Violin zither

The folk or violin zither has four metal strings: A1, D1, G, and C. It is heart-shaped and played on a table. A bow is also used with this instrument. This musical instrument was invented in 1830 by Johann Petzmayer. Its use was particularly widespread in the German-speaking regions, so it is also called Streichzither, Schoß Geige, or Halbzither. The violin zither was played in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, primarily in middle-class households.