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Number 486

Nuns’ trumpet (Tromba marina)

anonymous, Southern Netherlands (?), 18th century

Information

This single-string instrument was used until the 18th century as a replacement for the trumpet. Playing a trumpet was actually reserved for privileged musicians. When you draw the string, the comb vibrates against the sound blade, imitating the sound of a trumpet quite well.

Audio
Filippo Bonanni, Uit/from: Gabinetto Armonico pieno d'Istromenti sonori indicati e spiegati, Rome, 1722