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Do I need to aim for an expensive Zither?

Posted: Sat May 12, 2018 7:56 am
by Musicmaker
Hello all.
My burning question is.......
Will an all hand made expensive new Zither be easier to play than my 1965 Framus?
In particular i mean easier to fret the griffbret strings?
I am still struggling but slowly getting there.
Accompaniament strings are not so sore now but hell...those griff brett strings really bite in till i have to leave it alone.
By the way....i read someones's rendition on learning to play the Zither.
He said.....it's like playing the guitar and a harp at the same time!
I think he cracked it?

Would like your views as to whether it will be worth saving up for a nice Horst Wunche or something?
Or battle on with the Framus.
I think i need to just man up a bit and give it more time.

Pete

Re: Do I need to aim for an expensive Zither?

Posted: Sat May 12, 2018 8:19 am
by NutmegCT
Hi Pete - I think "man up and give it more time" sounds about right.

How many weeks/months/years have you played your zither? Less than a month? You've got an almost unused Framus, so the strings and string height should be spot on. No improvement if you spend your wealth on a fancier box with similar strings and string height.

Keep at it, be proud of your accomplishments, and share them with us. And maybe reward yourself with a *really expensive* zither after another year or two.

It's not the zither strings that cause the problems. It's the lack of time spent on developing the calluses!

Tom M.

Re: Do I need to aim for an expensive Zither?

Posted: Sat May 12, 2018 11:05 pm
by Musicmaker
Thanks Tom.
That was more or less what I wanted to hear.
I will battle on.
Maybe oneday a handmade one but I will not appreciate it until I have gone through the " Rookie " stage.
I still love my Framus but am mindful that Meister instruments are easier to play.
With Zithers I am not so informed but certainly with violins, guitars and many other instruments, I find the rule applies.
Many thanks for your welcome reply.
Pete

Re: Do I need to aim for an expensive Zither?

Posted: Sun May 13, 2018 9:27 am
by kenbloom
Hi Pete, Though a more expensive instrument might have a better action and feel on the fretboard, the major difference is the tone and balance on the more expensive instruments. I have been through quite few zithers over the years. The first one had no label but was a modern one and it played ok. It was harder on my left hand than my guitar but I stuck with it, imagining that playing it was like two guitar oplayers playing together. When I got my first handmade one (by Roderick Schuster). everything was better. then I got my first Meinel. Wow!! I now have two Meinels and one other perfekta zither. I still have to work at the left hand. Stick with it and you'll get there. Perseverance furthers.

Ken B;loom
http://www.boweddulcimer.org