tube zither

musical instrument

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July 14, 2026

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A tube zither is a type of zither, a stringed musical instrument where the strings run parallel to and are the same length as the string bearer, which often also serves as the resonator. Tube zithers are commonly found in Eurasia, the Americas, and Africa.12

A distinctive form of tube zither is made from a length of bamboo. The strings are created by slicing them from the bamboo tube itself, remaining attached at both ends. Small bridges are then inserted under the strings to create tension. Examples of this type include the valiha of Madagascar and various instruments from New Guinea and Southeast Asia. These are considered idiochord zithers because the strings are part of the instrument's material.12

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stringed instrument
Zithers
…seem to derive ultimately from tube zithers made directly from lengths of bamboo. The bamboo prototypes are said to be idiochordic because their strings, part of the bamboo itself, are worked loose from the tough surface of the tube, to which they remain attached at either end. The maker then…
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…seem to derive ultimately from tube zithers made directly from lengths of bamboo. The bamboo prototypes are said to be idiochordic because their strings, part of the bamboo itself, are worked loose from the tough surface of the tube, to which they remain attached at either end. The maker then…
Read More