The range is determined by the number of strings and their tuning. Various special models have also been produced, such as diatonic one-, two-, or three-key models, models with fewer or additional chords, and a reverse-strung model (the 43-string, 28-chord Chromaharp Caroler). These are arranged for historical or systemic reasons. Standard models have 12, 15 or 21 chord bars available, providing a selection of major, minor, and dominant seventh chords. They are strung in a semi-chromatic manner which, however, is sometimes modified into either diatonic or fully chromatic scales. Modern autoharps most often have 36 strings, with some examples having as many as 47 strings, and rare 48-string models (such as Orthey Autoharps No. Strings run parallel to the top, between the mounting plate and the tuning pins, and pass under the chord bar assembly. The back of the instrument usually has three wooden, plastic, or rubber "feet", which support the instrument when it is placed backside down on a table top, for playing in the traditional position. The buttons are labeled with the name of the chord produced when that bar is pressed against the strings, and the strings strummed. These bars are mounted on springs, and pressed down with one hand, via buttons mounted to their topside. Directly above the strings, on the lower half of the top, are the chord bars, which are made of plastic, wood, or metal, and support felt or foam pads on the side facing the strings.
RBI AUTOHARP VALUE SERIES
On the edge opposite the top pin-block is either a series of metal pins, or a grooved metal plate, which accepts the lower ends of the strings. A pin-block of multiple laminated layers of wood occupies the top and slanted edges, and serves as a bed for the tuning pins, which resemble those used in pianos and concert zithers. The soundboard generally features a guitar-like sound-hole, and the top may be either solid wood or of laminated construction. The autoharp body is made of wood, and has a generally rectangular shape, with one corner cut off. In litigation with George Orthey, it was held that Oscar Schmidt could only claim ownership of the stylized graphic representation of autoharp, the word itself having come into generic use.
RBI AUTOHARP VALUE CODE
The USPTO registration, however, covers only a “Mark Drawing Code (5) Words, Letters, and/or Numbers in Stylized Form” and has expired. Music Corporation, whose Oscar Schmidt Inc. The word is currently claimed as a trademark by the U.S. As a result, Zimmermann is widely but incorrectly regarded as the inventor of the instrument in its now familiar form.Ī form of the term autoharp in stylized lettering was registered as a trademark in 1926. He labeled them autoharps and included his own name and patent number. In 1885, after returning from a visit to Germany, Zimmermann began production of instruments with the Gütter design. Karl August Gütter of Markneukirchen, Germany, built a model that he called a Volkszither, which was more clearly the prototype of the autoharp in its current form. It is not known if Zimmermann ever produced such instruments commercially.
He called a zither-sized instrument using this mechanism an “autoharp.” Unlike later designs, the instrument shown in the patent was symmetrical, and the damping mechanism engaged with the strings laterally instead of from above. Zimmermann, a German immigrant in Philadelphia, was awarded the patent US 257808 in 1882 for a “Harp” fitted with a mechanism that muted strings selectively during play. in 1896–99 (left is a marxophone, right is a dolceola)Ĭharles F.
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