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The Instrument Uses Teaching and Repertory Zither and Culture Partner PagesPrincipal models
Zithers, psalterions…
1- According to the number of stringsThe models of the chord zither are usually designated by two numbers which correspond to the number of chords and the number of strings in each chord. Example: "12x7" = 12 chords of 7 strings
The 6 chord zithers : 6x4 and 6x7. Made in Germany and Switzerland and sold in music stores. They have two chromatic octaves and chords without modulators.
The 12 chords psalterion: a name given to 12x4 and 12x7 chord zithers made in France, Belgium and Italy. They have two and ¾ chromatic octaves and chords with modulators.
Intermediate zithers : 7x4, 7x7, 8x4, 8x7; made in France and in Belgium. They have at least two chromatic octaves and chords with modulators.
- "Kinnor" name given particularly to 19x4 and 20x4 zithers and made between 1978 and 1990. They have two chromatic octaves without modulators.
- The smallest zither models (3x4, 5x4, 5x7) are made in Germany and sold in music stores. They have two diatonic or semi-chromatic octaves and the chords have no modulators. We advise against them because the limited number of strings and chords permit only a very small repertory.
2- Particular Chord Zithers
"Mandolin Zither": a German zither of five or six chords whose melody strings are automatically doubled. This gives a better sonority, but requires more time and effort to tune.
"Bowed Zither": a Swiss zither of five or six chords with melody strings on two different levels. It is played with a bow near the pins and is used for Swiss folklore (under the name of "violinzither").
"Mandolinette Zither": a zither with a mechanical keyboard. Hitting the keys with the fingers makes a ball bounce on the strings or chords thus lengthening the sound. Used .largely in Suisse folklore (under the name of "pianochordia").
Principal models History General Characteristics Installation and accessories