Re: New member asks: How to string and tune the zither.
Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 9:09 am
Question on Ken Bloom's reply of Nov 28:
Ken, our daughter purchased a low cost "practice" zither for me to keep at her home in Germany while we're visiting. This older instrument (maker unknown, no tag) has a 6 string griffbrett and one peg (the first) for the aflat accompaniment string (not presently in use), i.e. two "extra" strings compared to most zithers.
What this does (or seems to do) is move the begleitung/accompaniment and base strings BACK towards the rear of the instrument two positions from the normal "griff" strings. Thus, Eb/Bb/F on this antique are where one's hands would normally and comfortably expect to find F/C/G on a contemporary instrument, relative to the "normal" griff. Could this be the reason for it's unusual stringing?
What is the normal spacing from the last griff (or griff G) string to the first begleitung string? or last griff (or G griff)string to the C bass. We hope to get out there at Easter, and then do a comparison measurement.
Rudi Mueller
Ken, our daughter purchased a low cost "practice" zither for me to keep at her home in Germany while we're visiting. This older instrument (maker unknown, no tag) has a 6 string griffbrett and one peg (the first) for the aflat accompaniment string (not presently in use), i.e. two "extra" strings compared to most zithers.
What this does (or seems to do) is move the begleitung/accompaniment and base strings BACK towards the rear of the instrument two positions from the normal "griff" strings. Thus, Eb/Bb/F on this antique are where one's hands would normally and comfortably expect to find F/C/G on a contemporary instrument, relative to the "normal" griff. Could this be the reason for it's unusual stringing?
What is the normal spacing from the last griff (or griff G) string to the first begleitung string? or last griff (or G griff)string to the C bass. We hope to get out there at Easter, and then do a comparison measurement.
Rudi Mueller