Strings...

Sorry I have not posted for some time now.
I am having difficulty finding strings for my autoharp, the only strings I can find are 'ball-ended' and I need a loop ended strings, as the bottom of my autoharp has small, rather crude, metal pins for the strings.

Will grommet ended strings be ok? I have been tempted to try.

That or I have found an American website that sells string combs, so I could just modify my autoharp.
(http://www.elderly.com)

Now I have discovered this website I keep looking more and more at their autoharp items...
Looks like I need to save up some money and get on with repairing my instrument.

An Amazing and Rare Parlor Grand by Zimmerman

Upon one of my many eBay treggs I came across this, an amazing example of a Parlor Grand by Zimmerman.
Only a few still exist, mainly owing to the extremely high price tag of $170 in 1890's.

eBay c1895-PARLOR-GRAND-AUTOHARP-ZIMMERMAN
this example is darker than the one I have pictured, but still something to be cherished.






(Image taken from fretlesszithers.com)

Restoration Part I - Deconstruction, Clean & Buff

After the removal of the cord bars I proceeded to remove each string carefully (knowing the strings had been there for some decades with evident rusting). Foolishly I tried to do this using a pair of pliers, with no luck, so I purchased a tuning key for the Autoharp (I found one from Gremlin-Accessories @ Amazon.co.uk as shown in top of picture - right)

After a delicate clean with a mild soap and a lightly dampened cloth.
Buffed with a soft cloth and later a generous layer of furniture wax applied.
Result. A lovely shine and colour revived.