Autoharp OS73B Summary
Seen in the movie A Mighty Wind!
This 15-chord Autoharp plays in seven different keys. The patented chord bar configuration makes it easy to learn and to continue to play for years to come. This beautiful 1930’s reissue is truly a unique instrument.
The classic design distinguishes it from all the rest. A true Oscar Schmidt tradition, this model gives a classic feel to a brand new instrument.
“The Oscar Schmidt OS73C, OS73CE, and OS73B line of autoharps are a throwback to the 1930s. These autoharps have the appearance of older autoharps but feature the contraction of newer models.
The Oscar Schmidt OS73 line of autoharps have been featured in various movies such as A Mighty Wind and Walk The Line. This is a great looking instrument that calls back to the heyday of autoharps.
The OS73 is made from a combination of solid spruce and mahogany. The face of the OS73 autoharp is made from solid spruce and this will provide some great sounds. The backside of this autoharp is made from mahogany. This will help compliment the sounds produced by the autoharp. Mahogany is also a very durable wood. The OS73 line of autoharps also features a satin finish. The satin finish will help create a louder sound as the finish isn’t as thick as a glossy finish.
A couple of unique design features of the OS73 line of autoharps is instead of pin type bridge found on modern type autoharps, the OS73 features a traditional string bridge that the strings rest on. Also to keep with the heritage feel of the OS73 line of autoharps, Oscar Schmidt used “type A” strings. These types of strings were used on the original autoharps. They attach to the instrument using a peg and loop system. On modern-day autoharp, they use “type B” strings. These strings have a ball at the end that fits into a slot on the bottom of the instrument.
The OS73B is the 15 chord autoharp from the OS73 line of autoharps. It features the same construction as the 21 chord version. The chord bars on the OS73B are left uncovered and this is a throwback to the original design to the autoharp. The OS73C is the acoustic 21 chord autoharp in the heritage line of autoharps from Oscar Schmidt. The OS73CE is the acoustic and electric version of the OS73C.
When you purchase an Oscar Schmidt OS73 you will receive an instant $30 rebate on a hardshell case. We are also including a free digital tuner with every purchase of an autoharp. You can also upgrade to the 3 in 1 chromatic tuner with built-in metronome and tone generator.
AutoharpStore.com has everything you need to play your autoharp. We carry a wide range of books that can help you learn to play your instrument. We also stock all the strings and picks that you will need to play your autoharp.
AutoharpStore.com is the premier online retailer of autoharps and autoharp accessories. We have technical support Monday through Friday from 9 am to 7 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, eastern time. You can reach us by phone, live chat, or by email. We look forward to hearing from you.”
Original Design
The OS73B is a beautifully recreated autoharp based on the original design of the 1930s.
This perfectly crafted autoharp features a spruce top with a black matte finished giving the autoharp the ability to produce a much louder sound. It also features a raised bridge that the strings rest upon.
Type A Strings
Because of the classic design of this autoharp, the strings are designed with a ring that goes over the pegs on the pin block.
The Autoharp, like the piano, is a tempered scale, so the same string is used in several chords, even when perfectly in tune in one chord may sound slightly sharp or flat in another. Over time as strings loosen, use fine tuning to tighten so it can reach its limits. The first twang of a string is higher and the tone settles in after a second. Turn the tuner to 442 and attach the clip to the middle peg.
Mahogany Back
The mahogany back gives this autoharp added strength. The solid spruce resists splitting and cracking. The lengthwise grains are straight, close and dense which provide excellent support.
Incredible Strength
The pin blocks in many of the finest autoharps consist of hard rock maple for extra strength. The pin blocks are laminated 10 ply rock maple pin blocks meaning they are specially coated for extra strength. The purpose of the pin block is to firmly hold the tuning pins in place where the strings are attached.
The added strength of the laminated rock maple ensures that everything will stay in the right place. Multiple layers of maple laminations are cross-banded using a special high frequency, waterproof gluing process. Reversing the grain direction on each layer of lamination yields incredible strength and the high-frequency waterproof glue seals the laminations protecting the pin block from changes in the relative humidity.
Product Specs
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Model #
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OS73B 1930s Reissue
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Chords
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15 Chord
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Front Finish
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Solid Spruce / Black Matte Finish
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Back Finish
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Mahogany / Black Matte Finish
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Additional Features
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Type A Style String Anchor
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Warranty
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5 Years
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Note: Autoharps no longer have a built-in tuner (see promotions for tuner deals)
Our products are brand new and are still in the original package. They are stored in our temperature controlled warehouse to prevent any damage or warping. Our first-in first-out inventory system assures that you will receive the newest Autoharp available. We specialize in Oscar Schmidt Autoharps and accessories, so our time and energy are devoted to Autoharps. This allows us to provide our customers with the highest quality service and the best products available.
We are an authorized Oscar Schmidt dealer, so you know that we offer the best products on the market. The AutoHarp Store makes it fast and easy for you to find what you are looking for. With our easy ordering system and same day shipping*, it is easy to order and arrives quickly to your door. In order to cut costs to offer our customers the lowest prices, we do everything online. Although most people would prefer to try out a product before they purchase it, by not having a showroom or storefront, we can offer the lowest prices in the market.
Accessories Included
Tuning Wrench
Assortment of Picks
(Over a $10 value, yours FREE!)
History
“An American instrument of American invention.”
The Autoharp is one of the few musical instruments that can claim to be truly American in origin.
Invented in 1881 and patented in 1882, the Autoharp has had a remarkable hundred-year history. After being proclaimed “the nation’s favorite musical instrument” and then nearly fading into obscurity, the Autoharp has taken its manufactures on an endless roller coaster of ups and downs. As a nineteenth-century parlor room favorite, it was finally replaced in popularity by the phonograph. The Autoharp did not die. It retreated to the mountains where it underwent a metamorphosis from a parlor instrument to a folk instrument. From there it came out into our schools to become a classroom feature and finally has emerged as a popular instrument for the serious musician.
QB ID: OS73B
