d'Aigle Autoharps And Folk Instruments
d'Aigle Autoharps And Folk Instruments19106 Des Moines Memorial Dr. S
SeaTac, Washington 98148
A Musical Wonderland of Harps, Heritage, and Handmade Craftsmanship
You might be surprised that d'Aigle Autoharps And Folk Instruments, tucked away in a nondescript building in SeaTac, is an internationally recognized business. In fact, musicians from around the world order the top-tier instruments from this shop; some even travel to the U.S. just to visit it and connect with other autoharp enthusiasts.
The shop has the distinction of being one of the only brick-and-mortar places where you can buy custom, handcrafted autoharps—an elegant, niche folk instrument invented in the late 19th century. Founded and run by local artisan and musician Peter d'Aigle in 2008, the store is as much a reflection of his lifelong passion as it is a community hub for musical discovery.
At the shop, you'll also find a small, curated collection of guitars and other rare instruments, many of which are vintage and imported from other countries. There are also books, recordings, and accessories, and plenty of other items to pique your curiosity.
Need to Know:
Handcrafted Autoharps Built On-Site: Behind the storefront is a surprisngly large workshop where skilled artisans craft each instrument using high-quality wood such as maple, walnut & cherry for the backs, and spruce and cedar for the tops. Each instrument typically takes at least 40 hours to make, and they often add custom-ordered details such as artwork and shell inlays.
The Only Store of Its Kind: While we can't say for sure whether it's the only brick-and-mortar autoharp shop in the world, it is certainly the only one in the region, making it a rare and valuable destination for musicians and collectors.
Educational Resources and Support: Whether you’re looking for sheet music, tuning tools, or advice on your instrument selection, the shop offers personalized support to help beginners start their musical journey and seasoned musicians refine their craft.
Curated Folk Music Collection: In addition to harps, the store features a rotating collection of folk music books, CDs, and traditional instruments—ideal for expanding your musical palate or finding a thoughtful gift.
The Vibe:
d'Aigle Autoharps And Folk Instruments has the feel of an old-world workshop infused with Pacific Northwest charm. The scent of wood shavings, the soft hum of string vibrations, and the deeply personal connection between artist and instrument create a space that feels timeless.