Comparisons

An autoharp is a type of zither, but it is not the same thing as every instrument called a zither. The word zither[1] can describe a wide family of string instruments whose strings run across a body or board. The autoharp is a narrower, modern instrument within that family, known for its chord buttons, felt…

The difference between a zither and a dulcimer depends on how the words are being used. In broad instrument classification, some dulcimers are types of zither[1]. In everyday musical language, however, “zither” often points to a wider family of string instruments, while “dulcimer” usually points to either a hammered dulcimer or an Appalachian mountain dulcimer….