Franz Schwarzer Prime Table Zither - Model 1

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Dave
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Franz Schwarzer Prime Table Zither - Model 1

Post by Dave »

A reader of the web site shared these photos of his recent attic find. This zither, made by Franz Schwarzer, was his most basic model and marketed as a student zither or an instrument for those preferring a reliable, but very inexpensive instrument.

This zither does not have a serial number, but it does have a maker's label citing Schwarzer's award at the Vienna Exposition of 1873. With this, the zither can be dated to sometime after his award of 1873 to July, 1885, the month when he began to place serial numbers on his instruments.

An early catalog description for this model reads:

"The Prime Table Zither is designed for such players wanting a cheap -- yet absolutely correct HAND MADE Zither. It finds great favor with teachers who want a good cheap Zither for beginners.

No. 1 -- Fingerboard, accompaniment and bass same as Concert Zither; finest spruce sounding top; finished imitation rosewood; edges polished black; bottom dull finish; purling around sound hole; rosewood hand rest; pearl position dots; polished pins. Fitted in pasteboard case. Net .... $ 10.00"
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Rudy Mueller
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Re: Franz Schwarzer Prime Table Zither - Model 1

Post by Rudy Mueller »

Notice from the photo how the begleitung and bass strings appear to be arranged in pairs, some pairs even touching at the left hand bridge. Should successive members of a pair be wound clockwise and then counter-clockwise to afford some separation?

Is there a wire under the begleitung and bass strings at the left hand bridge, to separate the strings from the bridge?

An older zither I recently purchased did not have a wire under the strings at the left hand bridge (nor groove or wear marks to indicate past placement of a wire) , resulting in a "buzz" when played; this was eliminated by a thin piece of wire under the strings. This recent acquisition also had pins for the griff strings, and no keyed "machine", similar to the Schwarzer in the photo. Its present tonal quality is amazing.

When did the keyed "machines" for the griff strings come into use?

Rudy
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