traditional musical instruments [7]

Collective term for the instruments, current or ancient, that characterize a culture, era or style of music.

talking drum

Drum from West Africa that is held in the armpit when played; its hourglass shape allows the tone to be adjusted by applying arm pressure to the tension ropes.

kora

Plucked string instrument used in Africa for celebrations and rituals.

neck

Elongated part of the instrument over which the strings are stretched.

bridge

Piece of wood on which the strings are stretched; it transmits the strings’ vibrations to the snare head.

snare head

Soundboard made of skin.

tailpiece

Piece of wood to which the bottom ends of the strings are attached.

sound box

Half of a calabash covered with skin that amplifies the sound vibrations produced by the strings.

hand post

Piece of wood that the hand rests on when the instrument is played.

tuning ring

Each of the notches that the upper ends of the strings attach to; they are used to tune the instrument.

strings

Strings made from gut, nylon or metal, usually numbering 21.

djembe

Large chalice-shaped drum used in Africa for celebrations and rituals.

sound box

Hollow cone-shaped part of the instrument that amplifies the sound vibrations produced by the hands beating on the drum.

tension rope

Twisting ropes used to tighten the batter skin.

batter skin

Stretched goat or antelope skin that is struck with the hands.

drumstick

Curved stick used to strike the skin of the talking drum.