How the krez makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the krez belongs to the board zithers: strings are stretched across a flat board or box – the family of the piano, harpsichord and hammered dulcimer.
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
Krez (Udmurt and Russian: крезь) is an Udmurt string instrument (chordophone) similar to the Russian gusli. The mythical origin of krez is detailed in the Udmurt national epic, Dokjavyl. Krez was used to accompany some shamanic ritual dances, and large krez (быдӟым крезь) was used for music during the holiday of Bulda.
Other board zithers
Frequently asked questions
What does a krez sound like?
As one of the board zithers, its sound comes from the way strings are stretched across a flat board or box.
What type of instrument is the krez?
It is classified as board zithers (Hornbostel–Sachs 314.122-5).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q6436926 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Krez (instrument) – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Vyacheslav Bukharov – CC BY-SA 4.0