On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

Autoharp

Oscar Schmidt American
 John Sebastian

Not on view

This autoharp was used by John Sebastian on many songs by the Lovin’ Spoonful, including the 1965 hits “Do You Believe in Magic” and “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice.” The instrument is strung chromatically. The player strums desired chords by pressing bars that mute the other strings.

Technical Description:
Maple body, metal bridge and tuning pegs; 15 chord bars, pickup system with volume control

Autoharp, Oscar Schmidt, Maple, metal, plastic

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Courtesy of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Autoharp, Oscar Schmidt, Maple, metal, plastic
Autoharp, Oscar Schmidt, Maple, metal, plastic

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