Best Autoharps of 2025
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Autoharps are unique musical instruments that are perfect for those who want to explore new sounds and styles. These instruments are similar to zithers and feature a series of chord bars that allow players to easily create a wide range of sounds. Autoharps are perfect for beginners and experienced musicians alike, as they are easy to learn and offer a lot of creative potential. Whether you're looking to play folk music or experiment with new sounds, an autoharp is a great choice that will provide you with hours of enjoyment.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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9.9
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9.8
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9.6
Top 10 Autoharps
Oscar Schmidt OS15B Autoharp
The Oscar Schmidt OS15B Autoharp is a handcrafted quality instrument that features a rock maple pin block to ensure you are always in tune. With a sunburst gloss finish and 15 chords, this autoharp is a fun and easy-to-play instrument suitable for the whole family. It has a maple body, a rock maple pin block, and a sunburst finish.
Oscar Schmidt 36-String Autoharp
The Oscar Schmidt 36-String Autoharp (OS73CE) is a handcrafted musical instrument with a spruce top and mahogany back. It features a passive electronic pick up and 21 chords, making it a versatile choice for musicians. The black satin finish adds a touch of elegance to its appearance.
Oscar Schmidt OS11021AE Autoharp Bundle
The Oscar Schmidt Autoharp Bundle is designed for music lovers who want to play in various keys effortlessly. Its new chord bar arrangement includes special chords ideal for bluegrass, folk, and traditional tunes, enhancing your playing experience. The autoharp features a solid spruce back and an Ovangkol top, offering excellent sound quality and resonance. With the FT600 Fine Tuning System, you can easily fine-tune your instrument for optimal performance. Additionally, the passive electronic pickup system allows for straightforward amplification, making it convenient for performances.
Oscar Schmidt 36-String Autoharp (OS21CE)
Oscar Schmidt Autoharp is a handcrafted quality musical instrument with a 36-string layout, 21 chords, and a passive electronic pickup. Its ovankol top, solid spruce back, and satin finish make it a visually appealing instrument. The special chords included for bluegrass, folk, old-timey, and traditional music make it versatile and easy to play different genres. The integrated FT600 fine-tuning system is a convenient feature that allows you to adjust the tuning of the strings with ease. With the passive electronic pickup, you can amplify the sound of your Autoharp when playing live shows. Overall, the Oscar Schmidt Autoharp is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players.
Oscar Schmidt Autoharp
The Oscar Schmidt Autoharp features a solid spruce top and a mahogany back, providing a warm and rich sound. With 21 chords, this autoharp is perfect for beginners and experienced players.
Oscar Schmidt OS11021AE Autoharp
The Oscar Schmidt OS11021AE Autoharp in Satin Brown features an Ovankol top and solid spruce back, providing a balanced and full-bodied sound. This autoharp also includes the built-in FT600 Fine Tuning System, making tuning quick and easy, as well as 21 chords for a wide range of playing options.
Oscar Schmidt OS73C Autoharp Bundle
The Oscar Schmidt Autoharp is a beautifully crafted instrument that pays homage to the classic designs of the 1930s. With 21 chords at your fingertips, you can easily create a variety of music styles. Its solid spruce top and mahogany back not only enhance durability but also improve sound quality, giving you a rich tone. The elegant satin black finish adds a touch of sophistication. Plus, you receive a gig bag, tuner, tuning tool, and finger picks, ensuring you have everything you need to start playing right away.
Oscar Schmidt 36-String Autoharp
The Oscar Schmidt 36-String Autoharp (OS11021FNE) is a handcrafted musical instrument that features a flame natural Maple top with a gloss finish, integrated Ft600 fine tuning system, and 21 chords with a built-in pickup. The instrument is high-quality and perfect for musicians who want a full range of chords and a great sound. The fine tuning system allows for precise tuning, while the built-in pickup is useful for amplification in live performances.
Oscar Schmidt 36-String Autoharp
The Oscar Schmidt Autoharp features a beautifully handcrafted design with a solid spruce top and a striking bird's eye maple back, providing not only durability but also a stunning appearance. With 21 chords and a built-in fine tuning system, you can easily achieve the perfect sound to suit your musical style. This acoustic-electric model allows you to connect to an amplifier, giving you the freedom to perform in larger settings. Additionally, its high gloss finish adds an elegant touch while protecting the instrument, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned musicians alike.
Oscar Schmidt OS21CE Autoharp Package
The Oscar Schmidt Autoharp Package is designed for both beginners and experienced players. It comes with a durable gig bag, ensuring your instrument stays protected while you travel. You’ll also receive a True Tune chromatic tuner, making it easy to keep your autoharp perfectly in tune for every performance. The included cable allows you to connect to amplifiers for a richer sound, while the tuning wrench and finger picks enhance your playing experience. This package provides everything you need to start making music right away, offering convenience and quality in one complete set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are autoharps easy to play?
Yes, autoharps are considered easy to play. The player strums the strings with a pick in one hand while the other hand operates button-controlled bars that mute unused strings. This design makes it relatively easy to learn and play the instrument.
2. What is the difference between a dulcimer and an autoharp?
The dulcimer and autoharp are both stringed instruments, but they have distinct differences. The dulcimer produces a sweet and bell-like sound, which can vary from soft to robust. On the other hand, the autoharp has a mellow and chordal sound.
3. What music is autoharp used for?
The autoharp is commonly used in folk music and country and western music. It is also known as the Akkordzither or Volkszither in German. Musicians may position the instrument on a table, on the lap while seated, or against the left shoulder.
4. Is learning the autoharp hard?
No, learning to play the autoharp is relatively easy. Once tuned, beginners can quickly learn to play simple chords and strum along with their singing. Within a few minutes, one can start making pleasant music on the autoharp.
5. Do you have to tune an autoharp?
Yes, it is necessary to tune an autoharp. The strings of an autoharp are made of steel and can stretch over time. If the strings are tightened too much, they may break. It is recommended to tune the autoharp daily before playing to ensure it is properly tuned.
During our autoharp research, we found 24 autoharp products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,532 customer reviews through our big data system to write the autoharps list. We found that most customers choose autoharps with an average price of $527.07.
The autoharps are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of autoharps, including Oscar Schmidt, Instrument Alley. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 727 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.