Meningék

Meningék is a type of traditional Hungarian folk instrument, belonging to the category of long necked stringed instruments. It is played in various regions of Hungary, particularly in the Eastern part of the country.

The name "meningék" is derived from the Hungarian word "mening", which refers to a string. This instrument has a long fingerboard and typically is played with two aluminum, or sometimes nylon, strings. Some variants of meningék are fretted, while others are not.

Meningék is often used in a solo, or in duo with the cimbalom, which is a type of Hungarian dulcimer. The emotional, expressive sound of the meningék has a deep impact on listeners, often making it a focus in instrumental music or dances. In addition, the family of long-necked stringed instruments has been around for centuries, widely used by the various ethnic groups in Europe.

The tuning of meningék can vary, depending on the specific region or individual musician, which may also include harmonics and accessory pitches. Alongside its use in traditional Hungarian music, meningék also experienced a revival in modern times among young musicians experimenting with new styles and sounds.