The first thing Basia Bulat taught about the Autoharp is that “Autoharp” is a brand name of a fretless zither.

“I just say Autoharp” says Bulat.

Hers is an Oscar Schmidt 21 chord OS150FCE Electric Autoharp. It isn’t the only autoharp or similar instrument she has. Bulat has non electrics from the 60s and 70s. She also has a number of the other strange instruments -hybrid mandolins and other strange instruments that appeared at the same time as the autoharp.

“The cool thing about the autoharp and its cousins and sisters, they were invented at the end of the last century, when there were so many mechanical and technical advancements.” she says. “The autoharp survived. It is the easiest to play. You don’t need a huge amount of skill to successfully play a song. It was popular among country and bluegrass musicians. You see Carter Family playing Autoharp and New Carter Family.”

Picking one, like any instrument is personal. There are 15 chord models and 21 chord models and there are even simpler models as well.

“I would recommend starting with a 15 chord one. You can find them used. Basic rules in any acoustic instruments apply: cracks, playability, how it sounds when strumming. “says Bulat.

They are usually the same size so that isn’t an issue. You might want to consider if you are going to play standing or on your lap.

“See if it speaks to you, inspires you.” she says.

But it is also a good idea to notice any cracks or string buzz when you pick out your Autoharp (or fretless Zither).

“String buzz is harder to deal with on an autoharp than a guitar,” says Bulat. “Trying to find someone to repair an autoharp is harder than finding someone to repair a guitar.”

There are a variety of specifics that recommend the Oscar Schmidt 21 Chord electric Bulat owns.

“The thing I like is it has an eq system in the autoharp. I can adjust highs, mids and lows. The pick-up, I can’t remember the exact name, I plug it right in and it causes no problems.”

That said Bulat notes that the Autoharp is not really a touring instrument. She points out that guitars and basses and lutes have been around for a long time and have developed to deal with the rigors of the road.

“Autoharps are made by one or two companies, factory made Like any instrument on the lower end of things and factory made can be hard to deal with.” she says.

She does note that there are now luthiers out there making Autoharps.

“But they're really expensive and finding a used one that's within your price range is the best thing to do when starting out.” says Bulat.

Bulat also sometimes uses an AKG C4111 coil contact mic with other autoharps and acoustic instruments, especially in the studio.

Bulat does not use the Oscar Schmidt 21 chord in the studio.

“ I normally use an older Oscar Schmidt autoharp from the 1970's on my records.” she says.

Basia Bulat is out on tour with fellow Canadians The Acorn, in support of her second album, Heart of My Own, released in January.