The fretless zither is a unique stringed instrument featuring a simple sound box with strings stretched across its top and a central sound hole. Its design typically includes two distinct sections: a set of chord strings on the left side that produce specific chords when strummed, and a chromatic scale on the right side, offering around two octaves of melody. This layout allows for expressive play, combining harmonic accompaniment with melodic lines.

Inspired by an encounter with an old fretless zither in less-than-perfect condition, this virtual instrument was created by carefully tuning and recording its notes in a controlled environment. The samples capture the instrument’s distinctive tonal qualities and subtle nuances, bringing the charm of the fretless zither into a digital format. The instrument was developed using Maize Sampler software to faithfully reproduce its character and performance capabilities.

This virtual fretless zither offers approximately four octaves of melodic range, with some extended notes derived from harmony samples to enrich the sound palette. It includes five harmonic chords—Bb Major, F Major, D Minor, C Major, and G Minor—alongside additional effects such as string knocks and chromatic glissandos. These features provide a rich, expressive tool for musicians seeking the distinctive sound of the fretless zither in their productions.