What notes are the strings on an autoharp?
The typical autoharp has 36 or 37 strings with a pitch range of 3 octaves plus a fifth interval. For example, the standard chromatic autoharp starts on F for the lowest note and ranges to C at the highest note. The “middle” octave is the principal melody octave around which most arrangements are built.
What kind of strings does an autoharp use?
Type B model strings are the most common. They have a ball ending with a small hole in the ball. These are used on Autoharps with the bridge that is set in the body and Autoharps with Fine Tuning Systems.
Can you use guitar strings on an autoharp?
The autoharp needs a special string set. Guitar strings are very poor substitutes. The wound strings of the bass end are the same type as on a piano, on which only the core wire of a wound string contacts the bridges. A guitar string would hang up and break.
How many strings are on an autoharp?
36 strings
Modern autoharps most often have 36 strings, with some examples having as many as 47 strings, and rare 48-string models (such as Orthey Autoharps No. 136, tuned to G and D major).
Can you buy individual Autoharp strings?
Their strings are widely used by professional players and casual enthusiasts. We offer their full line of single autoharp strings for your convenience. Their model A strings are for autoharps built before 1967….Autoharp Single Strings.
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How do I change the strings on my autoharp?
Clip the curly part of the string off with wire cutters. Using the fine tuner wrench, remove the machine screw holding the ball-end of the string. Be careful to not lose the washer on the machine screw, if it has one. Pull the string out of the fine tuner cam and thread the new string through.
Can you buy individual autoharp strings?
How do I tune my autoharp?
Using the tuning wrench turn the tuning pin counterclockwise to lower the pitch or clockwise to raise the pitch. Only turn the pin a hair at a time, little movements will make a big change in the pitch. After each small turn of the pin, pluck the string to make sure you didn’t go too far.