Hummel (instrument)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Hummel is an old Swedish stringed instrument that can be compared to an older type of zither and is related to the norwegian instrument, the langeleik. The name is thought to come from the german word "Hummel", meaning "bee", referring to the droning sound created by the accompaniment strings.
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[edit] History
The hummel is probably from the Middle Ages, when it was found all over Europe in slightly differing variants. The instrument was common in the Netherlands, Northern Germany and Denmark during the 1700's. The earliest evidence of the intstrument in swedish folk culture is from the 1600's, and it seems to have been most common in the southern parts of the country. During the 1800's, the hummel was considered to be a primitive peasant instrument and its popularity dwindled, but some enthusiasts have taken up playing it again since the folk revival of the 1970's.
[edit] Construction
The hummel is an instrument that exists in many forms, with regards to appearance, as well as number of strings etc. Common to all varieties is a flat top and bottom. There are variations in the material used, but it is always thin. On the top are one or more soundholes which can come in many forms. The strings vary in number but often comprise of a smaller number of melody strings and a greater number of accompanying strings. It is no uncommon to have three melody strings: two tuned identically, and the third tuned one octave below the others. Under the melody strings, either directly on the body or attached to a fretboard, are about 17 frets, like those on a guitar. The body comes in two main forms, either a pear-shaped form with the strings in the middle of a half-pear with the strings near the edge.
[edit] Playing
The hummel is placed on a table, just like with a zither, to amplify the sound. The melody strings are sounded by being plucked downwards, either with fingers or a plectrum. The identically tuned melody strings are often fretted in unison or so to create a major third. It is even possible to play a sixth interval, through using the octave string. The strings are played with a plectrum and are often all played at once. This is common because the accompaniment strings are tuned to a suitable chord that is relatively open, for example all the strings may be tuned to D or A.
[edit] Music for hummel
The hummel is perfectly suited for accompanying tunes, thanks to the many accompaniment strings. However, due to the relatively limited range of the instrument for playing more intricate melodies and keys, it is unlikely that there are many compositions written specifically for this instrument.
[edit] Hummel players
The most famous hummel player is probably Otto Malmborg or Ottar Hyll as his artistname was. An example of a contemporary hummel player is Erik Hector, who played the hummel on many of Sågkära's productions and Henrik "Hummel" Schön.
