Kwitra

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Jo Dusepo
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Kwitra

Post by Jo Dusepo »

Here's a kwitra I built, which is a north African instrument related to the oud. For those unfamiliar with this instrument: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwitra
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I specialise in historical & world instruments.
https://www.dusepo.co.uk
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Jo Dusepo
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Re: Kwitra

Post by Jo Dusepo »

Sound and video sample here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBmAQBhj0Jk
I specialise in historical & world instruments.
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Karl Wicklund
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Re: Kwitra

Post by Karl Wicklund »

What is the purpose of the patch in front of the bridge? Or is it just decoration?
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Jo Dusepo
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Re: Kwitra

Post by Jo Dusepo »

Karl Wicklund wrote:What is the purpose of the patch in front of the bridge? Or is it just decoration?
It's a pickguard. On this instrument it's traditionally this shape, which is supposed to be the shape of a baklava.
I specialise in historical & world instruments.
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Karl Wicklund
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Re: Kwitra

Post by Karl Wicklund »

Hah, that's a cool connection. Does playing technique make the top vulnerable to wear right there?
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Jo Dusepo
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Re: Kwitra

Post by Jo Dusepo »

Karl Wicklund wrote:Hah, that's a cool connection. Does playing technique make the top vulnerable to wear right there?
I haven't had any such problems (see video), but maybe I have a lighter touch than others. They are played (like the oud) with a long thin plectrum called a risha, so it makes sense to have the soundboard protected from that.
I specialise in historical & world instruments.
https://www.dusepo.co.uk
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