A Symphony of Strings: Exploring 20 Stringed Instruments Similar to the Veeh Harp

The Veeh Harp is a fascinating stringed instrument that boasts a rich history and unique sound. While this particular instrument has captured the imagination of many, it is just one of many remarkable stringed instruments that have emerged throughout history. In this article, we will explore the diverse world of stringed instruments, taking a closer look at 20 examples most similar to the Veeh Harp. We'll dive into their histories, places of origin, and distinctive sound profiles, allowing you to appreciate the vast array of stringed instruments available to musicians and enthusiasts alike.

1. Zither (Ancient China, 5th century BCE)

The zither is an ancient stringed instrument originating from China. It features a flat, wooden soundboard with multiple strings stretched across its length. The zither is played by plucking or striking the strings with fingers or a plectrum. It has a delicate, ethereal sound that is often used in traditional Chinese music and poetry.

2. Psaltery (Ancient Greece, 3rd century BCE)

The psaltery is a plucked string instrument that originated in ancient Greece. It features a flat, trapezoidal soundboard with strings stretched across its width. The psaltery produces a warm, resonant sound, and was a popular instrument in medieval Europe.

3. Guqin (China, around 3rd century BCE)

The guqin is a Chinese zither with a history dating back over 3,000 years. It features a flat, wooden soundboard with seven silk strings stretched across its length. The guqin is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, and is known for its deep, meditative sound that is often associated with Confucian philosophy.

4. Kanun (Mesopotamia, around 3rd century CE)

The kanun is a plucked string instrument that originated in ancient Mesopotamia. It features a trapezoidal soundboard with 26 strings, which are played with plectrums. The kanun is known for its bright, vibrant sound and is used in traditional Middle Eastern music.

5. Gusli (Russia, 6th century CE)

The gusli is an ancient Russian plucked string instrument, similar to the zither. It features a hollow wooden body with a varying number of strings, typically between 10 and 36. The gusli has a gentle, melodic sound and is used in Russian folk music and storytelling.

6. Kantele (Finland, around 9th century CE)

The kantele is a traditional Finnish plucked string instrument, similar to the zither. It features a hollow wooden body with a varying number of strings, typically between 5 and 39. The kantele is known for its bright, bell-like sound and is used in Finnish folk music.

7. Kannel (Estonia, around 9th century CE)

The kannel is a plucked string instrument from Estonia, similar to the Finnish kantele. It has a hollow wooden body and a varying number of strings, typically between 5 and 50. The kannel produces a rich, melodic sound and is used in Estonian folk music.

8. Kanklės (Lithuania, around 9th century CE)

The kanklės is a Lithuanian plucked string instrument, similar to the zither. It features a hollow wooden body with a varying number of strings, usually between 5 and 29. The kanklės has a bright, harp-like sound and is used in Lithuanian folk music.

9. Kokles (Latvia, around 9th century CE)

The kokles is a Latvian plucked string instrument, similar to the zither. It features a hollow wooden body with a varying number of strings, typically between 5 and 33. The kokles produces a delicate, shimmering sound and is used in Latvian folk music.

10. Koto (Japan, around 9th century CE)

The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument with a long, rectangular wooden body and 13 strings stretched across its length. Played using picks or the fingertips, the koto produces a distinct, enchanting sound that has become synonymous with Japanese traditional music.

11. Guzheng (China, around 10th century CE)

The guzheng is a Chinese plucked string instrument similar to the zither. It features a long, rectangular wooden body with 21 strings stretched across its length. Played with finger picks, the guzheng produces a rich, resonant sound, and is a prominent instrument in Chinese traditional music.

12. Autoharp (Germany, 1882)

The autoharp is a zither-like instrument invented by Karl August Gütter in Germany. It features a wooden soundboard with 36 or more strings and a series of chord bars that, when pressed, mute certain strings, allowing the musician to play chords easily. The autoharp has a bright, clear sound and is often used in American folk and country music.

13. Chordophone (Worldwide, various origins)

The term "chordophone" is a broad classification for stringed instruments that produce sound through the vibration of strings, which can be plucked, struck, or bowed. Examples of chordophones include the guitar, violin, and harp. Sound profiles vary greatly among chordophones, depending on factors such as the shape of the instrument, the type of strings, and the method of playing.

14. Bandura (Ukraine, 15th century CE)

The bandura is a Ukrainian plucked string instrument similar to the zither. It features a hollow, wooden body with a varying number of strings, usually between 20 and 65. The bandura produces a bright, chiming sound and is used in Ukrainian folk music and storytelling.

15. Gayageum (Korea, around 6th century CE)

The gayageum is a traditional Korean zither-like instrument with 12 silk strings stretched across a long, wooden soundboard. Played using the fingertips or a plectrum, the gayageum produces a soft, delicate sound, and is used in both traditional Korean music and contemporary fusion genres.

16. Santoor (Iran, around 3rd century CE)

The santoor is a hammered dulcimer-like instrument originating from Iran. It features a trapezoidal wooden soundboard with 72 strings, which are struck with small wooden hammers. The santoor produces a bright, shimmering sound and is used in traditional Persian music.

17. Qanun (Middle East, around 10th century CE)

The qanun is a Middle Eastern plucked string instrument, similar to the kanun. It features a trapezoidal soundboard with 81 strings and is played using plectrums. The qanun is known for its bright, resonant sound and is used in traditional Arabic music.

18. Swarmandal (India, around 16th century CE)

The swarmandal is an Indian plucked string instrument, similar to the zither. It features a flat, wooden soundboard with 21 to 36 strings stretched across its length. The swarmandal produces a bright , celestial sound and is used as an accompaniment to Indian classical singing, particularly in the genres of Khayal and Dhrupad.

19. Dulcimer (Appalachian, 19th century CE)

The Appalachian dulcimer is a plucked string instrument native to the Appalachian region of the United States. It features a narrow, hourglass-shaped wooden body with three to six strings stretched across its length. Played with a pick or fingers, the dulcimer produces a gentle, soothing sound, and is often used in American folk music.

20. Cimbalom (Hungary, 19th century CE)

The cimbalom is a large, hammered dulcimer-like instrument originating from Hungary. It features a trapezoidal wooden soundboard with 100 or more strings, which are struck with small wooden hammers. The cimbalom produces a bright, sparkling sound and is used in traditional Hungarian music and Eastern European gypsy music.

The diverse world of stringed instruments offers a wealth of unique sounds, styles, and cultural expressions. From the delicate resonance of the zither to the vibrant tones of the kanun, these instruments showcase the incredible depth and variety of human musical creativity. The Veeh Harp, alongside its many stringed cousins, has helped to shape the sonic landscape of our world, leaving an indelible mark on the history of music. As you explore these fascinating instruments, you'll gain a greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of sounds that have emerged from different cultures and time periods, illustrating the universality of music as a language that transcends borders and unites us all.