Name/Title
AutoharpEntry/Object ID
2002.047.1Description
One autoharp with wooden base, wooden pegs and metal tacks holding wire strings at regular intervals; circular hole in center, measuring 2.375 inches in diameter is surrounded by a gold painted border. Narrow end of base has a painted eagle with spread wings standing on a shield of red and gold stripes and stars on a blue background. At widest end, the string pitches (key signatures) are painted on a band of gold along with corresponding string numbers. The chord buttons are missing from the chord bar.Context
The autoharp, sometimes called an autochord, began to appear in the United States in the early 1880's. It is a flat hollow instrument with strings stretched across the top. It tapers on one end and as the strings become longer the pitch lowers. The instrument is in the zither family. Unlike a zither, an autoharp allows you to play a specific chord, and by pushing buttons on a chord bar it mutes all the other strings. It can be played flat on a lap or table, or by leaning it against the shoulder. The musician plucks or strums the strings with a pick or their fingers. One hand strums or picks while the other presses the chord buttons.Collection
Genesee Country Village and MuseumDimensions
Width
15 inDepth
2-3/8 inLength
19-1/2 inDimension Notes
Depth is 2.375 at widest end tapering to 1.5 inches. Width is 15 inches at widest end tapering to 8.5 inches.Material
Wood, Paint, Metal
