MI: LIBRARY: INSTRUMENTS: STRINGS: ZITHER

History
Zithers can be found in many different forms. Variations of the modern concert zither have been in performance since prehistoric times. Today’s zithers have frets. The zithers with frets under some strings date back to the 1660’s or earlier. The concert zithers, or “modern alpine” zithers, were developed for musicians in the early portion of the 1900’s. 

Description
The zither is an instrument that is composed of strings which are usually as long as the body and parallel to it. Typically the body of the zither is the resonator as well, but sometimes an additional component serves this purpose.  Zithers can be linked to many sorts of music, even some orchestral! 

Zither Variations
Hammer dulcimer: The hammer dulcimer can be commonly found today. It is a wooden document with a deep history, and a pretty, but ringing tone. 

Appalachian dulcimer: The Appalachian dulcimer has been played in the Appalachians, a mountain range on the East coast of the US, since the 18thcentury. It is a pretty instrument, not just in its appearance, but its tone as well.

Cimbalom: This variation of the zither has made it to the orchestra! Such composers as Liszt and Bartok used the cimbalom in some orchestral pieces.  The cimbalom looks like a zither, but it has legs making it look like a table as well! 

Kantele: The kantele is a Finnish instrument of high importance to Finland. It looks like a small zither and has a very light sound. 

Vina: Vinas are, like many Indian instruments, very haunting in their sound. Their appearance varies from place to place, but is generally beautiful.... as is the sound of the instrument.

Valiha: The valiha is a bamboo zither played on the African island of Madagascar. It is a pretty instrument brought to Madagascar from Indonesia. 

Qin: Qins are one of the most important Chinese instruments, as well as one of the oldest. It was played more than 3,000 years ago! It is made of wood and silk, but unlike modern zithers, has no bridge or frets.

Koto: Kotos are Japanese instruments made of wood, with nylon or silk strings. They are played sitting in front of the musician, who plucks the strings with plectra.

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Could you add some pictures of these instruments?

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I have recently purchased a mountain Zither and have no idea as to what strings are to be used on it and how to tune it. It would be nice if you could say something about that for us new comers to this instrument.

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I have received a table zither for christmas and a search of the web brought up not only this site but also www.zithers.com, which is extremely useful and informative

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I have received a table zither for christmas and a search of the web brought up not only this site but also www.zithers.com, which is extremely useful and informative

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Send me some pictures. I need them for a school project on the zither. Thanks

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How soon can you send me some pictures of the quin instrument and the zither instrument and the Zang quin instruments.

Thank you,

Kathie

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Hi, umm i'm doing a school project on the qin zither and if anyone has info, pictures or url, plz email me. thanx

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Hi, umm i'm doing a school project on the qin zither and if anyone has info, pictures or url, plz email me. thanx

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Please help me, I need to get a CD of the zither (doesn't matter which kind) for my school project IN CANADA! Help!

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Please help me, I need to get a CD of the zither (doesn't matter which kind) for my school project IN CANADA! Help!

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This site is the worse site ever. My cat's butt is better looking then this site. You guys just suck. Love always Brittany

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If anyone knows any more info about the ZITHER please e mail me in AUSTRALIA ive got an assingment to do pleaseeeee help A.S.A.P

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If anyone knows any more info about the ZITHER please e mail me in AUSTRALIA ive got an assingment to do pleaseeeee help A.S.A.P

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im working on my project about zither and i really need some pictures and more detailed infomation thanks

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im working on my project about zither and i really need some pictures and more detailed infomation thanks

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i think that there should be pictures of the instruments. And, I need information on the Qin for a science project at school

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i think that there should be pictures of the instruments. And, I need information on the Qin for a science project at school

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i think that there should be pictures of the instruments. And, I need information on the Qin for a science project at school

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i think that there should be pictures of the instruments. And, I need information on the Qin for a science project at school due in two days, please send me info on the qin zither as soon as possible

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I am doing a Powerpoint presentation for a Gifted class at school. If you have any extra information on zithers, I would reall appreciate it. Thanks!

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I want to learn more about violins.

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this page needs some pictures

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I come from a very musical family. Now after today yoy were able to tell me alot more than I knew already

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I't will be more better if you could add some pictures of these instruments.

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I't will be more better if you could add some pictures of these instruments.

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fuck this site is shit give me a fucking break maybe include what the fucking thig is made of mate then we could all do our fucking projects yeah, thats right