Drone zithers or droned zithers are stringed instruments of the zither family that have few (sometimes only one) melodic strings and a greater number of drone strings. The oldest known form of drone zither is the Scheitholt.

Drone zither from Glogovica (central Slovenia)
Drone zithers in Europe, type "Scheitholt"

The Scheitholt developed into many different variants of drone zithers, such as the Langspil, the Epinette des Vosges or the Hummel. The Appalachian dulcimer is a traditional American form.

References

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  • Josef Brandlmeier. Handbuch der Zither. T. 1. Die Geschichte des Instruments und der Kunst des Zitherspiels. Süddeutscher Verlag, 1963. ISBN B0000BGRV8. COBISS 3191860
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