I recently won these two instruments in an eBay auction. The seller said that these were found in a Massachusetts house from 1900 that was being demoed. No other information was given.
First, here's a video tour around them both:
The instruments appear to be handmade and are very similar in construction. One is 26" long and the other (with a protruding headstock horn) is 28".
They both feature 18.5" scale lengths, a metal "pickguard" area and body depths between 1.5" and 1.75". Tuning is via traditional zither pins.
Each instrument features a fretted area and a drone string area. The frets are made from bent wire that is inserted into holes in the soundboard. The longer instrument features four strings that are fretted and four strings that are drone. The shorter has three fretted strings and four drones.
Note the long 16 penny nail used as a bridge.
The biggest difference between the two is the number of strings and the headstock shape:
Even the soundholes are similar, apparently made by carving an "X" into the soundboard and then adding additional flourishes.
The headstocks and butt ends are separate from the body and were glued on. You can see the details in the picture of the instruments backs:
These instruments are inspiring me to create my own version. Perhaps an electric version using a 2x4 and pickups?
So what is it? Did I buy a holy grail? Post your observations, conclusions and comments below!
Replies
Talking Holy Grail ! the Johnnie Winter Collection is auctioned off Who buy's and who scores?
Ill agree whit Jim Morris on this on ,believe you askt before? Scheitholts Home made zithers.
The one in the picture is a Hommel its tuned like yours whit a tuning key like piano for as for as i know from Belgium / Germany, will be brought by the first pilgrims, so probely Old ! 1800? the on in the picture 1620 about.
These look to be a German Scheitholt. This instrument was used in this country as a way to play parlor music. I own a couple and find them fascinating, though they have fallen into general disuse. I like the looks of these, very nice. One of mine is late 18th century, these look to be mid to late 19th century, thought I can't be sure without looking more closely.
edit. i didn't read through the responses before i answered and took a guess. I see you already have the info. But still wanted to leave the link to the Smithsonian and a place here in St louis that sell antique and unique instruments.
........I tried looking 'lover's dulcimer' at Smithsonian.com but had no luck. Great resource for old American instruments. Unfortunately most have more than one name.
There's a place here in St Louis that may have the answer. https://musicfolk.com. Try sending them these pics.
What you might be looking for is a "courting" dulcimer, which you will find has two necks in opposite directions, and the players would sit knee to knee and play together.
What is shown has what I believe to be "sympathetic" or harp style strings, which is quite different.
I believe the original question is answered with "there are many minor variations from several global sources through history", and that it is hard to definitively trace as many are "home made" or made in few numbers with many varied interpretations of the style.
I have eight I believe, each very distinctly different from the others.
The best resource I have ever found is from the research of Ralph Lee Smith. And he has some very very nice examples. Though he specializes in the Appalachian mountain style dulcimer, he is very knowledgeable about the history, roots and styles. Heck of a nice fella too.
Examples here
And here
Thanks Mark. Yep, that's what I was looking for. Right idea, wrong word.
Here's a vid I found with lots of info,
This must be a Norwegian "langeleik". Perhaps made by immigrants or brought from the homeland.
If you want to check it out; look at www.langeleik.no
Best regards Magne.
You posted these while I was thinking about what to make for the 2x4 challenge so I decided on a 2x4 replica. I'll enter it along with some build details whenever the challenge begins but I thought I'd share a look at my replica attempt.
This is my last contribution in this series it is the Hommel whit tunings Handle and comes closest to your finds Shane, they are Belgium/Dutch from Origen and treu time came from the Slavian country's (BALKAN) over to us .Hope this helps Shane if you have any more Questions on the subject feel free to ask me. GREEEEEETSSSZZ A.D.
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