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Organistrum.jpg SyrinxThumbnailsGerman fiddle, ninth centurySyrinxThumbnailsGerman fiddle, ninth centurySyrinxThumbnailsGerman fiddle, ninth centurySyrinxThumbnailsGerman fiddle, ninth centurySyrinxThumbnailsGerman fiddle, ninth century
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The construction of the organistrum requires but little explanation. A glance at the finger-board reveals at once that the different tones were obtained by raising the keys placed on the neck under the strings, and that the keys were raised by means of the handles at the side of the neck. Of the two bridges shown on the body, the one situated nearest the middle was formed by a wheel in the inside, which projected through the sound-board. The wheel which slightly touched the strings vibrated them by friction when turned by the handle at the end. The order of intervals was c, d, e, f, g, a, b-flat, b-natural, c, and were obtainable on the highest string. There is reason to suppose that the other two strings were generally tuned a fifth and an octave below the highest. The organistrum may be regarded as the predecessor of the hurdy-gurdy, and was a rather cumbrous contrivance. Two persons seem to have been required to sound it, one to turn the handle and the other to manage the keys. Thus it is generally represented in mediæval concerts.

Author
Musical Instruments
Written by Carl Engel
Published in 1875
Available from gutenberg.org
Dimensions
200*750
Visits
758
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