Articles

Lamellaphones - Mbiras, Kalimbas, and More!

Lamellaphones - Mbiras, Kalimbas, and More!

The mbira – also widely referred to as kalimba or thumb piano – is a member of the idiophone and lamellaphone instrument families. As an idiophone, it falls into the...

Lamellaphones - Mbiras, Kalimbas, and More!

The mbira – also widely referred to as kalimba or thumb piano – is a member of the idiophone and lamellaphone instrument families. As an idiophone, it falls into the...

Viola Braguesa

Viola Braguesa

The viola braguesa is a 17th century Portuguese Baroque guitar. It is also known as viola da braga, named for the Braga region of northwestern Portugal. It likely developed from the Spanish vihuela, a...

Viola Braguesa

The viola braguesa is a 17th century Portuguese Baroque guitar. It is also known as viola da braga, named for the Braga region of northwestern Portugal. It likely developed from the Spanish vihuela, a...

Mandocello by Gold Tone

The Mandocello – History

The origins of the mandocello (or mandoloncello) are a bit hazy, but it seems clear that this instrument was likely developed for use in musical ensembles along with other members of...

The Mandocello – History

The origins of the mandocello (or mandoloncello) are a bit hazy, but it seems clear that this instrument was likely developed for use in musical ensembles along with other members of...

Irish Bodhran and Tipper

Bodhrán History

The bodhrán is a single-headed Irish frame drum. It is usually about 18" in diameter, with a circular wooden frame and goatskin head. The inside of the frame is open,...

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Bodhrán History

The bodhrán is a single-headed Irish frame drum. It is usually about 18" in diameter, with a circular wooden frame and goatskin head. The inside of the frame is open,...

1 comment
Rhythm Bones

Rhythm Bones

Bones are one of the earliest rhythm instruments in human history. The tradition of playing rhythm bones probably arrived in the United States with Irish and other European immigrants. While...

Rhythm Bones

Bones are one of the earliest rhythm instruments in human history. The tradition of playing rhythm bones probably arrived in the United States with Irish and other European immigrants. While...

Bouzoukis – From Greece to Ireland

Bouzoukis – From Greece to Ireland

The bouzouki is a long-necked member of the lute family, with Greek and Turkish roots. The instrument's name comes from the Turkish bozuk. In recent years, the bouzouki has become...

Bouzoukis – From Greece to Ireland

The bouzouki is a long-necked member of the lute family, with Greek and Turkish roots. The instrument's name comes from the Turkish bozuk. In recent years, the bouzouki has become...