Zithers

Scope note

Use specifically for the modern folk and popular plucked chordophones developed in the Alpine region of Europe, consisting of a shallow wood box bearing fretted melody strings of metal, usually five in number and tuned by machine screws, and unfretted strings of gut or nylon, sometimes numbering thirty or more, tuned by metal wrist pins. For the general class of simple chordophones consisting solely of a string bearer with or without a detachable resonator and one or more strings, see under "<zitherlike chordophones>."