Description of lyra or Kemence
The neck, stem and body of the Black Sea Kemence are carved out of a
single piece of wood. Its shape, however, is entirely different. As
with other folk instruments, it is impossible to speak of a standard
size of Black Sea Kemence. However, those used by professional
musicians and the like tend to be about 56 cm long. The body, with its
straight sides and flat back is usually made out of plum or juniper
wood. The thin chest area is made out of fir or spruce. In order for
the strings to be able to cope with the pressure from the bridge, a
raised dome travels the length of the body. The pegs are quite small,
and attached at the front of the instrument. It is played by touching
the strings with the finger tips. If standing, the player holds the
instrument in the air with his left hand. If seated, he rests it
between his knees.
