Zither — Lutherie Encyclopedia

ZitherType: instrumentA flat-bodied stringed instrument with melody and accompaniment strings, associated with Alpine European folk music and famously featured in the film The Third Man.## History The concert zither (or Alpine zither) developed in the early 19th century in Bavaria and Austria, evolving from simpler folk zithers that had existed in Alpine regions for centuries. The instrument gained widespread popularity throughout the German-speaking world during the 19th century, becoming a standard household instrument. Anton Karas's performance of "The Third Man Theme" for the 1949 film of the same name brought the zither to worldwide attention and remains one of the most recognized instrumental recordings ever made. The zither was common in beer halls, parlors, and concert venues throughout Central Europe. While its popularity declined in the latter 20th century, the instrument retains a following in Austria, Bavaria, and among folk music enthusiasts worldwide. ## Construction The concert zither is a flat, rectangular or semi-rectangular wooden body, typically 20 to 24 inches long and 12 to 14 inches wide, placed flat on a table during playing. It has two distinct string groups: five melody strings run over a fretted fingerboard on the side nearest the player, and 27 to 37 open accompaniment strings (bass and chord strings) span the wider section of the body. The melody strings are pressed against metal frets on the fingerboard, plucked with a metal ring plectrum worn on the right thumb. The accompaniment strings are plucked with the remaining right-hand fingers. The soundboard is spruce, and the body frame is typically maple or walnut. A round soundhol…