old used German zither

Is your zither in need of repair? Do you have questions on how to best maintain your zither, or have advice? Post your questions and advice here.

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Rudy Mueller
Posts: 603
Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:33 am
Location: Grafton WI 53024 RMUELLERMKE@GMAIL.COM

old used German zither

Post by Rudy Mueller »

Not wanting to lose the minimal skills developed, for lack of practice during a month long visit, our daughter purchased a really old, inexpensive (26€), zither off of e-bay.de, and had it delivered to her home in Germany. Old? the griff strings have tuning pegs rather than a guitar like 'machine'. (All I really wanted was something to keep the neurons and digits connected during our stay.)

In addition, the griffbrett is set up for six strings (low F below C), and the begleitung has a spot for an a flat in the #1 position.

The shiny finish over the entire instrument may indicate an apparent recent over-spray with some kind of lacquer.

There was no wire under the bass and begleitung strings on the left hand bridge, resulting in an unusual 'buzz'. This was eliminated by inserting a thin piece of wire under the strings. The D griff string was of steel, not copper-based, has an unusual sound, and will be replaced. The remaining strings were intact, and the instrument playable.

Using a wrench to tune the griff strings has not been a problem. However, an alt zither griff C was placed in the F griff position, and its tuning is quite sensitive.

The instrument was placed in a normal humid environment, maintains its tuning about as well as the Förg at home, and is quite playable. IF this instrument is brought to the States, the bridge wires will be replaced with "german silver" wire, and an attempt will be made to wash/rub off/out the top glossy finish.

All in all, this was a gamble. Having a "local" to handle the arrangements was an advantage. Since starting my search, two other Wisconsin players have indicated interest in having some kind of back-up for use while traveling domestically and internationally.

Rudy
Rudy Mueller
Posts: 603
Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:33 am
Location: Grafton WI 53024 RMUELLERMKE@GMAIL.COM

Re: old used German zither

Post by Rudy Mueller »

and here is a picture. Hope this photo comes across.

Rudy
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