How the byzaanchy makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the byzaanchy belongs to the lutes: strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck – the family of the guitar, violin, sitar and oud.
More broadly it is one of the chordophones (string instruments), where sound comes from vibrating strings, amplified by a resonating body.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
The byzaanchy (Tuvan: бызаанчы; Russian: Бизанчи; also transliterated byzanchi or byzanchie) is a four-stringed vertical spike fiddle used in the traditional music of Tuva. It is similar to the Chinese sihu. However, the byzaanchy's soundbox is generally made of wood whereas the sihu usually has a metal soundbox. The byzaanchy's soundbox may be cylindrical, cubical, hexagonical or octagonical.
The word byzaanchy comes from the Tuvan word for calf, "бызаа".
Other lutes
Frequently asked questions
What does a byzaanchy sound like?
As one of the lutes, its sound comes from the way strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck.
What type of instrument is the byzaanchy?
It is classified as lutes (Hornbostel–Sachs 321.313).
Where does the byzaanchy come from?
The byzaanchy originates from Tuva.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q284532 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Byzaanchy – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Тумат Чодураа – CC BY-SA 4.0