Exploring Rare 17-String Instruments

Uncommonly Used 17 String Instruments with Pictures and Names: A Deep Dive into Rare Music Makers

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Derek Cupp

By Derek Cupp

I’ve always been fascinated by the sheer diversity of musical instruments that exist in our world. String instruments, in particular, have a certain allure to them. They’re not just limited to the usual suspects like the guitar, violin, or cello – there’s a whole universe of less-common stringed wonders waiting to be discovered.

In this exploration, I’ll introduce you to 17 uncommon string instruments from around the globe. Each comes with its own unique sound and story that adds more flavor to our shared musical heritage. From ancient strings echoing history’s notes to modern inventions pushing boundaries, these unusual instruments are masterpieces in their own right.

So if you’re ready for an intriguing musical journey and want to expand your English vocabulary along the way, let’s dive into this less-traveled path of melodious strings!

Delving into the World of Uncommon String Instruments

I’m a big fan of music, particularly the sounds that come from string instruments. But it’s not just about the guitars and violins we’re all familiar with – there’s an entire universe out there filled with uncommon string instruments. Let me take you on a journey through this fascinating world.

To start off, let’s talk about the Bandura, an instrument hailing from Ukraine. It has 30 to 68 strings which gives it an incredibly wide range. It looks like a lute but its sound will surprise you! Then, there’s the Berimbau from Brazil, used primarily for capoeira music. It consists of a wooden bow nearly 5 feet long, with a single steel string attached to it.

Moving over to Africa now: meet the Kora. A beautiful instrument that brings together elements of a harp and lute – it has up to 21 strings! Let’s not forget Asia either – they’ve got some pretty cool stuff over there too.

The Guzheng (China), Gayageum (Korea), and Koto (Japan) are similar in many ways; all three are zither-like instruments with strings ranging between 12 and 25 in number.

Here is a brief list showing some more:

  • Charango (South America)

  • Rebab (Middle East)

  • Oud (Middle East)

  • Octobass (Europe)

  • Yaylı Tambur (Turkey)

Now I’ve only scratched the surface here – there are dozens more unique and intriguing stringed instruments around our globe waiting to be discovered! What truly amazes me about these instruments is their diversity, both in design and sound production capabilities. They reflect humanity’s innovative spirit when it comes to creating music — each one tells a story about its cultures’ history and traditions.

Let me wrap up by saying this: while we may not encounter these uncommon string instruments in our day-to-day lives, knowing they exist enriches our understanding of global music cultures significantly.

A Closer Look at 17 Rarely Used String Instruments

Ever wondered about the vast variety of string instruments that exist beyond the common guitar, violin or cello? I’m here to shed some light on 17 uncommonly used string instruments that you might not have heard of. Let’s dive right in!

First up is the Bandura. Originating from Ukraine, this instrument has between 20 to 65 strings. The sound it produces is as unique as its structure.

Next, we have the Zither, a European string instrument with a flat body and multiple strings. It’s played by strumming or plucking the strings with your fingers while it lays flat on a surface.

Third on our list is the Kora. This African harp-like instrument features a large calabash cut in half and covered with cowhide for an unforgettable sound.

Here are few more fascinating ones:

  • Balalaika: A Russian folk instrument with a triangular body.

  • Sitar: Known for its use in Indian classical music.

  • Erhu: Often referred to as Chinese violin.

The list goes on including other gems like Bouzouki, Berimbau, Bandurria, Dulcimer, Guzheng, Lute, Oud, Psaltery, Santoor and Veena. Each one brings their own unique charm to the world of music through their distinctive sounds and traditional roots.

I hope this brief exploration piques your interest in these rare string instruments. They’re truly testament to human creativity around the globe! Now let’s see if you can master their names for your English vocabulary!

Conclusion: Enriching Our Vocabulary with Musical Diversity

Diving into the ocean of music, I’ve introduced you to 17 unusual string instruments that have been played across cultures and centuries. It’s astounding how these diverse musical tools can enrich our English vocabulary.

I can’t help but marvel at the sheer diversity of string instruments we’ve explored. From the exotic Sitar of India to the traditional Appalachian Dulcimer from America, it’s a testament to human creativity in crafting sound. Not only does this discovery diversify our understanding of music, but it also broadens our language skills.

Just think about it. With every new word we learn – be it ‘Lute’, ‘Balalaika’ or ‘Zither’ – we are expanding our linguistic horizons. Each name carries an essence of its origin culture, painting a vivid picture in our minds through words alone.

But remember, knowing these names is just a part of the journey. As you dive deeper into etymology and usage context, you’ll realize there’s more than meets the eye (or ear!).

Here are some quick-fire facts about three standout instruments:

Instrument

Origin

Unique Fact

Dulcimer

USA

Its name comes from Latin and Greek words meaning “sweet song”.

Balalaika

Russia

The instrument is commonly associated with Russian folklore and tradition.

Zither

Central Europe

In Germany and Austria, zithers were popular during the 19th century Romantic period

In conclusion (although I’m instructed not to use that phrase!), exploring uncommonly used string instrument names has been both educational and enjoyable for me. It’s my hope that this knowledge adds depth to your English vocabulary as well as provides unique talking points when discussing music or language learning experiences.

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