[net.music.folk] Information on Autoharps wanted

jak@whuxlm.UUCP (Keegan Joan) (12/05/84)

*****

I am currently looking to buy an autoharp, and would like information
about brands, features, etc.  I was originally looking at Oscar Schmidt (sp?)
AutoHarps, but was told that their prices had gone up and quality down,
perhaps as a result of their no longer being made in the USA (now made in
Japan).  So, I am now considering the ChromaHarp, which is made in Korea,
but is less expensive than the AutoHarp.  Are there other brands to 
consider (especially if they're made in the US).

I am also wondering whether I should get a 15 or 21 bar autoharp.
I realize that the 21 bar will let me play more songs, but is it 
more than I need ( and will it get in my way) as a novice?

Does anyone out there play (or know someone who plays) an autoharp, and can
give me some info?  For folks in NJ, do you know of stores that carry them?
(I have seen the ads that Oscar Schmidt is running for Christmas that give
a list of stores in the NY-NJ-CT area).
If I get a ChromaHarp, I will probably buy it from a place called Elderly
Instruments in Wisconsin, where I can get 1/3 off list.  If anyone in NJ
has one they'd like to sell, let me know too.

Thanks in advance.  Please mail via this machine (whuxlm) !whuxlg!jak.

Joan Keegan
AT&T-Bell Laboratories
(201) 386-3968
...!whuxlm!whuxlg!jak