Bihor region of Transylvania, Romania
Folk-crafted

Wood, metal
ca. Early 20th century
Length: 23.5 in.
Lutes – Violin Family – Folk Fiddle

A Romanian vintage folk made phonofiddle known as “vioară cu goarnă” (translates ‘violin with trumpet’).  These instruments are resonator violins made locally by craftsmen in the Bihor region of Transylvania. A silver metal disc with a small acoustic hole drilled in the center of the resonator just below the violin bridge carries the sound to the trumpet bell for amplification.  

This Romanian phonofiddle has a stylized wooden body, neck with wooden pegs plus three metal strings and one gut string.  On the left side of the instrument is the detachable brass bell that protrudes for amplification, while at the bottom is a carved wooden tailpiece.