The Lyre (lyra) is a musical instrument that belongs to the chordophone category and is specifically part of the bowed lute family. This definition indicates that the instrument falls under one of the lute subcategories, and in the Hornbostel-Sachs classification, it is designated with the code 321.2. This number signifies the presence of one or...
The hurdy-gurdy is a very ancient musical instrument, whose invention dates back to the Middle Ages. Even today, it enjoys a small but dedicated group of enthusiasts, particularly among those with a passion for string instruments. According to the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system, this instrument is categorized under the code 321.321-72. Its use in music today...
Among the stringed instruments of the lute family, the Appalachian dulcimer stands out as one of the most fascinating plucked chordophones for several reasons. Its unique shapes and the rich history surrounding this instrument—which traces its origins to the Appalachian region of the United States—make it a captivating instrument to both play and listen to....
The origin of the double bass is uncertain, but it is believed to have evolved from the violone, a large bowed viola used in Renaissance music. During the 17th century, the violone was modified into a larger, more powerful instrument capable of producing deeper, lower notes. This new instrument, called the “violone di contrabbasso“, quickly...
The mandolin is a plucked string instrument with very ancient origins. Its history can be traced back to the Babylonian civilization, where similar lute-like instruments were already in use. Initially, it was constructed in forms and sizes resembling the lyre, a popular ancient string instrument. How a Mandolin is Made However, the mandolin differs from...
The dulcimer is a stringed musical instrument played with small mallets (hammered dulcimer) or by plucking the strings, as in the Appalachian dulcimer. Its origins are uncertain, but it is believed to have been developed in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. The name “dulcimer” derives from the Latin words “dulcis” (sweet) and “melos” (song),...
The harpsichord is a musical instrument with a double keyboard, consisting of a series of metal strings (usually copper) struck by small wooden bars called hammers. When a key is pressed on the keyboard, the hammer is moved by a mechanical mechanism and strikes the corresponding string, producing a sound. The harpsichord’s strings are stretched...
India has long been synonymous with exoticism, spirituality, and mystery. More a continent than a nation, it is home to over a billion people with customs, religions, artistic expressions, dances, and music that vary widely from north to south, east to west. To Western eyes, it retains an aura of the arcane, and even in...
The acoustic bass is an instrument with some similarities to the double bass and, like the electric bass, it generally has four strings – E, A, D, and G. Its sound is deep, which is why it is usually used in the rhythm section. For this reason, it is rarely used to create harmonies, as...
Before delving into the origins of the electronic piano, it is necessary to briefly explore the history of the traditional piano. The piano is, in fact, a very ancient instrument. Rudimentary versions existed as early as the 6th century BCE – the monochord, which later evolved into the clavichord. Their history and evolution are extensive...
