Zither in Question needs Maker ID.

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muddy fingers
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2015 5:11 pm

Zither in Question needs Maker ID.

Post by muddy fingers »

Hello
I just bought a used zither from Germany made in Frankfurt am Main by the maker August Herrmann. It is in good shape and has lots of mother of pearl embellishments, looks like rosewood and has a total of 27 strings not
    including the five of the fingerboard. Has anyone heard of this maker. It seems to be from the early 1930s but there is no date and this was the only indication I received about possible age from the sales person. Thanks.
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    herrmann1.jpg
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    Kennethpauls
    Posts: 104
    Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2012 8:45 pm
    Location: Ventura Beach, California

    Re: Zither in Question needs Maker ID.

    Post by Kennethpauls »

    I dont know anything about the maker, but it's a beautiful instrument and if that sound is true, its a wonderful find.
    Rudy Mueller
    Posts: 603
    Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:33 am
    Location: Grafton WI 53024 RMUELLERMKE@GMAIL.COM

    Re: Zither in Question needs Maker ID.

    Post by Rudy Mueller »

    Wow!
    kenbloom
    Posts: 212
    Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2014 11:50 am
    Location: Pilot Mountain, NC
    Contact:

    Re: Zither in Question needs Maker ID.

    Post by kenbloom »

    Judging from the shape, the amount of decoration and the number of strings I would guess the age to be older, maybe pre-WWI. It looks more like one from that era to me. I don't know anything about the maker. I'm just going on the overall appearance and level and style of decoration.

    Ken Bloom
    http://www.boweddulcimer.org
    Rudy Mueller
    Posts: 603
    Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:33 am
    Location: Grafton WI 53024 RMUELLERMKE@GMAIL.COM

    Re: Zither in Question needs Maker ID.

    Post by Rudy Mueller »

    The griffbrett doesn't seem to show much wear. Is the machine in good shape? Larger picture?

    Very important: what does the back look like?

    Rudi
    Musicmaker
    Posts: 148
    Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2018 9:32 pm

    Re: Zither in Question needs Maker ID.

    Post by Musicmaker »

    What an absolutely stunning instrument.
    I cannot help you with makers or further information but this guy meant business when he made it.
    It is obvious that he wanted to make a beautiful instrument with every adornment possible.
    He has rounded off the finger board and other parts I notice.
    He wanted to make a beautiful instrument with inlays to the fore.
    Hermann knew what he was doing.
    I cannot help but think it must have also sounded glorious.
    You are very lucky and priveleged that you have this lovely piece.
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