The dan bau is a traditional Vietnamese instrument with a voice unlike any other. Even though it has just one string, it can create sounds so rich and emotional that people often compare it to the human voice. This simple…
Many music lovers confuse kemence vs kamancheh because both instruments look similar. These traditional bowed instruments both have three strings and use horsehair bows. But they come from different places and make different sounds. The Turkish kemence brings energy to…
So, why is kemence made from juniper or plum wood? The main reason is that these local woods give the instrument its special sound and are strong enough to last for a long time. Juniper wood is used to create…
Learning how to play low notes on Kamancheh is often a big hurdle for players. Many students find their bottom notes sound scratchy, weak, or just plain muddy. The secret to getting a deep, rich sound isn’t about using brute…
The answer to question: why is Kamancheh covered with skin? is simple, the skin acts as a natural sound filter. This isn’t just a tradition, it’s a clever design that removes harsh, sharp tones, giving the instrument its famously warm…
If you’re a music fan, you might have heard of the kabak kemane and the kamancheh. At first, they might look like the same instrument. They’re both string instruments played with a bow, and they both rest on the player’s…
Sasando the bamboo harp from Indonesia, is one of the most unique instruments you’ll ever see or hear. While most of us know what a guitar or a piano looks like, the Sasando is something else entirely. It comes from…
Learning the essential facts about the kora is like discovering a 700 year old storyteller. This West African instrument is so much more than just strings and wood; its main job for centuries has been to keep the histories of…
The Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer is a truly special American folk instrument. What makes it unique is its fretboard, which is designed to leave out certain notes on purpose. This feature makes it surprisingly easy to play beautiful, traditional melodies. This…
The kemençe of the Black Sea is one of Turkey’s most iconic traditional instruments, yet many outside the region have never heard its sharp, haunting voice. Found mainly in the country’s northeastern coast, this ancient Turkish bowed instrument plays a…