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L’alboka
Hey all this is Spencer,
I wanted to have a kinda of fun forum where people can come an learn about different instruments. Sometimes my posts will be seeing your ordinary instruments in a different light, and sometimes I will share rather strange instruments.
to kick it off, I want to share the “Alboka”, (google it and use the youtube links at the bottom to listen.)
The alboka is a basque instrument, similar to a hornpipe. How it works is that there is a mouth piece that channels air to a single reed (like how a bag pipe is played), connected to two small diameter melody pipes. What is cool about this is that it allows the player to play harmonies wither by using one melody pipe as a drone, for a bagpipe effect, or moving intervals like on a piano. The end is generally made of a animal horn, giving it that very medieval look and sound. It generally is played with a technique called “circular breathing” making a fun instrument for playing jigs and other dance compositions.
It is a very cool instrument with a unique sounds and playing style. Check out these videos!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJt9MHt0TJo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL-c50cQotU -
4 Replies
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Wow that is amazing! It doesn’t look like, but sounds like the Hurdy Gurdy – just so awesome! I love it!!!
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Yeah its crazy how similar they do sound!
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That’s so cool! I kinda want one… Even though I’m a string player. Yeah, bring on the interesting, unusual instruments!
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this instrument will be excellent for my novel when my protagonist will hear this during a festival at a castle.
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