Pluck Play

Music for fun or therapy -- Mostly zithers, lap harps, etc., that have music sheets that slide under the strings for dot-to-dot playing

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

A beginning


Various musical instruments in toy stores have long caught my eye, but I either have been put off by some aspect of quality or function, or have been totally deterred by price. Since becoming re-enthused about music by way of a video soundtrack, I have been looking again, and the "Music Maker" children's zither (or lap harp) appealed greatly, albeit at a daunting $30-$33.

Last week in my favorite sellers space at the Aurora Antique Pavilion, I found a Harbert Italiana "Jr Zither," with several markdowns bringing it to $6, and including a selection of music sheets. Cheap enough for a trial.

The zither is great! I even found an online site that helped me tune it (and also has audio samples if you are curious what this type of instrument sounds like).

The cool thing about these and their ilk is that the music slides under the strings, so playing is like dot-to-dot. You are watching your fingers and the notes at the same time, instead of looking back and forth and having to translate. Also you only use one hand to play, rather than two hands having to try to do different things -- something that runs up against the cross-coordination problems so often found with Aspergers Syndrome (though many Aspies have exceptional musical ability - there is a lot of variation among us).

Many of my better pleasures have been toy store finds. For years, I often felt a little awkward about this, but since my Aspergers Syndrome diagnosis, I have come to accept that pervasive developmental disabilities can make toy stores a very appropriate activity source. Much of the time "beginners" or "hobbyist" materials for adults are just too demanding.

3 Comments:

At 14 June, 2009 15:56, Blogger Unknown said...

I found a Pluck Play Zither a few days ago at a local resale shop. I must say, this is the neatest thing I've seen in a long time. My nine year old, and myself are now pro's at playing Santa Lucia!!!

 
At 19 June, 2009 00:25, Blogger Unknown said...

grand_ma_nellie

Oscar Schmidt 5/25

MINE is formed the same no model # no RED around bottom scale is off white and basically black Looks natural. Very Good Looking nice. When I strum it has very lovely tone. I love vintage items.

I am looking for any how to play
beginner learn to play. How to tune ect.

 
At 03 September, 2009 04:56, Blogger www.martinemussies.nl said...

I think it is great that you play zither! :) Zither is such a beautiful instrument, because it is so pure. O and please give your cats a hug from me (I love cats). Best wishes!

 

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