Kamanche
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The Kamanche is a type of folk violin that comes from Iran in the Middle East. This instrument, made in the 18th century, has three silk strings, though modern kamanches have four metal ones. The kamanche is the only bowed string instrument in the classical tradition of Iran. Its soft tones are equally suited to both solo and ensemble playing.
| Family |
| Strings |
| Pitch range |
| About two-and-a-half octaves. |
| Material |
| Wooden body, with intricate bone and mother-of-pearl inlays, and skin-covered sound box. |
| Size |
| About 23-35 in (58-90 cm) long. |
| Origins |
| The kamanchc datles from 15th-century Persia (modern-day Iran). |
| Classification |
| Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings. |
| And also... |
| To move from one string to another when playing, the body of the kamanche is moved against the bow, which is stationary. This differs from playing a violin, when it is the angle of the bow that is changed. |
