WHAT do you need to tune a zither/autoharp?

What do you use to tune a zither or autoharp? Here's an explaination of the tools you can use to tune your zither or autharp.

[@sliob]

One more tuning tip, also from Hal Weeks of D’Aigle Autoharps: Check out the Peterson Strobo tuner. It is highly accurate and easy to use. When I switched to the Peterson StroboClip my autoharps sounded like different instruments, sweeter with harmonics all in tune. Worth the munnie, IMO.

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

Oh, fascinating. I'll look into that!

[@cefarther3945]

Thanks for that tip. So far, I am not impressed with any clip-ons I've bought.

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

@@cefarther3945 I notice typical contact tuners tend to struggle with Autoharp.

[@guitarstella1]

thanks very usefull information

[@cattathat]

What size key is used for the black zither guitar?

[@guitarstella1]

bought a t shape key with star from ebay cost 16.00 pounds just arrived far too big and no good for my jubel tone 5 chord zither im gutted

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

Ugh... Oh no. What. Waste. I apologize if you picked that up on my recommendation. How old is the zither? There's mainly 3 sizes you see. One for pianos, one for zithers, and one for modern lyres you see sold all over the place. I'll see if I can take measurements and get my sizes and I'll make a video.

[@kathleenborsch1312]

Thanks, Jerrel. None of the older instruments I've acquired that use tuning pins/pegs have hung onto theirs over the years, so this is useful info. Time for me to start shopping. A tuning key was included in the kit for a hog-nosed plucked psaltery I made about 20 years ago, but this key was way too big when I tried it on my older instruments. So I've learned that a key may not necessarily work for any other instrument and it's good to check the fitting carefully each time.

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

Glad this can be of use. In general if you search for Autoharp or zither tuning key on eBay, you'll get what you need; the most common sized tuning key.

[@cefarther3945]

I am using the one you do not recommend. Can you put a link so I can get a proper tuning wrench?

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

Hello. Here is one such key on eBay. www.ebay.com/itm/272881259928 this one is in the US, but you can find them coming from UK and other parts of the world. Heres a similar one from Amazon: www.amazon.com/Roosebeck-Harp-Tuning-Key-Lacewood/dp/B07HRLMB2S/ref=mp_s_a_1_6 You can find more by searching for "zither tuning key". Good luck!

[@I.L.N.T.shop7778]

So cool mate Thank you so much for these details on the how to properly

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

I'm glad I could help. I have more tip videos coming soon too.

[@sliob]

Hi Jerrel, what cool instruments you have there. Would like to hear you play them. Here’s a tuning tip from autoharpist and luthier Hal Weeks: Looking at he hole in the tuning wrench into which the peg is inserted, some have square holes and some have star shaped holes. Tuning wrenches with square hole do not grip the peg as well as wrenches with star shaped hole. Square hole wrenches can even slip and round over the peg, so stay away from those!

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

That's great, thanks for sharing that. All my keys are square shaped so I have not yet encountered a star hole. I'll try to share more of these instruments being played. Thank you for watching!

[@guitarstella1]

great tip with the star shape wrench