Oscar Schmidt OS45CE Special Edition AutoHarp--OS45CE w/tuner

Invented in 1881 and patented in 1882, the Autoharp has had a remarkable hundred-year history. After being proclaimed the nations favorite musical instrument and then nearly fading into obscurity, the Autoharp has taken its manufactures on an endless roller coaster of ups and downs. As a nineteenth century parlor room favorite, it was finally replaced in popularity by the phonograph. The Autoharp did not die. It retreated to the mountains where it underwent a metamorphosis from a parlor instrument to a folk instrument. From there it came out into our schools to become a classroom feature, and finally has emerged as a popular instrument for the serious musician.

Whether you are an Autoharp player, a student of American folklore, or even a collector of antique musical instruments, you should find the history as well as the instrument itself unique.

An American instrument of American invention.
The Autoharp is one of the few musical instruments that can claim to be truly American in origin. What's in a name? Quality, history and tradition. Our Autoharp is the original, with over 100 years of history behind it. A wide variety to choose from. Oscar Schmidt is truly the original and only complete source for the Autoharp. Premium woods, quality hardware and modest prices create an ideal instrument. Each is inspected and adjusted in the USA by a skilled technician, your assurance for smooth fret ends, precision low action and resonant sound quality. Unequalled standards, easy playing comfort and tone response creates the perfect values.

What is the Fine Tuning System? The fine tuning system does not replace the larger tuners at the top of the autoharp. The fine tuning system is a second set of tuners positioned on the bridge of the autoharp. The fine tuning system is used to make minute adjustments in the pitch of the strings. Once you have the string tuned to the right note, you can use the fine tuning system to get the note exactly in tune.

The pin blocks in many of the finest autoharps consist of hard rock maple for extra strength. The pin blocks are laminated rock maple pin blocks meaning they are specially coated for extra strength. The purpose of the pin block is to firmly hold the tuning pins in place where the strings are attached. The added strength of the laminated rock maple ensures that everything will stay in the right place. Multiple layers of maple laminations are cross-banded using a special high frequency, waterproof gluing process. Reversing the grain direction on each layer of lamination yields incredible strength and the high-frequency waterproof glue seals the laminations protecting the pin block from changes in the relative humidity.

This Special Edition of this model includes a fine tuning system. The Fine Tuning System is a must have for the serious Autoharpist. Keep you harp in tune with this featured system. The fine tuning system is installed in this autoharp, a perfect finish for any professional or perfectionist. Although tuning an autoharp can be difficult, the fine tuning system will help get your instrument right in tune. Saves on price and additional labor costs to have tuner installed at a later time. Solid spruce back is a wonderful finish to this autoharp by adding strength and value. There are many factors that could change your tune. This fine tuning system is for the professional or serious Autoharp player that wants to keep this Autoharp in great playing condition and in accurate tune.

This model features the exclusive Oscar Schmidt active 4 band EQ. Another Oscar schmidt first, this system was created to enable you to change the tone specifically to your liking. This system features volume and battery LED.

This 'harp was designed with the ture player in mind. This is one of the most attractive autoharps out there. The beautiful flower designed sound box creates and elegant look to a classic. From the select spruce top to the maple back, you can be assured that this harp will last. It is built for added strength. The back of the body is made with select maple wood, designed for strength and optimal support. It is a very light-colored hardwood with a very even grain texture.

This 21- chord Autoharp plays in eleven different keys. The traditional button configuration makes it easy to learn and to continue to play for years to come. It is suggested as the ideal bluegrass autoharp.

The only Autoharp to feature the Fine Tuning System and pickup!

Oscar Schmidt OS45CE Special Edition Autoharp