Zithers by John Roeder

Have you constructed a zither, case, table or other zither accessory? Share your photos and lessons learned here.

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Dave
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Zithers by John Roeder

Post by Dave »

Hi Folks, sharing this note and photos sent by John Roeder.

The first three photos are the model I built in 2015. The next three are the model with the piano bottom ( Klavierboden) that I built during 2016-2018. Both have a Decke / Top of Canadian Cedar with French Polish as a finish. The Klavierboden model also has a bottom/ Boden of Canadian cedar. Both instruments have a very loud, rich tone quality. The 2015 model is warmer and darker in the tone. The Klavierboden model sounds louder and a bit brighter in tone quality. I have also sold 14 of my vinyl records "140 Years of Zither in America" since 2017.

gut Klang,
John Roeder

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Andy
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Re: Zithers by John Roeder

Post by Andy »

Petty instruments!

I can't even imagine the amount of time and effort that goes into actually creating one of these. I'm curious though. On the Klavierboden model, the braces on the bottom, are they for amplification or for support? This is the first Zither I've seen with them.

- Andy
Rudy Mueller
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Re: Zithers by John Roeder

Post by Rudy Mueller »

Truly amazing! What a master.

Some Kerschensteiner zithers are piano bottom,

Rudi
Kennethpauls
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Re: Zithers by John Roeder

Post by Kennethpauls »

and my Schwartzer Perfecta has a piano bottom as well.

Those are really impressive zithers you've created John. What a wonderful talent to have.
Rudy Mueller
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Re: Zithers by John Roeder

Post by Rudy Mueller »

Vinyl? is a CD available?

Rudi
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Dave
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Re: Zithers by John Roeder

Post by Dave »

Hi Andy,

In regards to your question, Franz Schwarzer offered piano bottom zithers in his catalog. I've attached a description for one.
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DanSymonds
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Re: Zithers by John Roeder

Post by DanSymonds »

Very beautiful work. As one who has constructed many guitars (but no zithers, although I have restored many), I can appreciate the work and planning that goes into these instruments.
One thing I like is the solid construction of the top without a veneer overlay. Many of the Schwarzer zithers had a solid top of stained dense mahogany and have held up very well. The standard construction of using a veneer overlay on one side leads to cracking and warping with time.
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