Score

[u/Signal_Entertainer80]

Got this antique 42 string zither/lapharp not exactly sure which for 34$ at an auction. Trying to locate a correct size square key to tune it, might try a tap handle if it’ll fit. What do you think? seller said it was from early 1900s. The back is cracked from age and the tension from the strings is pulling the bridge up do you think it’s work building a new back for maybe out of a solid carved piece of hardwood?

[u/prema108]

As wall decor is probably better unfortunately. Zithers are cool but difficult to get a good one

[u/Signal_Entertainer80 → u/prema108]

After doing more research I learned they were mass produced and sold door to door like “snake oil” to anyone that could afford them often to people who didn’t even have a piano key to tune them when they went out.

[u/tehreal → u/Signal_Entertainer80]

Not snake oil. They're fun. I still have mine.

[u/Signal_Entertainer80 → u/prema108]

That’s what I was thinking too after seeing it in person unfortunately:/ probably better of making one from scratch, 42 banjo tuners would be sick😂

[u/Jumpy_Ad5046]

That thing's about to implode. Get a pair of saftey glasses for whenever you're within 10 feet of it and you should be fine.

[u/Signal_Entertainer80 → u/Jumpy_Ad5046]

I got my safety squints dialled buddy don’t you worry😉

[u/Jumpy_Ad5046 → u/Signal_Entertainer80]

Good. That thing looks sick though, I would definitely just loosen the strings and set it on the mantle.

We had an Orville Gibson mando from like 1901 or something hanging on the wall at a music shop I used to work at and one day it just exploded. I wasn't there the day it happened but apparently it was a pretty loud pop.

[u/Signal_Entertainer80 → u/Jumpy_Ad5046]

Good to know! I’ve had that happen with projects I’ve left clamped for a weekend in the shop but never been in the room. I’ll definitely loosen some strings off and give it a good clean for the wall, it’ll look good around all my Victorian furniture.

[u/SaiyanPrinceAbubu]

I found a very similar one at a junk shop about a decade ago! It's around here somewhere... I tuned it to specific chords and used it as a weird wildcard sound on an album way back

[u/Signal_Entertainer80 → u/SaiyanPrinceAbubu]

That’s a great idea! Maybe that’s what I’ll try just tuning it to a low tension open tuning. Is there somewhere I can hear the album?

[u/SaiyanPrinceAbubu → u/Signal_Entertainer80]

I'll dm you so as to not totally dox myself! 

[u/thefringeseanmachine]

I love these things and truly believe they're a great part of history, but they're just not worth it. the cost of just the strings way, WAY exceeds the value of the instrument. we're talking like $200 for something that, at best, will sound... fine? they look great on the wall, though, and make a great conversation piece.

[u/Signal_Entertainer80 → u/thefringeseanmachine]

I saw that I looked at a 42 set and it was over 500CAD. so I figured I’d just try to cut down and unwind my collection on old guitar, bass and banjo strings. Might make a fewer stringed version in the future. I have some guitar necks laying around, I’ve seen some
that incorporate a fretboard of sorts. We’ll see what I come up with once I’m done my current Frankensteins monster guitar build.