Noordsche balk

Noordsche balk (Du., Flem.), folk zither of the Low Countries, described by Klaas Douwes in 1699 as having 3 or 4 strings and diatonic frets; it is plucked with a plectrum or bowed. It corresponded to the bûche, épinette des Vosges, Scheitholt, etc.—a rectangular box zither. Also called hommel (132). Mahillon, Victor. Catalogue descriptif et analytique du Musée Instrumental du Conservatoire de Bruxelles. 1893–1922.