Zither.
1
Photo by Dominic Ibbotson © The University of Edinburgh
Alternative TitleGuitar zither. |
InstrumentZither |
Instrument FamilyStrings |
MakerMenzenhauer and Schmidt |
Place MadeNorth America; United States of America |
Date MadeCirca 1900 |
DescriptionTechnical description: Back of black-stained lime(?). Sides and soundboard of painted wood. Bottom end is at a 90º angle to the spine. Side opposite the spine is similar to a guitar, having a lower bout and waist, then a sharp point as the upper bout. Rounded top. The strings attach at the bottom. No cover over the bottom and bridge. The nut is in two sections, the bass section is parallel to the bridge and carries all of the chords and the lowest single strings; the treble section nut is at an angle to the bridge therefore reducing the string length. 5 chords in the bass section A major, D major, F major, G major, and C major. Single strings are from C₄ - C₆, without E♭₄, B♭₄, E♭₅, and B♭₅. Sound-hole diameter 74. The chord section tuning-pins are in groups of 4 (arranged 3+1), the bass bridge single strings in groups of 2, and the treble bridge strings individual. Three buttons on the back. Overall size: 479. Body length: 479. Body width: 353 (maximum), 334 (bottom), 343 (waist), 350 (upper point). Body depth: 38. String length: chords and single strings C₄ - E ₄, 408; other strings, 407 - 170. Printed on a label glued to the inside of the back beneath the sound hole "U.S. GUITAR ZITHER CO. / MENZENHAUER & SCHMIDT / OFFICE AND FACTORY / 34 - 41 FERRY ST. JERSEY CITY, N.J. / SOLE MANUFACTURERS / OF THE / Menzenhauer Guitar Zither / No. 2. / INSTRUMENTS WILL BE SOLD THROUGH OUR / SPECIAL AGENTS ONLY". "MENZENHAUER'S / GUITAR ZITHER / PATENTED MAY 29, 1894 / BREVETE GESETZL. GESCHUTZT" under the chord strings near the bridge. Note names and numbers under the strings near the bottom. Decorative features: Black painted. Decorative gold painted leaves around the edge of the soundboard and the sound hole. Repair History: Four missing strings in the chord section, two missing strings in the single section. Cover missing. |
NotesD.P. Martin, 1996-1997. |
Measurements479. |
ProvenanceGift of Mr Boyd. |
CollectionMIMEd |
Accession Number2536 |