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
SignednoneMarkingsnone
DescriptionIn 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.