The Alpine Concert Zither is a string instrument, which had its origin in Salzburg. From there it spread through all through Austria and Bohemia and later on became also a favorite folk music instrument in Bavaria.

The Zither may be best described as a combination of Harp, guitar and bass. It features from 32 to 42 strings.

The fingers of the left hand plays the melody on the five frett board strings while the pick on the thumb of the right hand plucks the melody strings, the index and middle finger play the accompaniment strings and the ring and little finger play the bass strings to form the harmony and rhythm.

The original tuning of the Zither is called VIENNESE TUNING while at a later date a new one was created in Bavaria, called the MUNICH TUNING.

Up until the early part of the 20th century the Zither was the most widely played and popular folk music instrument in the described regions.

Then a dramatic change took place. The accordion maker HOHNER developed a PIANO ACCORDION at a price affordable to the wide public. In easiness to play and volume of sound the Zither could not compete and by 1949 it became almost extinct. Then a miraculous event occurred!

A British film production by Carol Reed, starring Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten and Alida Vali had just finished filming the movie "THE THIRD MAN" in Vienna. However, at this time they were still searching for the perfect background music to that movie.

In was one of these lucky moments in history that made Carol Reed stroll through the Viennese vineyards and as he passed by one of the quaint inns he stopped dead in his tracks. Because out through the open windows floated the haunting lovely sound of the Zither and the man playing was ANTON KARAS.

On the spot Carol Reed offered him to come to London to compose and play the entire background score for the movie.

The rest is history!

The unforgettable "Harry Lime Theme" is as well known and popular now as it was over a half a century ago.

After that event the Zither gained worldwide recognition.

Amazingly talented soloists were performing in top prestige hotels, clubs, cruise ships and major events around the world.

Let the beautiful sound of the Zither fill your home or business to create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.