Zither search

[Gunter]

When looking for a zither to learn on, I’m finding a lot are in need of repair.
So, what should I avoid as far a repair.
Tops with bulges an/or cracks
Bottoms that have some separation
Broken bridges
No strings
Cracks in the grifbrett
Broken bindings

These are some of the repairs that I’ve come across.
I really need some input about some of this, if you can.
Thank you, again.
Gunter

[Rudy Mueller]

hey Gunter,

Did you check your "private messages" on the header bar above? Two probable contacts and my e-address are included.

rudi

[Gunter]

I see the address and I tried the one for Cindy, but I got a message saying it was undeliverable.
I haven’t tried the second one, yet, but will do so now.
Thank you, Sir.

[Gunter]

Has anyone heard or know about a zither labeled Musik-Klein? That’s all I can read of the label
Best I can tell it is German made.

[Graham]

I just "Googled" Musik-Klein, and there is a Wikipedia entry. They specialised in high-quality reproductions of historic instruments, so the build quality is likely to be very good.

[Gunter]

Thank you Graham. That’s a whole lot more than I was able to dig up.
I couldn’t even get Wikipedia to pull up.
My internet service is depending on my iPhone as a hotspot, and even my phone is sporadic at best.

[Graham]

Founded 1929 in Schwaebische Gmuend, moved to Koblenz in 1935. Still going in the 1980s, but may have closed down now. Best known for guitars.

[Gunter]

I found this zither and am debating whether to buy it or not. I thought I would post it here and se what your opinion I. He says in the post
“There is a slight defect in one corner where the wood has separated. See photos.”
I’ve asked for more pics of that corner where the wood is discolored, but haven’t got them yet.
He did say “assure you it is sound. Nothing has ever been wet. It’s late but I will send more photos tomorrow. If you are still interested we can FaceTime and I will show you. There are loose strings, that is the extent of any damage though. I would not try to trick you…though I’m sure I understand your concerns.”

[Rudy Mueller]

Any delamination is major. My uncle George decided to tune his zither, which had been stored, unused, for years in his basement. As he was tuning, the back fell off. Meh.

rudi

[Graham]

It looks to me as though it has been dropped, and that corner has taken a bashing. It looks more serious than just loose veneer. Probably best to avoid this one!

Are you in the US? There are two or three tidy looking zithers in the US on e-bay at the moment that show up in my search, even though I'm in England. One is an early-looking (certainly pre 1930s) Frantisek Schwarzer.