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Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 11:56 am
by Mrays7945
It’s been an amazing - and frustrating - experience trying to find a playable instrument in the US. I’ve plumbed the internet, but come up with only antique instruments, mostly on eBay, all of which need the loving touch of a zither luthier before being playable. Broken or missing strings are the very least of the challenges; scratches, cracks, oxidized tuners, you name it.

I have run across one or two beautiful instruments, usually of 20th century manufacture (which is fine by me). But, if such an instrument shows up in the Net, it’s gone before I can click a button. Maybe, there’s a concert zither renaissance going on!

It’s occurred to me to search in Germany - luthier or music store - but Google has been reluctant to cough up any hits - even Google.de. (I can get along pretty well in reading the language - a result of studying voice for many years, and of living in the Netherlands for 4 1/2 years.)

I would be appreciative of any guidance or suggestions anyone might be able to offer, anything - known used zither (I can’t afford a new one) sellers - maybe even some search criteria that might get Google to disgorge some more optons. My mind has run dry of angles and options.

Greetings to you all and,

Best regards,

M

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 12:12 pm
by NutmegCT
Some ideas:

Up near Dallas - https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/for/d ... 89371.html

While I was searching for my own four years ago, I learned that many "music instrument repair shops" have old zithers. As you're in central Texas, there are probably dozens of zithers being auctioned off each year in estate sales.

Don't give up on Germany/Austria/Switzerland - but shipping is usually an arm and a leg.

https://www.zitherbau-wuensche.de

Also, contact the many German music groups in central Texas.

And certainly send a PM to each active members of the forum here.

Tom M.

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 2:19 pm
by Mrays7945
Thanks so much, NutmegCT! Those suggestions give me some good directions to go. (Had found wuensche.de while exploring Google.de. Beautiful stuff!)

Regards,

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2018 1:10 pm
by DanSymonds
You might try Elderly Music (Elderly.com). They are in the heart of zither country and some nice instruments(not many zithers, though) pass through their hands. THey can put you on their email watch list. They are nice people.

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2018 9:24 am
by Mrays7945
Thanks, Dan. Didn’t realise Elderly Instruments had a watch list. I’ll look into it.

Best regards,

Michael

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2018 2:46 pm
by Rudy Mueller
Most used zithers will need re-stringing. As a beginner, this initial expense may be prohibitive. You may want to consider an instrument with fewer strings (5 griff + 27 [12 accompaniment, 12 bass and 3 contra]), and even replacing just one section at a time. A 40+ string "perfecta" might just break the bank.

You won't need all those contras for a while. Later, get the instrument you really want.

Rudi

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 1:01 pm
by Mrays7945
Thanks, Rudi. Good point.

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 3:12 pm
by Kennethpauls
Why not save the expense of restringing and repairs on an Ebay zither- which has the risk of arriving warped or cracked, and buy a small new zither from Wunsche. They make very nice instruments. When I was there, Stefan Meinel (again, why is everyone in Markneukirhen named Meinel?) showed me a very nice sounding 36 stringed instrument for a reasonable price. And of course they will ship to US.

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 3:13 pm
by Kennethpauls