Zither Instructions

ZitherZither Build the Zither Connect the four frame Squeeze glue along the InstructionsInstructions pieces. Clear away any outside edges of the frame, excess debris from the holes. avoiding the holes.

A zither is a musical instrument that looks like a little harp. To play it, hold it in your lap (or rest it on a table) and pluck or strum the strings. As the strings vibrate— moving quickly back and forth— they make the air around them vibrate, too. Carefully place the zither base Squeeze glue into the slots When waves of vibrating air on top of the frame. If glue gets near the edges of the zither reach your ears, they create the into any of the holes, wipe it base. Place the bridge pieces music you hear. When the away with a toothpick. Place a into the slots and let them dry vibrations stop, so do the heavy book on the frame and let for 10 minutes. musical sounds. it dry for 30 minutes. Your zither has six strings. Follow the sheet music or create your own songs!

Materials

Insert eye bolts into the two Starting from the back, zither base bottom-left holes. Twist the thread the ends of one string box from bolts clockwise until they’re through the holes on the the mail halfway into the bottom piece opposite sides of the bolts. 3 music sheets of the frame. Pull the ends until the string lengths are even.

zither pick 4 frame pieces 3 zither strings glue (plus 1 extra)

2 bridge pieces 6 eye bolts tuning stick

Safety NoteSafety Note WARNING:WARNING: • Keep small• Keep parts small and parts string and out string of reach out of of reach young of children.young children. CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. NotCHOKING for children HAZAR underD - Small3 year parts.s. • Be careful when using rubber bands, as they can snap. Not for children under 3 years. 10 Build the Zither

Connect the four frame Squeeze glue along the pieces. Clear away any outside edges of the frame, excess debris from the holes. avoiding the holes.

Carefully place the zither base Squeeze glue into the slots on top of the frame. If glue gets near the edges of the zither into any of the holes, wipe it base. Place the bridge pieces away with a toothpick. Place a into the slots and let them dry heavy book on the frame and let for 10 minutes. it dry for 30 minutes.

Insert eye bolts into the two Starting from the back, bottom-left holes. Twist the thread the ends of one string bolts clockwise until they’re through the holes on the halfway into the bottom piece opposite sides of the bolts. of the frame. Pull the ends until the string lengths are even.

11 Wrap the first string tightly Follow the images below to around the bolt at least three tie double overhand knots times going clockwise. around the bolts.

Repeat with the other string’s end on the second bolt. Turn the screws clockwise to make the strings taut. Use the small rod as a lever if needed. Cut off any extra string.

Repeat steps 5-9 with the other two lengths of string through the remaining sets of holes.

12 Build the Sound Box

With the top facing up, place Using a pen or pencil, trace a music sheet in the middle around the sheet. of the box your materials came in.

Carefully cut out the zither shape from the box’s two top flaps. Note: Cutting through cardboard can be difficult. Ask an adult for help and always use care when handling scissors.

Inside the zither cutout, trace along the sides of the shape on the inner box flaps. Cut along your drawn lines to complete your box opening.

13 Use tape to secure the top Place your zither on top of flaps. the opening.

Use an instrument like a piano or a tuning app on a computer, tablet, or mobile device to tune your zither. Starting from the bottom string going up, the notes are: C, D, E, F, G, and A.

A G F E D C C D E F G A

To tune the zither, use your fingers or the tuning rod to slowly turn each bolt while plucking the matching string with your pick. Adjust the tone of the string to match the note you’re tuning to. Ask an adult for tuning help if needed.

14 Take the sheet music and place it under the strings of the zither.

Pluck the strings of the zither with your pick to play “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Follow the note markings on the sheet music by reading from left to right. Each circular marking represents one pluck of the string positioned above it.

Use the blank music sheets to write your own songs!

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