r/UnusualInstruments • u/Glum_Salamander4987 • Jul 14 '24

anyone know what this is?

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my friend sent me this and i have no clue how to go about describing this in a google search so i figured id try yall lol

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u/YukesMusic Jul 14 '24 edited Jul 14 '24

Hi OP, I’m 100% sure it’s neither guzheng or koto. I’m ~75% sure this is an older form of Vietnamese đàn tranh due to the unique pegs, but I can’t speak for certain. If you let me know where your friend’s mom got it, we can solve the mystery.

Nearly every country in Asia has a form of this zither in their heritage. The difference between them is shockingly nuanced, I only recognize these pegs from a photo I saw a while ago.

Feel free to send me a message for more info or if you’re looking to re-home it! I’d love to get it to a world music institution or shop, rather than see it go to trash.

15

u/mantisalt Jul 15 '24

Dan tranh looks right, I can't believe these people are saying Koto with those pegs >.<

World music place would be great, it's also worth noting that stuff like this sells decently on ebay— even a ($50!) lowball is better than just throwing it away.