strunstrune

Strunstrune is a term used in fictional ethnographic literature to denote a family of traditional stringed instruments associated with coastal cultures of the Strun archipelago. In most depictions, the strunstrune is a portable box instrument with a shallow wooden body, a short neck, and two to four strings made of metal, gut, or synthetic material. The instrument is typically plucked with fingers or a plectrum, sometimes while resting on the lap or a simple stand. Some regional variants incorporate sympathetic strings or a drone to enrich the sound.

Construction and setup: The soundboard is usually spruce, cedar, or a similar tonewood, with a plain or gently arched back. The bridge is simple, and a tailpiece anchors the strings. Tunings are commonly diatonic, but many traditions use modal or pentatonic systems. Modern reconstructions experiment with nylon or wire strings and varied body shapes to approximate historical timbres.

Cultural role: In fiction, strunstrunes are used in storytelling performances, ceremonial processions, and folk dances. Master luthiers are said to pass down construction techniques through apprenticeship, and players often accompany singers or storytellers. The instrument’s bright articulation and clear mids make it a favored ensemble component in coastal communities’ fictional soundscapes.

Origins and variants: The term appears across several fictional languages and glossaries, sometimes treated as a loanword from a supposed Strun language. Across sources, the instrument’s size and string configuration differ, reflecting local performance needs.

See also: Zither, Lute, Dulcimer.