Menzenhauer Guitar-Zither Value Guide

The Menzenhauer Guitar-Zither is a quintessential American parlor instrument patented by Frederick Menzenhauer in 1894. It gained immense popularity for its numerical chart system, which allowed untrained musicians to play complex melodies on its distinctive black lacquered soundboard.

What Is Menzenhauer Guitar-Zither Worth?

The typical price range for Menzenhauer Guitar-Zither is $125 - $140 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the gold decal ornamentation and the integrity of the black lacquer finish.
• Completeness of the instrument, including original tuning pins, bridge stability, and the presence of the numerical song charts.
• Structural health of the wooden soundboard, specifically looking for cracks or warping caused by string tension.
• Historical provenance, such as early production models from the 1890s versus later Oscar Schmidt acquisitions.

How to Identify Menzenhauer Guitar-Zither?

• Look for the Frederick Menzenhauer patent date of 1894 or the Oscar Schmidt company branding on the label.
• Identify the characteristic black lacquer finish accented by intricate gold decal ornamentation across the soundboard.
• Check for the specific arrangement of steel and brass strings designed to accommodate the proprietary numerical song charts.
• Verify the presence of the original paper tuning scale or chord chart typically located directly beneath the strings.

History of Menzenhauer Guitar-Zither

Patented in 1894 by Frederick Menzenhauer, these instruments were marketed as 'Guitar-Zithers' despite being closer to a lap harp. They gained immense popularity in the United States around the turn of the century because they allowed people with no musical training to play complex melodies using a numerical chart system placed under the strings. Oscar Schmidt eventually acquired the company, continuing the production of these popular parlor instruments.