restoring an old zither
Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2023 4:26 pm
Hi
I'm new here and I'm looking for some advice regarding a recent auction purchase - see pic.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Tuh6Dp6T43esgN8Q7
I'd like to restore this instrument if possible. The major problem that I can see is a crack or gap on each side of the frame where the tension in the strings has caused the instrument to warp slightly:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vcfKEqGxy4sX2PF57
The strings (and tuning pegs) are rusty and many of the strings are out of tune. There are a few missing strings
My best guess is that to restore this properly, I'd need to remove all of the strings, glue and clamp the sides to straighten it out, give it a gentle clean, de-rust the pegs and restring it. I guess that if I remove the existing strings, the metal would be rather too brittle to be able to clean and reattach them. Plan B is to clean / de-rust the existing strings in situ and retune as best as I can, without messing with the frame.
Questions...
1) I'm interested in finding out the approximate age of the zither - any guesses? There's the following 1894 patent refered to. The label in the sound hole is details of a Leicester music shop who supplied the instrument, rather than the manufacturer. (I'm in the UK, by the way.)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kGXPPyBqoR1cDrzz8
2) Any tips on the restoration? Is this too much of a specialist job to attempt? I've fixed a few guitars in my time, but I'm new to zithers.
3) Would you like to guess what I paid for it
Anyway, any advice would be very welcome!
Mike
I'm new here and I'm looking for some advice regarding a recent auction purchase - see pic.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Tuh6Dp6T43esgN8Q7
I'd like to restore this instrument if possible. The major problem that I can see is a crack or gap on each side of the frame where the tension in the strings has caused the instrument to warp slightly:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vcfKEqGxy4sX2PF57
The strings (and tuning pegs) are rusty and many of the strings are out of tune. There are a few missing strings
My best guess is that to restore this properly, I'd need to remove all of the strings, glue and clamp the sides to straighten it out, give it a gentle clean, de-rust the pegs and restring it. I guess that if I remove the existing strings, the metal would be rather too brittle to be able to clean and reattach them. Plan B is to clean / de-rust the existing strings in situ and retune as best as I can, without messing with the frame.
Questions...
1) I'm interested in finding out the approximate age of the zither - any guesses? There's the following 1894 patent refered to. The label in the sound hole is details of a Leicester music shop who supplied the instrument, rather than the manufacturer. (I'm in the UK, by the way.)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kGXPPyBqoR1cDrzz8
2) Any tips on the restoration? Is this too much of a specialist job to attempt? I've fixed a few guitars in my time, but I'm new to zithers.
3) Would you like to guess what I paid for it
Anyway, any advice would be very welcome!
Mike