Ray Choi autoharps are named after different songbirds.
Each autoharp has a unique design and each instrument has a different appearance. Ray incorporates different species of elegant hardwoods, chord bars, sound holes, scroll designs, fine tuners, and strings, along with diatonic or chromatic configurations.
You will find numerous examples of Ray Choi’s very special approach to the autoharp luthier’s craft on this website.
Contact Ray via the Contact Us page or simply give Ray a call: (714) 508.3203
Book Ray Choi for a Live Performance
Experience the artistry of Ray Choi, master luthier and world-class autoharpist, live in concert. Whether for intimate gatherings, festivals, or cultural events, Ray’s performances showcase the beauty of handcrafted instruments and soul-stirring music.
Use the contact page to inquire about bookings »
Listen to Ray Choi’s Albums
Ray Choi is a four-time winner of two of the world’s premier autoharp competitions, “Mt. Laurel Autoharp Gathering (MLAG, 2011 & 2017) and the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield (2011 & 2024).”
Since 1997, Ray has crafted more than 1,000 of his distinctive and beautifully resonant Ray Choi Song Bird Autoharps. Each autoharp style is named after a bird.
Ray also teaches autoharp online and in person at his Southern California studio. He has been able to reach students across the United States over the years. Ray is also a frequent presenter at major events, including the California Autoharp Gathering (CAG).
Ray and his wife, Jane, have owned and operated Grace Music in Old Town Tustin, California, since 1990. They specialize in autoharp, violin, and cello sales. Together, they developed the groundbreaking Hummingbird Tremolo technique—a rapid, fluttering movement of the fingertips that was once thought impossible on the autoharp. This innovation has added a new dimension to advanced autoharp performance, which has greatly expanded the instrument’s expressive range.
Building on his expertise, Ray partnered with leading U.S. music publisher Hal Leonard to release a beginner’s autoharp method. The publication has has received worldwide recognition.
Most recently, he released two acclaimed albums, Timeless Strings and Heavenly Strings.
Ray Choi truly lives and breathes the autoharp, dedicating his life to elevating its artistry and inspiring players around the world.
The Lyrebird
Premium Hawaiian Koa wood has been carved to create the top and side of this very elegant autoharp. Alaskan Sitka spruce forms the back. The bridge is made of ebony, and the chord bar is cherry, with a Koa chord bar cover. The scrolled and curvaceous top is further enhanced with inlaid mother-of-pearl around the intricately carved sound hole.
The Meadow Lark
The arched top of this autoharp enhances this beautiful autoharp carved from Alaskan Sitka spruce. Other woods that can be substituted are Alaskan Yellow cedar, cherry, walnut and maple, all of which will produce a beautiful and full, resonant sound when handcrafted with Ray Choi’s internal design.
The Baltimore Oriole
This beautiful autoharp is arched across the top with scrolling. The wing bridge is one piece. The carved fish along the top side is a special feature of this harp. Special engraving along the lower side of the top adds more beauty. This autoharp is also available in your choice of the same quality woods (Sitka spruce, Alaskan yellow cedar, cherry, walnut, or maple.)
The Blackbird
Similar to, and a variation on the Baltimore Oriole, but this version uses walnut for the top.
The Mockingbird
The straight, clean lines lend themselves well to the simple style of this more traditional autoharp, very similar to (mocking) a traditional Orthey or d’Aigle autoharp. This competitively-priced autoharp is created from the same quality wood (Sitka spruce, Alaskan yellow cedar, cherry, walnut or maple) and has the same quality full, resonant, and clear tone as all of Ray Choi’s autoharps.
Custom Orders
Experience the rich, resonant voice of a handcrafted autoharp by master luthier Ray Choi. Each instrument is built to order, allowing you to select from a stunning array of exotic tonewoods—including Hawaiian koa, Brazilian rosewood, and many more. Ray’s meticulous craftsmanship and deep understanding of acoustic resonance ensure that every autoharp is both visually striking and sonically exceptional. Whether you’re a professional musician or a dedicated enthusiast, a custom autoharp by Ray Choi is a true heirloom instrument—tailored to your sound, your style, and your soul. Begin your journey by choosing the wood that speaks to you.