Tucked away on a quiet street in Media sits a modest home with a small workshop studio built by Ricky Levitan. At first glance, you might never guess that Ricky—a retired economist—spends his time crafting instruments. But step inside his studio, and you’ll find the heart of a luthier.
(Yes, I had to look it up too.) A luthier is someone who builds or repairs stringed instruments—violins, guitars, and in Ricky’s case, the autoharp.
A skilled guitar player, Ricky discovered the autoharp in the late 1990s. One day, after accidentally leaving his instrument out on the patio during a rainstorm, it was badly damaged. Rather than throw it away, Ricky was inspired to fix it himself. What started as a simple repair project blossomed into a full-blown passion. He began teaching himself the craft, learning from fellow luthiers, and dedicating himself to understanding the intricacies of autoharp building.
As his skills grew, so did his love for the instrument. Ricky became a regular attendee at the annual Pennsylvania Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering—a global event that draws autoharp enthusiasts from far and wide. The gathering includes an Autoharp Championship, where Ricky has placed in the top three an impressive four times.
Despite his accomplishments, Ricky humbly insists he’s neither a master builder nor performer. “It’s just been a 30-plus-year hobby that brings me joy,” he says. “I love the autoharp because it’s so easy to play, and every strum creates an enchanting melody.” He usually plays for himself, drawn to the instrument's soothing, harmonious tones rather than the spotlight.
The autoharp itself is a fascinating creation. It features a series of chord bars that mute all strings except those needed for a selected chord, allowing for effortless harmonies. Most modern autoharps have 36 strings, though some have as many as 47. Many people recognize the instrument through the music of five-time Grammy winner June Carter Cash.
Over the years, Ricky has built around two dozen autoharps, each one uniquely crafted with his signature “paw print” sound hole. According to him, no two sound the same. The tone is shaped by the wood used in the soundboard—often spruce, maple, or cherry—which gives each autoharp a distinct “brightness” and character.
The autoharp remains a favorite among beginners, thanks to its ease of use and rich, resonant sound. And for Ricky Levitan, it’s more than just an instrument—it’s a labor of love.