Zither

(Ger.). 1. A name given to any simple CHORDOPHONE, with strings that run parallel to its SOUNDBOX. Most are plucked (PSALTERY type), but some are IDIOPHONIC (struck with sticks or beaters; DULCIMER type) or HETEROPHONIC (plucked and struck). 2. A FOLK instrument popular in Bavaria and Austria, capable of considerable harmonic sonority. It is built of a shallow wooden resonating box, with 32 or more strings. It has a fretted FINGERBOARD on the side nearest the player, supporting five melody strings, plucked with the fingers and a metal plectrum worn on the right thumb. The melody strings are stopped with the fingers of the left hand to determine PITCH.

See also kantele.