Search found 254 matches

by NutmegCT
Sun Dec 17, 2023 7:45 pm
Forum: Learning
Topic: Practice Video - Christnacht
Replies: 2
Views: 21125

Re: Practice Video - Christnacht

Andy -well done! You're technique is so much more relaxed compared to when you began your zither adventure.

I also enjoy the dynamic shading you're doing.

Best wishes for your holidays.
Tom M.
by NutmegCT
Sun Dec 03, 2023 11:55 am
Forum: Learning
Topic: Why Pain?
Replies: 4
Views: 26790

Re: Why Pain?

Servus Rudi!

Why not use nylon guitar strings in place of wire for the two As?

Tom M
der Aelterer
by NutmegCT
Mon Oct 02, 2023 4:33 pm
Forum: Repairs and Restorations
Topic: restoring an old zither
Replies: 5
Views: 22829

Re: restoring an old zither

Hi Mike - the pictures are slow to load, but from the first one, I'd say you don't actually have a "true" zither.

In addition to all the single strings, most zithers have a long black fingerboard, with frets under the "melody" strings similar to a guitar.

Tom M.
by NutmegCT
Fri Aug 18, 2023 6:24 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: What are the two extra holes for on my zither?
Replies: 14
Views: 37004

Re: What are the two extra holes for on my zither?

Joel - looks good! If zither owners send you the distance between the two holes on their zithers (if their zithers have holes), you could provide the music racks. Good on you for tracing down the original idea. Tom M. PS - If you do start making them, you might want to use a smaller dimension wire, ...
by NutmegCT
Fri Aug 04, 2023 7:50 am
Forum: Repairs and Restorations
Topic: Restoring My 1930s Schmidt 4 Chord Zither
Replies: 6
Views: 10852

Re: Restoring My 1930s Schmidt 4 Chord Zither

Joel - congrats on continuing your exploration.

I would be good to learn from other zitherists the pro's and con's of different repair techniques and wood glues.

How are you separating the old parts, cleaning, patching, clamping, gluing, etc.? What other instruments have you restored?

Tom M.
by NutmegCT
Thu Aug 03, 2023 7:17 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: What are the two extra holes for on my zither?
Replies: 14
Views: 37004

Re: What are the two extra holes for on my zither?

Well done Joel!

First time I've seen a photo of the actual music rack.

Good luck on your zither adventure. Hint: be patient - very very patient.

Tom M.
by NutmegCT
Thu Aug 03, 2023 7:49 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: What are the two extra holes for on my zither?
Replies: 14
Views: 37004

Re: What are the two extra holes for on my zither?

Considering where those holes are, and their relation to the player's position at the instrument, I'm thinking they were to support a simple music rack. Take a look at this page showing various patents: https://www.zither.us/zither.patents And the position of all the music stands in this video: http...
by NutmegCT
Wed Aug 02, 2023 7:29 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: What are the two extra holes for on my zither?
Replies: 14
Views: 37004

Re: What are the two extra holes for on my zither?

Joel - could you please post a good close photo of the instrument? It's really tough to comment when we don't have a clear picture.' There are several other of these "Lyre Harps" for sale on the 'net. Many seem to have a hole in a similar location. Note this one: http://www.pickaway.press/...
by NutmegCT
Thu May 25, 2023 7:45 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: PBS Living in St. Louis: International Zither Gathering 2023
Replies: 4
Views: 14978

Re: PBS Living in St. Louis: International Zither Gathering 2023

Andy - that is great! Thanks for sharing the video link. Every time I see people playing those wonderful instruments, I wish I were about 50 years younger and could actually play the old zither that I've had since I tried to learn back in 2014.

Were you able to attend the Gathering?

Tom M.
by NutmegCT
Thu Mar 02, 2023 4:40 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 2023 Zither Gathering?
Replies: 2
Views: 10638

Re: 2023 Zither Gathering?

Wow - this is amazing. Andy asked about the 2023 Gathering back in January, and no one replied? Sadly, this reminds me of when I joined the forum and tried to learn zither, but hardly anyone here paid attention to my requests for help, and ignored my YouTube "beginner" videos. Anyway, I th...