Search found 212 matches

by kenbloom
Thu Jan 28, 2021 9:41 am
Forum: Learning
Topic: Keyes and other methods for right hand
Replies: 4
Views: 5406

Re: Keyes and other methods for right hand

You have hit upon the most challenging part of zither playing. I do not use my nails at all. They would quickly wear through the windings of some of the strings and that would get very expensive very quickly. Since I do need my nails for other instruments, I file them in such a way as to be clear of...
by kenbloom
Thu Jan 28, 2021 9:28 am
Forum: Getting Started
Topic: New to the Zither
Replies: 7
Views: 5794

Re: New to the Zither

Alternate picking is indeed what I do. I find that this makes my right hand more relaxed. Once you cartch on to this approach, it makes the execution smoother. I guess this is what comes from not having at teacher. I had a concept of the instrument and went from there. The idea for the thumb came fr...
by kenbloom
Wed Jan 27, 2021 10:13 am
Forum: Getting Started
Topic: New to the Zither
Replies: 7
Views: 5794

Re: New to the Zither

For me Munich tuning ( AADGC) makes more sense. First of all, the fifths are the same as so many other instruments and the double A is very useful for all kinds of chords and suspensions as well as some scale patterns. I've never been a fan of re-entrent tunings. For the kind of music that you play,...
by kenbloom
Tue Jan 26, 2021 10:06 am
Forum: Getting Started
Topic: New to the Zither
Replies: 7
Views: 5794

Re: New to the Zither

Welcome, You are not the only one who has taken up the zither and does not play mostly German folk music. I took up the zither in the 70's because I saw its potential to do more than what I could do on the guitar. I play a lot of blues, jazz, British Isles folk etc. on the instrument. I am mostly se...
by kenbloom
Mon Dec 21, 2020 10:02 am
Forum: Zither Makers and Models
Topic: "Luftresonanz"
Replies: 4
Views: 5976

Re: "Luftresonanz"

That is why it works so well. It frees up that upper part of the back so it can move. A larger vibrating plate translates into more volume and bass response.

Ken Bloom
http://www.boweddulcimer.org
by kenbloom
Sat Dec 19, 2020 9:28 am
Forum: Zither Makers and Models
Topic: "Luftresonanz"
Replies: 4
Views: 5976

Re: "Luftresonanz"

The luftresonanz is a second sound hole that is above the block where the tuning pins are. What it really does is give the back a larger resonating surface which enhances the bass. Most modern harfenzithers have it. The instruments that don't have it are usually smaller and often not as rich soundin...
by kenbloom
Mon Dec 07, 2020 9:14 am
Forum: Zither Makers and Models
Topic: New Zithers.
Replies: 2
Views: 4597

Re: New Zithers.

You can't go wrong with Horst Wunsche. The website is still up and these zithers are really top of the line. I don't know if the Meinel shop is still open. Ulrike Meinel took over from her father, running the shop with her son. I'm sure there are folks on this list who are more familiar with this th...
by kenbloom
Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:06 am
Forum: Repairs and Restorations
Topic: Oiling your strings?
Replies: 6
Views: 6047

Re: Oiling your strings?

I have never oiled my strings. The bass, accompaniment, and contra bass strings really don't need anything like that since they are nylon. The fretboard strings can benefit from this. Some people use a product called Fast Fret. It is nothing more than ordinary mineral oil that you can buy cheaply in...
by kenbloom
Tue Sep 08, 2020 9:34 am
Forum: Getting Started
Topic: Stringing and tuning...
Replies: 2
Views: 4510

Re: Stringing and tuning...

I would put them in and leave about a 1/4" of thread above the unblock, maybe as mcuh as 1/2" if the string is long and the string length is on the shorter side. I don't cut my strings to length. I leave them full length and just wind them on. Zithers are different from guitars, banjos, an...
by kenbloom
Sat Aug 22, 2020 8:10 am
Forum: Learning
Topic: Practice Video - Danza Morena
Replies: 10
Views: 20843

Re: Practice Video - Danza Morena

Hi rudi, I'm glad to hear that you are still at it and staying safe through all of this. I'm doing the same. I'm still doing a lot of instrument building and I have begun to teach online, both classes and privately. I stay very busy and it's good I live in a small town as it is far easier to maintai...