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Sanxian

Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments describes the instrument as a ‘Long-necked lute of the Han Chinese’; the three strings, tuned a 4th and a 5th apart, are plucked with the fingernails or a plectrum. Consists of a long neck that possibly extends through the body and has a ‘spatula-shaped scroll’; three fluted and tapered pegs inserted from opposite sides of the peg box; oval-shaped body covered on both sides with ?snake skin.

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  • Repository:Royal College of Music Museum
  • Measurements:Overall length: 1155mm. Projecting neck length 935mm. Body: approx. 220mm by 180mm, 86mm deep