Just a quick one about a very unusual instrument that came by the shop.

This is a Zither.  It is a folk instrument, played with hammers, and is a precursor to the piano.  Other Zithers include, amongst others, the Hammer Dulcimer.

My job was to clean it, replace the missing strings, and tune it.  Tuning it is much like tuning a piano.  You have a key that turns very stiff friction pegs that tighten the strings to pitch.

First, I attached a clip on pickup to the soundboard,

In the shop, I often get attic discoveries that need a good overhaul. They often are in a good and workable condition, they just need a little attention to get them running again.

A gentleman brought in what might initially seem like a lost cause. This is an incredibly old banjo, and seemed like it may have seen better days.

However, you can see from the back of the banjo that this was a beautiful instrument, and deserved closer inspection.