Ethnomusicology

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18. Instrument collections

Chordophones

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The sound of stringed instruments depends on several factors, the main two being the material used for the strings (metal, plant fibres, leather, nylon, etc.) and the way they are played (plucked, bowed or struck). The greatest diversity of string instruments is found in Africa and some, such as the harp lute are specific to that continent. In various parts of Asia, the development of particularly rich musical repertoires is closely related to the development of instrument making. The vielle, a bowed stringed instrument, is emblematic of numerous musical traditions in Europe, where the instrument varies in shape and name.

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