Gudok

Gudok [OSlav. gudu, to drone], obs. bowed chordophone of Russia, of the rebec type, a folk instr. with piriform body and three strings tuned to fundamental, 5th, and 12th; the highest string was a melody string, the others served as drones; all were sounded simultaneously. It was held upright on the knees, exceptionally also against the chest. It was played from med. times to the late 18th c. The gudok corresponds to the gadulka of Bulgaria. Cf. gadulka, smyk (80 XVI, 176). Sort…