CHARITY LISTING:

Full Size Gusle with Bow, 1 String Balkans Musical Instrument From Albania Carved Wood VGC

Condition note:
Sold as seen. The gusle appears to be in very good condition with no chips or cracks in the wood, and a working string tension peg. The bridge is mounted correctly and is sturdy. There are no notable markings, chips or scratches - just some light signs of age. Part of the bow has been snapped off near the tension peg - however, it is otherwise in good working condition.

Item description:
This charity listing is for a Gusle (or "Gusla") - a vintage replica of an old Balken instrument sculpted entirely by hand.

The gusle (Serbo: gusle/гусле, pronunciation ɡūslɛ) is a monochord, one string, bowed instrument from the Dinaric Alps.  This unusual musical instrument is hand carved from dark brown wood and has a real goat skin head underneath the string.  These were once very popular as a traditional instrument in the Balkans.  This instrument, in its various variants, accompanies the epic traditions of the region.

This object is a fictional model that was brought back as a souvenir from Albania in the 1980s. Nevertheless, it remains a very beautiful object.

This Gusle has a carved animal head at the top end. This is likely a type of antelope called a Chamoix, an animal common to the mountainous regions. This instrument appears to be carved from one solid piece of wood, possibly maple, and then stained to a medium-dark brown color. There is a cord for hanging.

The Gusle has a hollow resonator (covered with stretched goat skin), and the neck is hand carved from what we suspect is maple.

The back of the instrument has a beautiful carved floral design. The resonance chamber is covered with a tightly stretched goat skin leather which is held in place by small nails around the edge. 

The instrument is 28 inches (71cm) long by 5.75 inches (14.5cm) wide - making this a full size replica instrument.

In the traditional culture of the region, a full sized Gusle would be placed between the musician’s knees and the fingers of his or her left hand would be on the string, probably adjusting the tone by pressing on them, but never all the way to the handle. The right hand would use the bow to produce a unique harmonic sound. It was often accompanied by singing or epic poetry.

The name gusle/gusli/gusla is common to all Slavs and denotes a string instrument.

This souvenir model is in quite good condition compared to the few others I saw on line. There are no chips or cracks in the wood.

Gusle weight: approx 600g.

Please see images and condition note before purchasing.


Please note:
- Free shipping to any UK address.  An express shipping option is also available.
- Our international shipping costs are managed by eBay's Global Shipping Programme (GSP) and we have no control over their prices or the courier service whom they use.
- Local collection option available.  Item location is Hesketh Bank, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 6AE.

By purchasing this item you will be supporting International Aid Trust - a UK registered charity (no. 1086597).
Thank you for your support.