That is a very interesting instrument indeed. The maker is quite the
innovator, and I say that in a very positive way. What you have is a
hybrid of the two sorts. The overall appearance (particularly the
transverse tuning pegs) and the wooden string lifters under the
melody strings, is typical of a trough-carved lira, but the body is
constructed out of separate pieces. It also has two melody strings,
an unusual feature on a lira. This should give you a more powerful
melody sound than is typical of most three-stringed instruments, or
you could tune the strings in octaves if you choose (I personally
like this sound). The chromatic keyboard is also unusual, and the
arrangement on the upper end is one I've not seen before, but which
makes sense as a way to make best use of the space available. It
looks like you have a range of an octave + a fifth with a typical
tuning that has the open melody strings sounding the dominant. The
wheel, from what I can see, looks to be well constructed, probably of
ply with banding, so you shouldn't have the problems that come with a
solid wheel that is often found on these sorts of instruments.
All in all, I'd say you've done well. It looks like your instrument
is more versatile than a typical lira because of the chromatic
keyboard, and it looks well-built.
Good luck with it!
-Arle
On Jul 9, 2007, at 8:25 PM, d wrote:
I have posted pictures of my Ukrainian lira here: http://
www.americanistan.com/id98.html
Would love to hear your comments and feedback, especially from
anyone who plays an instrument like this.
Yours in hug delirium,
Denise
Dunyah, aka Denise Gilbertson
Director, Americanistan
Music Inspired by the Middle East
http://www.americanistan.com
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
541-484-5071
