Fretless zither
Alternate name(s)
- Mandolin zither
- Automatic harp
- Greek zither
Maker
Arne B. Larson
Date1969
Place MadeVermillion, South Dakota, United States, North America
ModelGreek zither
Serial No.none
SignednoneMarkingsnoneDescriptionIn imitation of the automatic harps used in Odd Fellows ceremonies.Strings: 8 metal strings diatonically tuned to harmonic minor scale
Body: hollow body with curvilinear side and two arms creating a semi-circular shape resembling a lyre; red-varnished maple top, back, and sides; red-varnished maple bar underneath strings likely for placement of pitch designation decal
Nut: red-varnished maple with brass staple fret; located diagonal to strings
Bridge: red-varnished maple with brass staple fret; located diagonal to strings
Soundhole: 4 soundholes total; 2 soundholes on middle section of soundboard each edged with white celluloid painted with yellow finish; 2 soundholes at the ends of each arm, each covered with gold-painted hardwood overlay
Tuning Pins: 8 steel tuning pins; 8 iron hitchpins
Table-top Rests: raised red-varnished strip on bridge side of instrument to prop instrument while playing
DimensionsBody: 670 mm / 26.4 in by 420 mm / 16.5 in at widest points
Highest string vibrating length: 310 mm / 12.2 in
Lowest string vibrating length: 565 mm / 22.2 in
ProvenanceArne B. Larson Collection, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1979.
Credit LineArne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Object number04229
On View
On view
1850-1890 ca.
1880-1900 ca.
