Trillingszither (37-String Instrument), circa 1790

Tyrol & Bavaria Region

This remarkable Trillingszither, dating to around 1790, originates from the Tyrol and Bavarian regions of the Alpine world. With 37 strings arranged across multiple fingerboards and drone sections, the instrument reflects the rich musical traditions of late 18th-century Central Europe.

Unlike the modern concert zither, the Trillingszither features multiple fretted necks and sympathetic or drone strings, allowing for layered tonal resonance. The design suggests it was intended for both melodic playing and harmonic accompaniment, creating a shimmering, vibrating sound texture — likely the origin of the term “trilling” in its name.

The decorative carved headpiece and carefully constructed wooden soundboard reveal the craftsmanship typical of Alpine instrument makers of the period. Instruments like this were often played in domestic settings, courtly gatherings, or regional folk performances.

In the Tyrol and Bavarian regions, string instruments played a central role in social life, blending folk melodies with more formal European musical traditions. The Trillingszither represents a fascinating hybrid — part folk instrument, part experimental lutherie innovation.

Today, surviving examples provide valuable insight into the evolution of stringed instruments in pre-industrial Europe and the musical creativity of Alpine culture.