The Components of the Pontic lyra

The Pontic Lyra (kemenche) is made up of several components, each of which serves a basic purpose. Listed from 1 through to 11, the following are the basic components of the lyra, each of which has a name which describes the function of that particular part.

For instance, the bridge is called a Gaidaron (Gr: Γαϊδαρον) which means 'donkey'  in the Pontic dialect. It's function is to carry a heavy load, that of the 3 chords, and it also looks like a donkey saddle.  Another example is the Palikar (Gr: Παλικάρ) which means 'strong man' in Pontic. It's purpose is to hold the 3 chords in place at the base of the lyra.

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  Component (in Pontic) Meaning Component (in English)
1 Otia (Ωτία) Ears Tuning Pegs
2 Kifal (Κιφάλ) Head Peg Box
3 Ghoula (Γούλα) Neck Hand rest
4 Glossa/Gravat (Γλώσσα/Γραβάτ) Tongue/Tie Fingerboard
5 Kapaki (Καπάκι) Cover Soundboard
6 Rothonia (Ρωθόνια) Nostrils Soundholes 
7 Gaidaron (Γαϊδαρον) Donkey Bridge 
8 Palikar (Παλικάρ)  Strong Man Tailpiece
Skafee (Σκαφή) Trough Main Body 
10 Stulari (Στουλάρ)  Post Sound Post
11 Khordes (Χορδές) Strings Chords

  
For more information on the Pontic lyra:
The Pontic lyra (Kemenche)
The Kemenche

 

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