folk instrument

Basis of folk identification

Capture who identifies the instrument with which tradition, when, and on what evidence.

1. Which practitioners, communities, or documented accounts identify this instrument as part of a named folk tradition? provenance
2. Does that identification apply to the instrument type generally, a local variant, or its use in a particular context? boundary

Local identity boundaries

Record local names and distinctions without assuming that shared names mean identical instruments or different names mean different kinds.

1. What names are used in the relevant languages and localities, and what does each name include? definition
2. Which construction, sound, or performance differences lead practitioners to recognise a separate variant? boundary

Acoustic working principle

Record how the player initiates and shapes vibration, including interactions among melody, drone, or sympathetic components where present.

1. Which elements vibrate, how are they excited, and which components amplify or modify their sound? definition
2. Which dimensions and component arrangements most strongly distinguish this variant's acoustic behaviour? measurement

Contextual sound target

Capture the expected pitch relationships, range, and timbral qualities for a stated tradition and playing purpose.

1. What tuning or pitch relationships are expected, and which elements can the player or maker adjust? definition
2. Under a stated tuning and technique, what usable range or rhythmic and timbral responses can be demonstrated? measurement
3. Which apparent buzzes, beating effects, or pitch variations are intended features rather than faults? boundary

Significant construction choices

Distinguish construction features treated as essential by practitioners from accepted material or manufacturing alternatives.

1. Which materials and construction techniques are documented for the relevant variant and period? provenance
2. Which substitutions preserve its recognised identity, and which are regarded as changing the instrument? boundary

Specimen construction history

Capture maker attribution, repairs, component replacements, and adaptations with their supporting evidence.

1. What evidence supports the specimen's maker, place of manufacture, and approximate date? provenance
2. Which repairs or adaptations have changed its tuning, sound, playing technique, or locally recognised identity? boundary

Performance compatibility

Connect posture, excitation, articulation, and tuning to the instrument's intended ensemble or solo role.

1. Which playing techniques and musical roles characterise its use in the named tradition? definition
2. What tuning, accessories, player skills, and sound balance are needed for the proposed performance? action

Contextual use authority

Record any relevant customary conditions and whose account establishes them, without presuming universal restrictions.

1. Who can explain whether particular players, occasions, handling practices, or recording activities have customary conditions? provenance
2. What consultation or permission, if any, is needed for the proposed use of this specimen? action

Condition against intended use

Separate expected musical characteristics from damage or deterioration that limits use.

1. Which cracks, leaks, loose joints, worn strings, reed changes, or membrane defects are applicable to this instrument and affect its response? measurement
2. Can the specimen be tested by playing without worsening damage, and who is qualified to make that assessment? action

Appropriate care path

Record care requirements and proposed interventions together with their musical and cultural consequences.

1. What storage conditions, cleaning practices, and consumable replacements are supported for these particular materials and components? action
2. Should intervention prioritise continued playing, preservation of existing material, customary treatment, or a documented combination? action
3. Which repair or amplification changes require review because they could alter characteristic sound or culturally significant features? boundary

Check these first

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these check these first hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Kinds and varieties

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these kinds and varieties hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Identifiers and schemes

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these identifiers and schemes hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Real-world use

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Failure modes and hazards

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Regional variation

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these regional variation hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart

Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.

1. Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance