Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

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Mrays7945
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Aug 26, 2018 8:18 am

Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Post 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
NutmegCT
Posts: 254
Joined: Fri Aug 01, 2014 10:31 pm
Location: Connecticut!
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Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Post 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.
Mrays7945
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Aug 26, 2018 8:18 am

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Post 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,
DanSymonds
Posts: 40
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2015 12:19 pm

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Post 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.
Mrays7945
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Aug 26, 2018 8:18 am

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Post by Mrays7945 »

Thanks, Dan. Didn’t realise Elderly Instruments had a watch list. I’ll look into it.

Best regards,

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

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Post 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
Mrays7945
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Aug 26, 2018 8:18 am

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Post by Mrays7945 »

Thanks, Rudi. Good point.
Kennethpauls
Posts: 104
Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2012 8:45 pm
Location: Ventura Beach, California

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Post 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.
Kennethpauls
Posts: 104
Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2012 8:45 pm
Location: Ventura Beach, California

Re: Looking for Help in Finding a Zither

Post by Kennethpauls »

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