Fitted the last String on AGP’s Vintage 5 Chord Zither Restoration Project today 5th February 2023, Bastard of a thing to Tune, but when I do get the Time & Patience to do it, I will try and post a Sound Sample, although I have no idea what so ever about how to play it.Probably to the disgust of the Purists and Knockers, I didn’t replace some of the missing Bronze Wound strings, but used Nickel Wound Bass and 6 String Guitar strings instead, which I had on hand, SO!, it is what is! :-)
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"Thanks Doug", more like a Tuning Nightmare than a Tuning Extravaganza, even with glasses on, finding the String and the right corresponding Pin can be a bit of a challenge ;-D
Yes BQ, I am a bit surprised that you get 5 or more of these things on the bench a year, couldn't find much info about the 5 Chord Zither on Utube etc, seemed to be only one Gent posting Videos of him playing tunes, interesting that you do stock Antique Instrument Strings, I did look on line for some, but the only ones I did find was a full set in Europe somewhere, for $134AUD, which seemed to me to be a bit of overkill for a $48 Zither, thanks for the tip about loosening off the Strings, its pretty hot around these parts at the moment, and like some of my CBG Builds, the Strings really tighten up in Winter. :-)
I’m blessed to have a music store that carries strings for antique instruments like these, you’d be surprised how many different manufacturers make strings for Zither type instruments? I get at least 5 of these on my bench a year, they’re real fun to play! Loosen the strings a half step if you’re not gonna play it to stop it from warping again, there’s a lot of tension created by all those strings?
Comments
"WOW" Bernie, I should imagine one would need a University Degree to Tune those 3 Multi Stringed Beasts ;-D
Almost as much a challenge as stringing a clavichord, harpsichord or a piano!
Having done all three I can testify as to how much of a challenge it is; it really is character forming!
"Thanks Doug", more like a Tuning Nightmare than a Tuning Extravaganza, even with glasses on, finding the String and the right corresponding Pin can be a bit of a challenge ;-D
Yes BQ, I am a bit surprised that you get 5 or more of these things on the bench a year, couldn't find much info about the 5 Chord Zither on Utube etc, seemed to be only one Gent posting Videos of him playing tunes, interesting that you do stock Antique Instrument Strings, I did look on line for some, but the only ones I did find was a full set in Europe somewhere, for $134AUD, which seemed to me to be a bit of overkill for a $48 Zither, thanks for the tip about loosening off the Strings, its pretty hot around these parts at the moment, and like some of my CBG Builds, the Strings really tighten up in Winter. :-)
"Thanks Bernie & UJ for taking the time to look and comment" :-) :-)
Wow! Cool instrument to restore Alan. It’s a tuning extravaganza, certainly not for the faint of heart; a whole lotta strings.
I’m blessed to have a music store that carries strings for antique instruments like these, you’d be surprised how many different manufacturers make strings for Zither type instruments? I get at least 5 of these on my bench a year, they’re real fun to play! Loosen the strings a half step if you’re not gonna play it to stop it from warping again, there’s a lot of tension created by all those strings?
Cool!
Its looking good!