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The term zither expands in definition to both a family of musical instruments and a specific type of stringed instrument that works on the lines of the dulcimer.
Typically, these instruments have strings that run across or parallel to the soundboard. The number of strings varies from 30 to 40 but the size corresponds exactly to the size of the soundboard. Unlike chordophones that have in built resonators in addition to a yoke or neck, meant for holding the instrument, a zither is flat and needs to be rested on a table stand or lap for correct play.
Similarly zithers fall in two categories, the fretted variety that is also known as the concert variety as it has additional melody finger strings that have to be fretted on a finger board. The other variety is a more simple and uncomplicated version that has no fretters. Zithers can be played across the knee or placed on a table but with a plectrum, bow or wooden mallets.
Zithers first came to America with early European settlers and managed to influence Appalachian music greatly. They originated in the Alps and the Viennese type of zither was designed by Carl Ignaz Umlauf. They have been found historically in China and Japan. The Chinese type or ‘yanggin’ zither is usually long and is a classic example of a struck zither. The Japanese type or ‘koto’ on the other hand is flat and needs to be plucked to be played.
However the earliest variants called ground zithers preceded the more typical board zithers. The 18th century also saw a significant adaptation in this musical instrument and the more popular ones are the one rounded side zither and the two rounded side zithers known also as Mittenwald zithers. They were also found in various sizes and shapes in Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Austria and Slovenia.
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