How the masenqo makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the masenqo 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.
Its timbre – the colour that lets you tell it apart from other instruments playing the same note – comes from the mix of overtones its body and resonator emphasise.
From Wikipedia
The masenqo (Amharic: ማሲንቆ; Tigrinya: ጭራ-ዋጣ (ዋጣ), also known as masinko or mesenko, is a single-stringed bowed lute commonly found in the musical traditions of Eritrea and Ethiopia. As with the krar, this instrument is used by Ethiopian minstrels called azmaris ("singer" in Amharic). Although it functions in a purely accompaniment capacity in songs, the masenqo requires considerable virtuosity, as azmaris accompany themselves while singing.
Other lutes
More instruments from Ethiopia
Frequently asked questions
What does a masenqo 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 masenqo?
It is classified as lutes (Hornbostel–Sachs 321.311).
Where does the masenqo come from?
The masenqo originates from Ethiopia.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q664055 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Masenqo – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Flickr user meg and rahul – CC BY 2.0