Ukelins 003

Anyone familiar with these? I've had them for a while now. I think if I made one from a cigar box it would need a bit of reinforcing to cope with the strings. 32 of 'em.
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  • Thanks Keni. Hey, I believe these are much cheaper to buy in the states the here. The ones I bought are in quite good condition and I think I am lucky to have them. Although these seem to have a shady history, they deserve to stay around. There seems to be many instruments around from history that have been left aside to some extent and need to have the dust blown off every now and then just so they don't disappear. It would be such a shame if they did. I'm sure there are many more just like this out there. Lets see what we can find.
  • Wow, I have seen these instruments on ebay and at flea markets. Usually old and broken. It was great to finally hear one. What a wonderful haunting sound. All those over tones from the drone strings are great. Interesting that this instrument pretty much vanished. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy.
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowed_psaltery has a bit about Ukelins. Probably a 1920's instrument.

    You tube has the one on the right played at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf0IiV0Zm3U&feature=related and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWJ0gLONYeM&feature=related
    Wild. Bow with one hand, pluck with the other,,,
  • Yes thats right Diane. A 1/4 size bow seems to do the trick. I read a comment that these are a "Demon to tune", however, I found if you are patient enough they are not too bad. I bought a zither tuning key that fits really nicely. I think the hard bit is going to be when it comes time to restring. Going to have to size each one I think.
  • Very nice!!!!!!!
  • It plays like a bowed psaltery, yes? Must be hell to tune!
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