China
Chinese

Woods, ivory, nylon
Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 24 in; Diameter: 13.5 in
Chordophones – Lutes

The yueqin (or yueh qin, or yueh ch’in) is the Chinese “moon-guitar” and looks quite similar to the ruan, however, the yueqin does not have the two prominent round sound holes on the resonator soundboard and unlike the ruan, the four strings (tuned as fifths in pairs) attach to a bridge that is mounted/glued on the soundboard rather than at the bottom.  This handmade yueqin has a fretted short neck with an additional five frets continuing on the resonator sound board.  The peghead is sickle-shaped and ends in a curl to the front with a carved dragon head finial.

The yueqin is played by striking the strings with the fingernails or using a plectrum.  A favorite playing technique is the fast repetition of a note (like playing a tremolo).  The yueqin is mainly used to accompany the voice in regional traditions.