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The Instrument Uses Teaching and Repertory Zither and Culture Partner PagesInstallation and accessories
To your strings...ready to play !
A- InstallationSupport or stand: the zither is placed horizontally, slightly tilted: either on the knees and leaning on a piece of furniture, or laid on a support or low table (avoid normal tables which force you to raise your shoulders and elbows). In any case the instrument should not be laid flat against another surface because the sound is diffused mainly underneath; to this purpose, certain zither makers propose small metal trays (12 cm high)
A stand (either in wood or metal) is an essential accessory, found at zither manufactures, with adjustable height, and optional wheels fixed on the front legs, very practical for moving the heavy instrument.
Music tray: the need to look at the strings and the impossibility to place a music tray at eye level made reading scores problematic. Today the tray (a Plexiglas sitting on two rods inserted in the soundboard) is a satisfying solution and we recommend it.
Word of advise: do not hesitate to ask zither manufacturers for the rods adapted to far away reading glasses or no line bifocals.
Transportation: a six chord zither weighs between 3,5 to 8 kg without counting the accessories.
Luthiers propose leather covers (very good) or wood boxes (which add considerably to the weight of the instrument), making the transportation of heavy zithers practically impossible.
In Switzerland, you can still find lined boxes for the zithers 6x4 and 6x7.
Zithers are not damaged by being transported on wheels.
Sound Amplification: adhesive microphones for guitars would do, provided they have amplifiers. But their efficiency is so great that the least imperfection takes on enormous proportions.
Other solutions are sometimes preferred:
- a good quality microphone ( placed under the soundboard);
- making another soundboard which is placed under the zither( preferably in pine wood pierced with a hole for sound diffusion);
- installation on a piece of wood furniture; etc...
In an old church, be satisfied with the good acoustics even if the volume is not as loud as other instruments used today.
Conservation: preferably horizontally and automatically covered to keep the "dust" off the strings. The Association recommends a cover that is easy to put on and take off because of holes made for the rods. To find a supplier, click here.
Avoid humid, hot or sunny areas. (In very dry or humid climates, use a humidifier or a humidity absorbent)
Be aware of the vulnerability of these instruments. The wood must sustain strong tensions because of climatic variations. Therefore do not expose them dangerously, the soundboard could bend or become unglued.
Changes in atmospheric pressure cause the zither to become untuned and it cannot be helped.
B- Accessories
Tuning: indispensable, a tuning wrench, (since a zither is tuned at least every two weeks), it comes in "T" or "L" styles and different sizes according to the supplier. (The 8 section wrenches are very convenient, but heavy and expensive.)
An electronic tuner is almost as indispensable since it alone allows a nonprofessional correct tuning. Experience shows that it educates the ear as well. Tuners for guitars (6 notes) are insufficient.
Luthiers and the Association distribute wrenches and tuners.
String replacement: strings rarely break by themselves (except the strings with modulators). Tuning mistakes are usually what cause them to snap. On the other hand, the wound strings get muffled by dust and need to be changed from time to time. Unfortunately, complete sets for the German zithers 6x4 and 6x7 neither single strings can be found any longer, (except in Switzerland).
In Belgium and Italy zither luthiers furnish them on request...
In France (and other countries); luthiers do not furnish an extra set for psalterions and other zithers, and only sell strings singly at their luthiery. Look up the strings retailers indicated by the Association by clicking here.
Pick: traditionally zithers were sold with a metal or plastic plectrum to give more sound. However, on contact with steel strings, it produces a rather strident sound, inappropriate to interiority.
Compromise: a metal pick covered over with a soft plastic (found in certain zither manufactures) mostly indicated for a prolonged accompaniment with a choir.
It is obvious that a plectrum held between two fingers restricts considerably the technical possibilities (agility, simultaneous notes, etc...) On the other hand, it keeps the strings from oxidizing.
Mallets: in certain compositions, the zither becomes an instrument whose strings are hit (or rather the chords are hit). We recommend a marimba bass drumstick. But other models can be used including making your own (a piece of wood covered with wool or felt). Besides, it is nice to have several to bring out different timbres.
Principal models History General Characteristics Installation and accessories