An autoharp is a stringed instrument; it typically consists of 36 to 37 strings. It can be used to play a variety of different musical styles, although much autoharp music is described as having bluegrass, folk or hymn elements.

Origins

The autoharp was first manufactured in the United States in 1885, several years after Philadelphia inventor Charles Zimmerman filed a patent on the invention. Although Zimmerman is often considered the "father" of the autoharp, contemporary autoharps most closely resemble the autoharp design of German inventor Karl August Gütter.

Construction

The autoharp consists of strings attached with pins to a hardwood soundboard. The chord bars (also called buttons) are arranged chromatically and and sit over the strings. The player presses the chord bars while strumming, which mutes the strings below to produce the corresponding chord.

Festivals

A number of festivals across the United States cater to autoharp enthusiasts. Festivals--such as the Willamette Valley Autoharp Gathering and the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering--feature both instructional workshops and autoharp performances.

Community

While the autoharp shows up in a wide variety of musical genres, the instrument also has a smaller, more devoted following. Websites--such as Autoharp.org and Autoharpquarterly.com--are geared toward this community of enthusiasts.

Notable Players

Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, June Carter Cash and Maybelle Carter are among the many musicians who have used the autoharp in either studio recordings or live performances.

Source:

The True History of the Autoharp

Oscar Schmidt Autoharp