Fomen zither

[eller]

This "Fomen" 5/21 chord zither is, if I have to guess, from the '50s, maybe?!?



The design is inoffensive, but, as far as I can tell, meaningless - it's some flower thingy I can't identify. (Most likely, the designer tried to do something in the style of older zithers, but without having a solid grounding in folklore and folk art. Ah, city people... LOL. Anyway: Some Flower Thingy it is.)

This instrument needs some repairs, the lower part came a bit loose and rattles - I can fix that, it's just mildly annoying. (Also, the instrument was sold as decoration-only, so I can't really complain.) Otherwise, it's in okayish shape. Sounds a bit thin, but clear, which will make it an excellent practice instrument once it's fixed. (It's quiet enough, so it won't disturb the neighbors! Important consideration! LOL)

I wanted this one because it has the tuning I need! 10 tones per octave, which is how it's supposed to be! XD Like... No, okay, I know almost everyone considers this scale obsolete - but, I mean, it's the most useful for German folk music. And also, this is how I learned it. There's nothing wrong with chromatic-scale instruments, I just prefer this tuning...

Comments

[yhlee]

I'm realizing that I have no idea what German folk music sounds like and now I'm really curious! I must research this; this has to be information available in English somewhere. :)

I'm glad your zither harvest is proving good!

[eller]

Of course, German folk music is regional, ahahaha. It's not as if you'll hear the same songs in Lower Saxony and in Bavaria. LOL But, there's probably some stuff on Youtube.


....off to post the last zither for the day. :D Zithers YAY!

[wayfaringwordhack]

could the Thingy be something like Cypripedium calceolus (one of the lady's-slipper orchids)? Can't really tell from the photo if the lower petal is a "slipper" but the other petals looks similar. Might be some more similar looking ones out there, but I am about to lose my elec, and therefore my Internet. :)

I have collected some Lebanese orchid seeds, which is why these are on my mind. :)

[eller]

It's possible. As the proud owner of ten different orchids, I'd have to say that, if so, it's really badly drawn, though. XD

[wayfaringwordhack]

And the foliage is all wrong.

What kind of orchids? Native ones or the exotic kind? :)

[eller]

Indeed, the leaves are... Wrong. Deeply wrong. XD

My orchids are 'exotic' ones plus, of course, hybrids you won't find in the wild anywhere. XDD The living-room is being conquered by a vanilla that's surprisingly happy with its conditions...

Conquered by vanilla

[wayfaringwordhack]

Lovely :D