Gusle

Gusle [OSlav. gusti, to drone], bowed chordophone of Yugoslavia, made of a single block of maple, with ovoid body carved like a ladle, and single string of twisted horsehair secured by an elongated rear peg set in the neck, holding the string clear (there is no nut). Several small soundholes are pierced in the skin belly, and often a soundhole is cut in the back. Three types of gusle are distinguished: 1) Serbian, with bowl-shaped body; 2) Bosnian, more elaborate, with carved, piriform body and…