How the cello da spalla makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the cello da spalla 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.
Press play above and watch the spectrum: the evenly spaced peaks are harmonics, and their relative strength is what gives the instrument its character.
From Wikipedia
The violoncello da spalla, known informally as the cello da spalla, is a small 4 or 5-string cello played braced against the shoulder. Its tuning is the same as the violoncello, with a fifth string added to the upper register, making the open string tuning from lowest to highest: C2, G2, D3, A3, E4 in scientific pitch notation.
The violoncello da spalla was designed to be played by violinists, who have limited experience playing instruments such as the viola da gamba or cello, which are held in a vertical position fixed between legs. The violoncello da spalla is held on the shoulder and chest, and is larger than the viola.
Other lutes
Frequently asked questions
What does a cello da spalla 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 cello da spalla?
It is classified as lutes (Hornbostel–Sachs 321.322-71).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q15838637 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Cello da spalla – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Frinck51 – CC BY-SA 3.0