too big to keep

A tuner fits into a box, or can be kept on a shelf - a small memento that can carry many more memories and reminders than its size might suggest. The autoharp, on the other hand, isn't the sort of item that can be easily stored, particularly when it's beyond repair and far from as aesthetically pleasing as it once was.

So as impressive as perhaps it once was, this is the sort of item that gets parted with.