Best Autoharps of 2026
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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
Top 10 Autoharps
Briskdrop Suzuki OM-108 Omnichord
The Briskdrop Omnichord lets you enjoy music anytime and anywhere thanks to its portable design. You can easily adjust sounds as you play, giving you full control over your music in real time. It comes with a built-in speaker, so you don’t need extra equipment to start playing right away. Plus, there’s a 1/4" line output that allows you to connect the instrument to amplifiers or recording devices, making it simple to share your music with others or record your sessions. This makes the Briskdrop Omnichord a flexible and user-friendly instrument for music lovers.
Suzuki OM-108 Omnichord
The Suzuki Omnichord OM-108 lets you create music wherever you are, making it perfect for spontaneous playing. Its real-time control options give you the power to adjust sounds instantly, helping you shape your music just the way you want. With a built-in speaker, you can easily hear your performance without needing extra equipment, which adds to the convenience. Plus, the 1/4" line out allows you to connect the instrument to amplifiers or recording gear for better sound projection. This combination of features makes the Suzuki Omnichord OM-108 a flexible and user-friendly instrument for musicians on the go.
Oscar Schmidt OS21CQTR Autoharp
The Oscar Schmidt OS21CQTR Autoharp is a handcrafted quality instrument with a maple body and rock maple pin block. The quilted maple top and gloss finish give it a beautiful appearance. With 21 chords, it is perfect for both beginner and advanced players.
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 ASA A-Model Autoharp Strings
The Oscar Schmidt A-Model Strings offer a complete set of 36 stainless steel strings designed specifically for vintage autoharps made before 1967, as well as black re-issue models like OS72B and OS73C. Using stainless steel ensures durability and a bright, clear tone that enhances your playing experience. The full set means you can replace all your autoharp strings at once, saving time and effort. Each string is individually wrapped and clearly labeled, making installation easier and more organized for you. This set is an ideal choice if you want reliable, high-quality strings that fit your vintage or re-issued autoharp perfectly.
Oscar Schmidt OS21C Autoharp
The Oscar Schmidt OS21C Autoharp is a 21-chord classic autoharp that comes with an AC445 padded gig bag for safe and convenient transportation. With its select maple body in a glossy sunburst finish, this autoharp not only looks great but also offers a solid and durable construction. The rock maple pin block ensures strong tuning and the chromatic 21-chord bar with three rows of buttons allows for versatile playing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the OS21C Autoharp is perfect for creating beautiful melodies and harmonies. Plus, with the included gig bag, you can easily take your autoharp with you wherever you go. Enjoy the convenience and portability of the Oscar Schmidt OS21C Autoharp.
Oscar Schmidt ASB Stainless Steel Autoharp Strings
The Oscar Schmidt Autoharp Strings are designed specifically for post-1968 autoharps, featuring Model B ball end strings that make installation easier and more secure on your instrument. With a complete set of 36 strings, you’ll have everything needed to fully restring your autoharp, ensuring consistent sound quality across all notes. These strings are compatible with both 12-bar and 15-bar autoharps, giving you flexibility regardless of your model. Enjoy the clear sound and responsive playability that these strings offer, helping you achieve the tone and feel you want from your autoharp.
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 (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.
Instrument Alley Oscar Schmidt OS73CE Autoharp Bundle
The Instrument Alley OS73CE Autoharp offers a classic experience with modern improvements. It features 21 chords, giving you plenty of options to play different songs easily. The solid spruce top enhances sound quality, making your music louder and clearer. Its rock maple pin block and mahogany back provide durability and a rich tone, so your autoharp will last while sounding great. The black satin finish adds a timeless look, while the built-in pickup lets you amplify your sound for performances or recordings. This autoharp is designed to deliver both style and excellent playability for musicians of all levels.
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 4,235 customer reviews through our big data system to write the autoharps list. We found that most customers choose autoharps with an average price of $580.54.
The autoharps are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of autoharps, including Briskdrop, SUZUKI, Oscar Schmidt, Instrument Alley. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 181 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
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.