|
|
Strings Kora The kora is an African harp. It is constructed from a gourd bowl covered with hide. It has 21 strings attached between a long bridge on the sound box and leather rings on a wood neck. The strings are tuned by turning the rings. Links
The Cora Connection - This page has a detailed diagram, description and sound samples.
Berimbau/Musical Bow
The musical bow is an instrument that originated in Africa. It traveled to Brazil, where it became known as the berimbau. The single string bow is played by striking it with a stick. The gourd resonator is held to the body. Its movement against the body produces pitch changes. The sound is also altered by the use of rattles or other items. Links
Berimbau - This is another article at the African Australian website.
The sitar from India is probably the best known of all gourd instruments. Its music was made famous by Ravi Shankar. It is one of the more complicated gourd instruments. The soundbox is half a gourd with a wood top. Another gourd resonator is attached to the neck. The instrument normally has seven strings and numerous moveable frets. A bit of trivia - Beatle George Harrison sometimes played a sitar. Links Indian Musical Instruments- Sitar - This article has good pictures and a detailed description.
Banjo, Lute
The difference between a gourd lute, banjo and related instruments is mostly in the way the instrument is strung and tuned. Like the sitar, each instrument has a sound box made from a gourd. Depending on the instrument, the top may be covered with wood, skin etc. Links Log Cabin Chronicles - John Foster - Great pictures of the man and his gourd banjos. Sierra View Acoustic Music - Bob Thornburg - This is an excellent site with pictures and "how to" information.
The background music is "India", a MIDI sequence I found at bTd MIDI archive, used by permission from Bryan Dongray. The sequence features the sound of the sitar. |
