By Rebecca Rajwar
7G

STRING INSTRUMENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Balalaika:

a. Brief History:
The Balalaika is a traditional Russian instrument. It has been a village folk instrument and has been played for centuries to entertain. The accurate origin of the Balalaika isn’t completely known, although, the earliest record of this instrument was in 1688 AD as per a Russian document. It is thought that it may have been modelled off an instrument imported into Russia by the Mongols of Central Asia in the 12th century invasions.

b. Description of the instrument:
The appearance of the Balalaika is a triangular, wooden body with three strings, sometimes six, to be played with. The Balalaika comes in several sizes, with each size having a different name and pitch. The front of the Balalaika body is either made of spruce, evergreen or fir-tops. The back of the body is usually made of maple wood. Today, Balalaika strings are made up of nylon or wire.

c. Description of how the instrument is played:
The instrument, Balalaika comes in several sizes, all primarily strung with three strings. A plectrum is usually used on larger sizes of the Balalaika and fingers are used on smaller sizes. The technique of using the Balalaika is to fret notes on the lower string, using your left thumb to form chords, while using your index finger on your right hand to strum or pluck notes.

d. Diagram of the instrument:

e. Bibliography:
Kids Net: http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/ba/Balalaika
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balalaika
Russiapedia: http://russiapedia.rt.com/of-russian-origin/balalaika/

Koto:

a. Brief History:
The Koto is a popular, traditional Japanese string instrument that belongs to the zither family. The Chinese and Koreans introduced it to Japan from the 7th to 8th Century. The original version had five strings but gradually over the years it developed to seven, then twelve and now thirteen strings. There are a variety of forms of the Koto known throughout Asia.

b. Description of the instrument:
The Koto is made of Paulownia wood. It can have an ivory, wood or plastic bridge. Traditionally the strings are formed from silk, but can also be produced from plastic, paper or cardboard. It may also have adornments that have an inlay of ivory and ebony, tortoise shell or metal figures. Kotos are approximately 180cm long, with thirteen strings strung along moveable bridges.

c. Description of how the instrument is played:
To play the Koto, the bridges must be adjusted correctly so each string is tuned to a pitch. Kotos are played with plectrums placed on the right hand’s thumb, forefinger and middle finger. Whilst sitting upright in front of the Koto, the right hand plucks the stings and to change the pitch, the left presses the strings on the opposite side of the bridge.

d. Diagram of the instrument:

e. Bibliography:
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koto_(instrument)
Go Japan Go: http://www.gojapango.com/culture/koto.html
Asahi: http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~NP5Y-HRUC/kt-koto.htm

Harp:

a. Brief History:
The Harp is one of the oldest instruments in the world. The earliest evidence of the harp was proven to be from the Ancient Egypt circa, 3000 BC. This harp was shown as being angular and bow shaped and had originated from Asia. Throughout the years of the harp being used, it has been developed, improved and evolved into a well- known musical instrument.

b. Description of the instrument:
The shape of a Harp is approximately a triangular frame. It is traditionally made of wood, primarily maple wood. Strings produced from nylon, gut, silk, wire or combinations thereof, varying of different lengths are stretched across from the neck to the soundbox. Along the neck there are tuning pegs for each string and sharping levers. Some modern harps also have wooden pedals to alter pitch.

c. Description of how the