He engaged in the publishing business in 1882, and continued therein until 1896, when he was involved in selling musical instruments in a small shop in the two-storey repair establishment of the North Hudson Street Railway Company on Palisade Avenue New Jersey. Vintage Silvertone Autoharp by Oscar Schmidt USA 36-String 12-Chord Lap Harp This is an original vintage Silvertone Autoharp by Oscar Schmidt USA 36-String 12-Chord Lap Harp in the original case. of autoharps produced in America consisted of at least three Autoharp Gigbag, Black. Zimmermann's Philadelphia shop which date from the period 1885-88. As Oscar Schmidt's design became the standard, Oscar Schmidt registered the trademark "Autoharp" in 1926. Although the word autoharp was once a trademark of the Oscar Schmidt company, the term has colloquially come to be used for any hand-held, chorded zither, regardless of manufacturer. Within the first three years of production, if not from the SKU: AB … The first line By way of example, here is a Dolgeville No. The Oscar Schmidt musical instrument company has been producing Autoharps for more than 100 years. The autoharp's second home, the Dolgeville factory, was even more productive. abbreviated catalog or if it represented the entire line is not Today's autoharps tend to have 36-37 strings and are available as diatonic or chromatic scale models (Autoharp 4). 2005. SKU: 597-2. Sometime in the 1930s, International Musical Corporation was swallowed by Schmidt. Get the best deal for Vintage Autoharps & Zithers from the largest online selection at eBay.com. It seems that, at first, he tried to combine the two designs by using the shifter bars, but eventually he abandoned his design entirely (History 13). "History, in general, only informs us of what bad government is." It appears that all their instruments were actually made at Oscar Schmidt's Jersey City factory. Plays in 11 keys! In prior electric autoharps from Oscar Schmidt, they used an active pickup to amplify the sound coming out the autoharp before it reached your amplifier. The OS73CE features a passive pickup in the body of the instrument. (Frederick) Menzenhauer, who had a factory in Ferr… (See Guitaro's US Patent #3,237,503, filed with the USPTO on June 17, 1963 and issued March 1, 1966.) D x 6 in. Body Material: Ovangkol and spruce: Chords: 21: Electric: Yes: Pin Block: Rock maple: Warranty: 5 year limited: Case Included: No: String Count: 36: Dimensions: 32.5 in. The True History of the Autoharp. By the turn of the century, Schmidt was supplying most of the more expensive guitars to both the Sears and Montgomery Ward catalogs. Oscar Schmidt has made versions with nicer wood and fine tuners, but those don't come on the used market all that often. Sometime in the 1930s, the company was absorbed by Schmidt (see below). (Menzenhauer was the holder of the original 1894 patent for the chord-zither. The Oscar Schmidt Company was founded in 1871 and manufactures quality stringed instruments like ukulele's, Autoharps®, guitars, banjos and mandolins. Quality, history, and tradition. http://www.fretlesszithers.com/ahhistory.html. grantee was German, the patent was British; it seems likely that an earlier patent was granted in his home country, but as the article explains, it is very unlikely that any record of it will ever be found. In the time from about 1960 to the present, the company has introduced many new models. Besides offering a look at the details of early autoharp features, the page also contains images of the entire first line of autoharps produced in America by C.F. Though extremely productive, the company enjoyed a very short lifespan of only about 6 years. The Autoharp Owner's Manual. $30. From the 1960's to present day, Oscar Schmidt has designed many new models of autoharp and has created or sells many autoharp accessories. Oscar Schmidt registered the trademark Autoharp in 1926, even though he didn't invent the term, and autoharp-like instruments had been produced for over three decades before he got into the business. Dolgeville, NY, For a short time in the late 1920s, autoharps bore the name of the International Musical Corporation of Hoboken, NJ. By the early 1900s, the company had five factories in Europe and a factory on Ferry Street in Jersey City. And for a broader look at the 19th century autoharp, visit the Autoharp Gallery Page. Our Autoharp is the original, with over 100 years of history behind it. In the years from 1882, when the first patent was granted, to about 1885, when production actually began, it seems likely that Zimmermann realized his patent instrument was a failure, that he experimented with trying to improve on it, but that he eventually gave up and began production of the German instrument in unaltered form before some other enterprising American did. This is a demo video for the listing These shifters allow each chord bar to produce more than one chord. Just Horsing Around! | Save This Page, Autoharp History | Bluegrass Music: A History | Autoharp Founded by Oscar and his brother Otto in 1871, the "Otto Schmidt Co." applied for dozens of patents in musical instruments and related equipment. This suggests that Zimermann's experiments with them probably began sometime before the commencement of American autoharp production. Quality. zither-or harp-like instrument outfitted with this gizmo, was Some of the Schmidt "companies" were even named after the particular instrument they produced, such as "The Hawaiian Art Violin Company". Fast & Free shipping on many items! The autoharp is a musical instrument in the chorded zither family. Philadelphia, in This was due mostly to advancements in electric pickups (Autoharp 6). Oscar Schmidt Original What's in a name? Another difference was that Zimmerman's autoharp had a symmetrical design, unlike today's autoharp (History 6). C $406.28 A wide variety to choose from. Quality, history and tradition. On the other hand Oscar Schmidt sells an autoharp pickup which isn't too terrible expensive. SKU: SCHR1A. Schreiber Oscar Schmidt OS73 Reissue Autoharp Set. Oscar Schmidt (1857–1929) was a German immigrant to the United States who was involved in selling musical instruments in Jersey City, New Jersey. Premium woods, quality hardware and modest prices Create an ideal instrument. Oscar Schmidt OS21CQTBL Autoharp This authentic and original autoharp has over 100 years of history behind it. Vintage Oscar Schmidt AutoHarp Model #73.Looks like new, all strings are good The instrument is in good condition with the pads in good shape.There are also picks and a tuning tool included as shown. The article cites the earliest known patent for the instrument now known as the autoharp, a British patent granted to a German inventor. It includes major chords between Ab and A, with additional seventh chords and relative minors. International Musical Corporation, Hoboken, NJ. 6-bar "shifter" model. know it. | Browse our daily deals for even more savings! STALKING THE WILD AUTOHARP This week's tutorial explores two different kinds of tuning pins on OS harps. Zimmermann Co., It's a great time to upgrade your home music studio gear with the largest selection at eBay.com. The instrument known today as the autoharp (auto harp, or chromaharp ) is actually a zither stringed instrument for which the strings do not extend beyond the sounding box (Zither 1). To figure the potential price range for your autoharp, you need to figure out what kind and condition of autoharp you have and then determine what similar autoharps are going for used. Premium woods, quality hardware, and modest prices create an ideal instrument. That company's name was retained in part, and the company names that resulted were "OS-International Corp." and later "OS-International, Inc.". There were also small competitors with just as much right to the name, like the Williams & Sons company in Toronto, Canada. Finally, around the mid to late 1920s, we arrive at the best-known of the autoharp mass-producers, the Oscar Schmidt companies. Zimmermann. catalog shows only these models. I do not know much about these. Home Marketplace d'Aigle Autoharps Oscar Schmidt Autoharps Evo Bluestein Sparrowharp Repair & Customization Help & Information The Autoharp Quarterly. He was born in Saxony, and had migrated to America by 1879, when he started a music publishing company. Original instruction booklet and 2 sets of Childrenâ s Music for Autoharp on thick, durable card stock.Very good condition. In 1968, the electric autoharp was invented by Roger Penney. The … Oscar Schmidt vintage 12 chord autoharp-Jersey City,needs some TLC 5 out of 5 stars 1 product rating 1 product ratings - Oscar Schmidt vintage 12 chord autoharp-Jersey City,needs some TLC Though the date of British patent is not given in the article, it appears by two items within the text to have been granted in 1883 or 1884. The Oscar Schmidt Company was founded in 1871 and incorporated in 1911. It's a great time to upgrade your home music studio gear with the largest selection at eBay.com. Drawing inspiration from the European zither and originating in the 1880s, it has become synonymous with the bluegrass music of Appalachia and renowned for its use by bluegrass pioneers The Carter Family. Great deals on Oscar Schmidt Vintage Autoharps & Zithers. Autoharp by Oscar Schmidt - Homestead Pickin' Parlor (2007-08-10 06.01.51 by kc7fys).jpg 2,304 × 3,072; 1.84 MB Autoharp Illustration (PSF).png 1,982 × 1,100; 631 KB Autoharp … Oscar Schmidt 1930s Reissue Original Design Autoharp OS73C Based on the original 1930s design, this autoharp is a blast from the past. Accessories | Best Sellers The result was the addition of "shifters" to the chord bars. Has 2 l Scored on an autoharp in excellent condition on Craigslist, it does not disappoint. 19, No. improved method for playing a harp". Little is known for certain about Oscar Schmidt himself. Select Post; Deselect Post; Link to Post; Member. Premium woods, quality hardware and modest prices create an ideal instrument. I got mine off of ebay for $ 150. it was made in 1964 . They do so by means of manipulating metal tabs attached to the bars, which cause a separate set of felt blocks to move horizontally, muting and un-muting certain strings. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autoharp. The Dolge productions are recognized for their innovative decals and "functional refinement" (History 15). The body shape is symmetrical, and the felt-bearing Our Price: $369.99 . Posts: 10,316 Likes: 140 Autoharp question May 22, 2009 0:53:48 GMT -5 . Undaunted, Dolge relocated to California, and by the time he published his amazingly informative Pianos and Their Makers in 1911, we find him re-established and for all appearances once again thriving as a piano parts manufacturer. 1893-99. Since Gutter was German, it is likely that he had a patent for his autoharp in his native country, but no records have been found (History 9). H (825.5 mm W x 421.64 mm D x 152.4 mm H) Weight: 12.25lb. Unequaled standards, easy playing comfort, and tone response create the perfect value. It works great. Fast & Free shipping on many items! Oscar Schmidt was born in Germany in 1857 and came to the US at an early age. 2 product ratings - Oscar Schmidt OS73C 1930s Reissue 21 Chord Classic Style Autoharp Satin Finish The competition between Autoharps and Chromaharps became fierce. How To | Email Us | User Agreement | SiteMap What You Probably Have Most used autoharps people ask me about are either: Type A (pre-1968) Oscar Schmidt autoharps in various condition, 15-chord Chromaharps, or - Thomas Jefferson “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde sumgai Administrator Former Fwipper . 4, December, 1963). bars that silence certain strings move horizontally, rather than "Zither." It seems certain that the action of the instrument in Zimmermann’s patent would have been functionally inferior to that of the German instrument. SKU: SCHR1E. 2 3/4 from the 1890s, after proper cleaning and new strings. Schreiber Easy Chord Autoharp String Set. Beginning around 1910, the Phonoharp Company of East Boston began manufacturing the autoharp. Some were generic company names like "Manufacturers Advertising Company". Oscar Schmidt, 36-String Autoharp (OS21CE) Ovangkol and spruce. by Ivan Stiles. However, it appears he was reluctant to totally abandon his horizontal approach to muting strings and that he had also experimented with incorporating the idea into the design of the German instrument as an improvement. However, Schmidt's company didn't rigorously defend their trademark, so the name "autoharp" passed back into common usage. | Customer Satisfaction C.F. This customized OS Autoharp is on sale on ebay at present. For years, we have read that Charles F. Zimmermann of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania invented what we call the autoharp. The company originally produced an instrument patented in 1891 called thePhonoharp, became established later in the 1890s as the producer of the Columbia chord-zither, and in the 1920s produced the Bosstone ukelin. To provide the best performance, it is essential to replace autoharp strings as necessary, and to use an autoharp tuner. $27.99. … Still, Oscar Schmidt autoharps are recognized worldwide as some of the most well-made and attractive autoharps around. Oscar Schmidt's 6-chord "Easychord" instruments was intended for children. Some were partnerships, one of the more notable being "Menzenhauer and Schmidt". An incredible amount of effort lies behind the research that resulted in this concise article. It features a series of chord bars attached to dampers, which, when pressed, mute all of the strings other than those that form the desired chord. It was at the Dolgeville factory that the autoharp first donned its now-familiar cloak of black. The OS73C is the acoustic 21 chord autoharp in the heritage line of autoharps from Oscar Schmidt. History and tradition. She bought it, used, many years ago, in its original chipboard case. 21 Yes. (31 Oct. 2008) 9 Nov. 2008 15 Cord in Original Case Unit is in operational condition. Vintage Silvertone Autoharp by Oscar Schmidt; 15 Chord, 36 strings. The coverage of the autoharp on this page (for that matter, at this site) follows only the direct manufacturing successors of the autoharp's first American producer, C.F. $43. This customized OS Autoharp is on sale on ebay at present. Schreiber Easy Chord Autoharp String Set. Make sure you have the wright wrench! Plug in and be heard!! A wide variety to choose from. vertically (see illustrations in article cited above). SKU: ACOS-GIG. The Philadelphia location had been a productive one; a booklet from around 1889 states that "50,000 have been sold in the first three years following its introduction". Oscar Schmidt guitars fill the gap between expensive top-end guitars made by makers such as Martin, Taylor and Gibson and cheap beginners’ guitars. To see how cookies are used, please review our cookie notice. (5.56kg) Description: The OS21CE is Oscar Shmidt’s best selling autoharp. Premium woods, quality hardware and modest prices create an ideal instrument. Our Autoharp is the original, with over 100 years of history behind it. The company prospered through the early 1920s. Don't forget to check out my music channel to see more of it! This is my Guitaro , what is it ? There are “A” models and “B” models. The Gallery features images of nearly every 19th century model produced, as well as stringing and configuration specs. Other American companies have at least sold autoharps throughout the time since Zimmermann began production, and perhaps some actually manufactured the instruments they sold. Oscar Schmidt MEG 21 Key Autoharp Sunburst Zither w/ Tuning Hammer Pick No Case C $260.51 Autoharp Oscar Schmidt 21 Chords OS11021 Fine Tuners Hard Case READY TO PLAY From the 1960's to present day, Oscar Schmidt has designed many new models of autoharp and has created or sells many autoharp accessories. 2 product ratings - Oscar Schmidt OS73C 1930s Reissue 21 Chord Classic Style Autoharp Satin Finish $43. Otherwise, we have to believe that two such instruments were invented independently of each other and within a couple of years apart in the course of all history. Get the guaranteed best price on Autoharps like the Oscar Schmidt OS-21C Autoharp at Musician's Friend. $43. Trade Innovation. The Oscar Schmidt website offers specifications and prices for their entire current range of Autoharps, from the OS15B at $379.90 to the … Great deals on Oscar Schmidt Vintage Autoharps & Zithers. With a few relatively bizarre exceptions, designs of the second-generation instruments have stayed pretty static sin… beginning, the line included one … Quality, history, and tradition. Schmidt’s “B” models came out in 1968 during the very month that the Chromaharp was introduced – a Japanese-made version of Schmidt’s “A” harp. styles, the 3-, 4-, and 5-bar models with plain bars. Oscar Schmidt is truly the original and only complete source for the Autoharp. *The patent | 21 Chord | Electric | The Oscar Schmidt autoharp is the original, with over 100 years of history behind it. patent differ But if you do, this can yield an instrument much better than most new ones. They made all kinds of stringed instruments: guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, zithers, and Autoharps®. 4-bar model with "shifter" bars, two 5-bar "shifter" models, and a Oscar Schmidt is truly the original and only complete source for the autoharp. vs. Chromaharp. He is also known as Oscar Schmidt in Spain, where he played for Fórum Valladolid for the 1993–94 and 1994–95 seasons, and simply Oscar, or Mão Santa (Holy Hand), in his homeland. Some of the most imaginitive decals ever to adorn autoharps were of Dolgeville birth, and the firm reached the height of functional refinement for the time with the "concert grand" and "parlor grand" models. You indicate your consent to this use by clicking "I Agree" or by continuing to use this site. The OS73CE is the acoustic and electric version of the OS73C. So how do we get from Zimmermann being granted a patent for an instrument that is not the autoharp as we know it (1882) to Zimmermann beginning production of the autoharp as we know it (c. 1885), for which a British patent had been granted to a German inventor in 1883 or 1884? Though Zimmermann's patent predates this one, a couple of points need to be kept in mind: * Zimmermann's 1882 patent did not represent the instrument now known as an autoharp. Oscar Schmidt is truly the original and only complete source for the Autoharp. It is because of those designed with chromatic scales that the autoharp is sometimes known as a chromoharp. This is an authentically reproduced 1930s autoharp by Oscar Schmidt, the original 139 year-old manufacturer of the instrument. The company's name appears on the labels of zithers and most of all ukelins. instrument and more importantly the bar action pictured and described in the There were also small competitors with just as much right to the name, like the Williams & Sons company in Toronto, Canada. Wikipedia. significantly in form from the autoharp as we As Oscar Schmidt's design became the standard, Oscar Schmidt registered the trademark "Autoharp" in 1926. Make sure you have the wright wrench! In 1882, Charles Zimmerman was awarded the US patent, but the design for his instrument was different from today's autoharp (History 6). The sound is thin but the fun is huge! The harp is in excellent condition. Oscar Schmidt OS45C 21 Chord "Appalachian" Autoharp Oscar Schmidt OS45CE 21 Chord Acoustic/Electric Appalachian Autoharp Oscar Schmidt OS21CQTR Quilt Top 21 Chord Autoharp - Translucent Red Oscar Schmidt OS10021 "Centurion" 21 Chord Autoharp Our Price: $369.99 . Dulci-More Folk & Traditional Musicians Public Domain Songbook: Autoharp Edition. SKU: ACOS-GIG. In 1968, the electric autoharp was invented by Roger Penney. With 21 chords, a resonant maple body and rock maple pin block, and the handcrafted quality Oscar Schmidt is known for, it's a solid, affordable autoharp that's built to last. $76. Around 1893, the autoharp factory moved to Dolgeville, New York. Schmidt (and later, his successors) had affiliations with an army of "companies". referred to as an "autoharp". This week, Ellen discusses a vintage Oscar Schmidt Autoharp… Oscar Schmidt was a musical instruments manufacturing company established in 1871 and currently a brand of U.S. Music Corporation, a subsidiary of corporate group JAM Industries. Give Gift; Back to Top; Post by sumgai on … 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. 5 year limited. SKU: SCHR1A. Reply Quote. "Autoharp." The Phonoharp Company also produced the Marxophone and the Celestaphone. Our Autoharp is the original, with over 100 years of history behind it. It's a great time to upgrade your home music studio gear with the largest selection at eBay.com. There were also business activities outside the realm of pin-tuned instruments; Schmidt's company produced guitars, and probably other instruments as well. I’ve been looking for a vintage Oscar Schmidt Autoharp for a while now. Our Price: $369.99 . It is a cross between an Autoharp and a Guitar . The Oscar Schmidt musical instrument company has been producing Autoharps for more than 100 years. Something you should know at the outset: designs of the first generation autoharps stayed virtually static from 1900 to 1968. Oscar Schmidt is the world's biggest autoharp manufacturer, and the OS21C is one of their most popular models. In regards to accessories, attachments, manuals, cords, etc., if it is NOT PICTURED it is NOT INCLUDED in the sale of the item. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zither. For a close-up look at the features of 19th century autoharps, consult the Features Page. In 1893, Zimmerman sold his company to Alfred Dolge (History 14). d'Aigle Autoharps founded by Pete Daigle is your home for any of your autoharp needs. As with any vintage instrument, establishing the value of an old Autoharp can be difficult, but newer models are fairly easy to price. The company originally produced an instrument patented in 1891 called the Phonoharp, became established later in the 1890s as the producer of the Columbia chord-zither, and in the 1920s produced the Bosstone ukelin. Vintage Oscar Schmidt AutoHarp Model #73.Looks like new, all strings are good The instrument is in good condition with the pads in good shape.There are also picks and a tuning tool included as shown. (26 Oct. 2008) 2 Nov. 2008, Autoharps Home | 15 Chord I think it's a piezo, but it doesn't give much information. Schmidt’s real trade innovation came in the early 1920s however, when he began to … Oscar Schmidt registered the trademark Autoharp in 1926, even though he didn't invent the term, and autoharp-like instruments had been produced for over three decades before he got into the business. Oscar Schmidt OS150FCE 21 Chord Electric Appalachian Autoharp Birds eye maple back, abalone rosette Oscar Schmidt OS11021AE "The Americana" 21 Chord Acoustic/Electric Autoharp Oscar Schmidt OS120CNE Adirondak Acoustic/Electric 21 Chord Autoharp Oscar Schmidt OS11021FNE 21 Chord Acoustic/Electric Autoharp Natural (3) 3 product ratings - Oscar Schmidt OS21CE Classic 21-Chord Electric Autoharp, Tobacco Sunburst These instruments were made in A Guitaro is an autoharp constructed to be held like a guitar.. Oscar Schmidt-International, Inc. manufactured the Guitaro in the mid-1960s through the early 70s to take advantage of the guitar's popularity in the folk music revival of that era. Hats off to Ivan for doing the digging and to the Autoharp Quarterly site for making his findings available online. SKU: 597-2. Oscar Daniel Bezerra Schmidt (born February 16, 1958) is a retired Brazilian professional basketball player. Zimmermann, who in 1882 obtained an American Fortunately, that's not hard, and this article gives you the basic tools and examples you need. Oscar Schmidt Original What's in a name? Newer Instruments. (Jersey City of To-Day, 1910) During this time, he was buying guitar zithers from inventor and manufacturer, W.F. Autoharp Button Set for 15-Bar Oscar Schmidt. As a result, 19th century instruments are abundant enough that examples in fine structural, functional, and cosmetic condition are still to be found. Sources: Both the German instrument and the one featured in Zimmermann’s patent are small zither-type instruments which make chords by muting certain strings, and which do so by means of manipulating wooden bars with blocks of felt attached to them. These ‘harps will generally require some refurbishing, so you may want to add $150-$200 to the price you get them for as an estimate of the real cost. So at any given time, there are quite a number of nearly identical instruments on the used market. What the Oscar Schmidt company owns today is actually the Autoharp logo in the fancy script. It appears that sometime in the 1920s, all the manufacturing firms producing zithers, ukelins, and the like (with the exception of the Marx company) folded into Oscar Schmidt companies. | Free shipping on many items! Subject: Autoharp Models: History From: wysiwyg Date: 11 Dec 01 - 01:00 PM A friend has a very nice old Oscar Schmidt autoharp with its original owner's manual and a 1966 copy of the "Many Ways" book volume one. | Factory Visit Autoharp Gigbag, Black. The Autoharp is associated with Oscar Schmidt models. It appears that Zimmermann saw the German instrument before he applied for the 1882 patent. vs. Chromaharp | Differences Between the Autoharps, Autoharp