the end of the string and the start of the winding, and the ``A''-style strings actually have two different lengths of free wire, depending on which row of pins they are intended to be fastened to. For this reason, when ordering single replacement strings it is important to be sure to order the correct string1.
Oscar Schmidt, after a long period of supply problems from their string maker, is now making their own strings. Once they get caught up, we expect the supply to be more steady than it has been in the last few years. La Bella also makes ``B'' style strings for autoharp, and we carry these sets as well (but not in singles, sorry!). They cost twice as much as the Oscar Schmidt set, but are generally always available. Some people have had difficulty installing the La Bella strings because the ball end is slightly larger than the Oscar Smidt version. It may be necessary to unscrew the metal guard plate ("string anchor cover") in order to gain a little more clearance while installing the strings, but this is a simple thing to do. The plate really does nothing more than protect the edge of the channel from possible bumps and bruises.
It should also be noted that La Bella numbers their strings in the opposite order from Oscar Schmidt's numbering. That is, the high C string is number 1 and the low F string is number 36.
In general we have replacement parts for all current Oscar Schmidt autoharps. Most autoharps made since the 1960's can be repaired with these parts, as they have not substantially changed in design over this time period. All of the parts are listed in the catalogue on the autoharp pages.
We do not have parts for older autoharps, nor for Chromaharps or other non Oscar Schmidt instruments. In the case of Chromaharps, Cynthia can special order felts and springs (from Harris-Teller). Some other Chromaharp parts are available from Rhythm Band Instruments, phone (800)-424-4724. We do not have sources for other parts for autoharp and zither family instruments, nor do we have a secret hoard in the repair department. Repairs to these instruments entail improvisation when parts are needed.
Because the market value of older autoharp and zither type instruments is not very high, it is often more convenient and no more expensive to replace an instrument rather than repair it. There are a couple of factors to keep in mind when evaluating whether to salvage an older instrument.
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