Chitara (Replica) 2000 / 4000 B.C. (Mesopotamie - Africa)

A lot of Guitar related books start with a story about

the instrument and its' history. As a young guy, more 

interested in electric guitars I tend to overlook those

chapters but in fact they are interesting as well in the 

development of the guitar as it is to these days.

The "soundbox" consists of a turtle shell that has been

covered with what most likely was a goat skin. The neck

already was a "neck thru body" construction as it holds 

the 3 strings as well. In this case the strings are nylon

ones but in history they must have been made out of gut.

The strings can be tuned but weren't ment to be fingered

on a neck like this

And the tuning machine heads!

• The carvings as have been done on this neck have a mere 
• ornamental function and probably different each time and 
• in correspondance of a certain tribe that made them.
• 
  
• 

The bridge construction consist of a simple wooden bow that

has been been carved for the support of the three strings.

In the Forderer collection an identical example can be found 

on youtube however the "soundholes" made here are not present 

on that instrument. Probably a new invention later in time? 

As the Oud is a more well known predecessor of the guitar, 

I figured this simple instrument deserves a place here.