Bob Briehl, the autoharp man in Canada

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After ferrying Catherine around for another exciting adventure in LibraryQuest, we took my autoharps to Appalachian Instruments in Oakville for a repair. I have half expecting Bob to declare at least one of them a junker, but apparently they’re more than salvageable. Indeed, the older Type A is apparently a rather nice 1950s wood-bar black felt Silvertone, and the Type B, despite the warped top, is a good little player except for a couple of weak springs. Bob’s busy repairing and generally refurbing them, and we should get them back in a week or two. Should we form an autoharp folk duo?

Bob’s the local luminary of the autoharp, and has many models and spares in stock. It’s best to leave a message on the store’s phone, as he’s not always there. He also teaches, and does house calls.

Appalachian Instruments
~~117 Westside Drive, Oakville ON L6K 1P2~~
171 Solingate Drive Oakville ON L6L 3S8
(905) 845-0638

Update: Bob advised of a change of address.

autoharp canada

Comments

12 Responses to “Bob Briehl, the autoharp man in Canada”

02011-04-23

scruss

Bob’s moved, but I think the phone number is the same.
02012-09-06

Yes you are right. My new address is 171 SOLINGATE DR. OAKVILLE, L6L3S8

Thank you for the support for Appalachian Instruments. Although we have moved we still offer the same friendly service that people have received since 1981
02015-07-09

Frank Toews

Bob…you may not remember me, but years ago I visited your home, and we discussed autoharps, and repairs. Since then I have enjoyed jamming, and performing wherever I go.

I would like to know if you sell autoharp parts, or, if you know where I could purchase some chord buttons, and some felt for my chord bars. I have a 21 chord Oscar Schmidt OS-45-CE model harp. A source for parts both now and in the future would be of great help. Thanks, and hope you’re doing “ok”. Frank
02020-02-06

Mhat Briehl

Hello! Appalachian instruments has moved again! (January 2020)
New address:
276 Creek Path Ave., Oakville, ON
Phone: 905-845-0638 house/main
Phone: 289-242-5979 mobile

Thanks for your continual support and interest!
-Mhat Briehl (Robertâ€™s son)
02020-08-24

Terrance D. Gale

Hi there: I just picked up a autoharp that needs strings , tuned etc. Can’t find a name. It’s been sitting for 40 or 50 years from what I can find out. Wondering if you can string, tune etc. Need a price and shipping instructions etc. Regards. NO key for tuning.
02020-08-25

scruss

I don’t, but check out Mhat Briehl’s comment above, or ask at Appalachian Instruments’ facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/pg/Appalachian-Instruments-138006256826161/posts/
02020-08-28

Terrance D. Gale

Are you still in Business.
02020-08-28

scruss

I am not a company, I have never been in this business
02022-01-02

Rick

Hello…looking to buy a set of chord springs for a B 15 chord Oscar Schmidt…I’m in Ontario but autoharpworks.com will not ship to Canada…Elderly Instruments in Mich I’m not sure yet…waiting for reply email. Do you know of a source i could contact…Thanks
Rick V
02022-01-09

scruss

No idea, sorry. I have no contact with any suppliers
02023-03-01

Mhat Briehl

Hey folks!
Mhat here again 🙂

Appalachian Instruments is still at 276 Creek Path Ave., Oakville, ON
The best way to reach us is by phone. (905) 845-0638.
***Please leave a message if we do not answer and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. ***

Please do not leave questions for us in this message feed- it is not our website, nor do we check it regularly.

Also, while we do have a Facebook page, it is not updated or checked daily. The best way to contact us for more information or ask questions is by phone.

Thanks again!
02024-05-09

Robert Briehl

Thanks to the people who have been patient and have contacted us. We have complete stock of Oscar Schmidt parts dating back to the early 1900.We do mail order or in house repair.
Most repairs are completed within 24 hours.
We also support music stores that do not repair Autoharps