Zither Facts
The zither is an instrument similar to a psaltery, with many strings stretched across a thin, flat body. The number of strings can vary from twelve to more than fifty. Zithers can be played in many different ways. The strings can be plucked with the fingers, or alternatively with a plectrum or pick. They can also be strummed with a bow, or sounded by beating them with specially designed hammers.
Like a guitar or lute, a zither’s body serves as a resonating chamber, or sound box. Unlike guitars and lutes a zither does not have a separate neck assembly.
More Zither Facts
Fun Fact
A person who performs on this string instrument is called a zitherist.
Notable zitherists include Basia Bulat, Kerry Christensen, Karineh Hovhanessian, Anton Karas, Rudi Knabl, Linda McCartney, Adolf Schneer, John Sebastian, and Manfred Schuler.
The Third Man
Starring Alida Valli and Joseph Cotten
Music by Anton Karas
The Third Man Vintage Metal Sign
Listen to the Zither
The Third Man (1949)
Celebrated director Carol Reed moved unknown Viennese musical performer Anton Karas to his home in London. Working from Reed’s oak dining table, the pair collaborated on the score for three months. Karas worked up to 14 hours each day, composing and recording the film’s zither-only score.
“The Third Man Theme” topped the music charts in 1950. Moreover, the film’s trailer stated that Karas would have the audience “in a dither with his zither.” Anton Karas and his unique instrument gained international fame as a result of this exposure.
Time Magazine “Dither Zither” (1949)
The picture demanded music appropriate to post-World War II Vienna, but director [Carol] Reed had made up his mind to avoid schmaltzy, heavily orchestrated waltzes. In Vienna one night Reed listened to a wine-garden zitherist named Anton Karas, and was fascinated by the jangling melancholy of his music.
We Love Zithers
Anton Karas Website (Hosted by his Grandson, Werner Chudik)
Best Gifts for Music Lovers
We’ve created more than 2,000 products for string instrument players and music lovers. Find a unique gift for your favorite zither player or enthusiast. Beware of inferior copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Zither collection.
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Music Maker Lap Harp
Product details:
- Handmade with quality hardwoods in Belarus
- 7-inch top width, 14-inch bottom width, 1-inch thick
- Measures 8 inches top to bottom
- Tuned to a 2-octave G major scale
- Video Lesson: Tuning a Zither / Lap Harp to G Major
- Includes tuner, pick, extra metal string, 12 song sheets
- Slip song sheet under strings for an easy playing guide
- “Oppenheim Toy Portfolio” Platinum Winner
Music Maker – Play Beautiful Music InstantlyAnyone Can Play the Music Maker Regardless of Experience
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