How to Attach a Strap to Your Autoharp
Here’s a photo essay detailing how I attached a strap to my autoharp.
I’ve seen several sources recommending that the strap knobs be placed in the lower right corner and in the middle high side, as shown in this pic:
My problem with this placement is that the left hand side tends to fall, and I have to support it with my left wrist, which kind of defeats the purpose. I decided to drill some more holes and attach a bunch of strap knobs in order to try out some different setups.
I pre-drilled holes using an electric drill and a 5/64 drillbit. The strap knobs (or buttons) can be bought from any music store — they’re not autoharp-specific. They come with screws, so just screw ‘em in. You want them tight enough to not wiggle, but don’t over-tighten them — you don’t want to split the wood.
After trying out a few different combinations, I settled on keeping the knob at the middle high side, but switching the lower left knob for one on the underside of the middle lower side (location shown, but obviously you can’t see the knob):
Changing the placement of the knobs makes the ‘harp right-side-heavy, so that the autoharp naturally rests at about a 45-degree angle, which I like. Here’s how it looks when I’ve got it on:
Here are close-ups of the knobs themselves:
I wear the ‘harp fairly high and tight — strap length is about a yard, knob-to-knob. Not as cool as the Ramones, of course, who wore their autoharps quite low-slung, but it works alright for me.
Feel free, as always, to leave a comment if you’ve any questions or suggestions.
May 13th, 2008 at 1:29 am
Hello,
Thanks for the info. I’m concerned that the button on the back will not hold the strap in place. Does it ever slip off or do you use a strap lock?
Yours,
George Bogoaian
May 13th, 2008 at 2:16 am
The autoharp pulls down on the strap more than it pulls out, so (so far) it pulls the knob in more snugly. I have to really shove the autoharp outward before it starts feeling like it may slip out.
This may change as the strap loosens up some more (I honestly don’t bother with the strap very often — I usually sit down) — a strap lock may not be a bad idea, now that you mention it.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
your harp is far too low! i am having a lot of trouble with my strap buttons but you will find it is far more ergonomic to have the tip of the harp a couple of inches above your left ear. your wrists will feel better i promise
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:47 pm
You might be right. I’m used to holding it with no strap at all, supporting it with my left wrist, so that’s the height I gravitate toward. I’m still not delighted with any solution so far.