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Crwth

Six-stringed instrument, oblong in shape and possessing a flat back, sides and soundboard, with the body and soundbox, as well as the main frame, being fashioned from a single piece of wood. A fingerboard divides a rectangular opening at one end while two holes can be seen in the soundboard. Although complete there is a line of blocked off tuning pin holes slightly offset from the current set. Conservation work on this crwth has uncovered a hidden aperture beneath the overhanging fingerboard. On further inspection, this seems to travel up the full length of the neck. X-rays of the instrument revealed a tapering, very purposeful cavity extending the full length of the fingerboard. The effect of this void reduces the surface area available for the fingerboard to adhere to the neck. Consequently, it would have been much more difficult to construct than had a solid, flat surface been used - which would have better adhered to the neck upper surface. Made by Richard Evans of Llanfihangel Bachellaeth, Caernarfonshire. It was originally loaned to the Museum by Colonel J.C. Wynne Finch of Y Foelas, Caernarfonshire, in 1935 - the family of whom retains ownership of the instrument to this day.

  • Date:
    1742
  • Maker:
    Evans, Richard
  • Collection:
    National Museums Wales
  • Inventory number:
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  • Place of production:
    Llanfihangel Bachellaeth
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  • Repository:National Museums Wales
  • Measurements:length (mm): 550; width (mm): 240; depth (mm): 70; weight (kg): 1.0