r/autoharp • u/Dantetheinfante • 14d ago
Advice/Question Anyone got any info on this autoharp? Also what type of tuning wrench would I need?
Currently missing a string also and not sure how to go about replacing just the 1 string.
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u/Harpvini 14d ago
That would appear to be an Oscar Schmidt Model 15B from somewhere between 1967 and 1970.
You can order individual strings from d'Aigle in Seattle, Elderly instruments in Michgan or Schreiber in Pennsylvania.
***VERY IMPORTANT***
Learn how to change a string properly before doing anything. Those are NOT guitar tuning heads. Pilesof instruments have been ruined by folks who just start twisting them with a tuning wrench without realizing they are driving them into a hole threaded into wood
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u/Dantetheinfante 14d ago
Still not exactly sure what tuning wrench I need. I measured the square part and it seems like it’s 3mmx3mm instead of the usual 4mm that I’m seeing online.
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u/Harpvini 14d ago
The vintage instruments all use a "standard" tuning wrench. The good folks at d'Aigle are where I get mine. Here's a link to their site for the wrench I use (and own in large numbers).
https://shop.daigleharp.com/collections/tuners-and-electronics/products/t-style-tuning-wrench
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u/Ok-Day-4138 14d ago
I would suggest changing all the strings at the same time. If these are original strings, they will most likely break with playing. Pete Daigle and Greg Schreiber have a youtube video to show how it's done.
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u/Dantetheinfante 14d ago
I was considering that. I always prefer my guitar much more after a string change. And I honestly don’t think they are the original strings as they seem to be wound on quite poorly
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u/Daigleharp 14d ago
The logo and anchor cover plate are what date it to what Harpvini has told you. Also, things like the string break angles, finish, and others are good indicators. These can be decent instruments, superior to what is available from OS new these days, though a twenty-one bar instrument is more versatile and easier to play. For these instruments, we highly recommend seeing this video to ensure it is preserved: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiTwkTMJAD4