The Stringed Instrument Database

H

Halszither

Alternative names: Krienser Halszither
Origin: Switzerland
Tuning: G2, D3 D3, G3 G3, B3 B3, D4 D4
Strings/Courses: 9/5
Further notes: German for 'Neck zither', to differentiate from the type of zithers with open strings played on the lap. Zither is the German equivalent of the word Cittern. Steel strings.
Scale Length: 370mm

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Hardingfele

Alternative names: Hardanger fiddle, Hardanger violin.
Origin: South-western Norway. The earliest example is from 1651.
Tuning: A3, D4, A4, E5 or A3, C4, A4, D5 or B3, E4, B4, F#5
Strings/Courses: 4/4
Further notes: Also has 4-9 sympathetic strings, Steel strings.
Scale Length:

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Harp-Bandurria

- See Bandurria, Philippine.

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Hasapi

Alternative names:Kachapi, Kacapi, Kulcapi, Kecapi
Origin: Malaysia
Tuning:
Strings/Courses: 2/2
Further notes: Not to be confused with a similar-named zither-type instrument.
Scale Length:

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Huapanguera

Alternative names: Quinta Huapanguera
Origin: Mexico
Tuning: G2, D3 D4, G3 G3, B3 B3, E3 or G2 G2, D3 D3, G3 G3, B3, E4.
Strings/Courses: Usually 8/5, but sometimes 6/5 (only the middle string doubled) or 5/5 (all single).
Further notes: Nylon strings
Scale Length: 620mm

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Hualaycho

- See Walaycho.

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Huobosi

Alternative names: Hubo, Sugudu,
Origin: China
Tuning: E2, A2, D3, G3 or A2, D3, G3 C4 or A2, C3, D3, A3
Strings/Courses: 4/4
Further notes: There is also an older, pear-shaped variety, but this is rare nowadays. 3 silk strings, 1 metal.
Scale Length: 480mm

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Hummel

Alternative names: Hommel, Humle.
Origin: Sweden, 17th century.
Tuning: Usually tuned to an open chord.
Strings/Courses:
Further notes:
Scale Length: No Standard.

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Hurdy Gurdy

Alternative names:
Origin: France, 12th century.
Tuning: A A, G, C
Strings/Courses:
Further notes: Some strings are drones. Steel strings.
Scale Length:

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I

Ichigenkin

Alternative names: Nigenkin (when it has 2 strings)
Origin: Japan,
Tuning:
Strings/Courses: 1/1 or 2/2
Further notes: Traditionally played in some Shinto ceremonies. Silk string(s).
Scale Length:

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Igil

Alternative names: Ikili, Egel, Ehel
Origin: Tuva, South-eastern Russia.
Tuning:
Strings/Courses: 2/2
Further notes: Nylon or horse hair strings.
Scale Length:

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Imzad

Alternative names: Imzad
Origin: Niger, Algeria and nothern Mali.
Tuning: No standard.
Strings/Courses: 1/1
Further notes: Horse hair string.
Scale Length: No standard.

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Irish Banjo

- See Banjo, Tenor.

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Irish Bouzouki

- See Bouzouki, Irish.

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