Musical Instruments

[J'Maq]

Being somewhat of a percussionist myself, I began to wonder about the
concept of musical instruments in Klingon culture. What, in essence,
do we "play?" Stringed? Woodwinds? Pipes? And what are some of the
names of these instruments?

[Kesvirit]

This site features what looks like a keyboard attached to some sort of loom, but does not provide a name for the instrument or any of its components.

KGT tells of the following:

{QoQ jan} -- collective term for musical instruments
{‘In} -- general term for percussion instruments
{baS ‘In} -- bell (metal {‘In})
{Sor Hap‘In} -- a wooden {‘In}.  One kind of {Sor Hap‘In} is a tube, open on both ends, with a longetudinal slit extending not quite to either end.  It is hit with a {mupwI’Hom} (literally “a small striker”).
{DIr ‘In} -- drum with an animal skin stretched over one end
{‘o’lav} -- a type of drum with skin stretched over both ends
{Dov’agh} -- a simple flute or fife, usually made from bone
{meSchuS} -- a very large wind instrument consisting of a network of interlocking tubes
{SuSDeQ} -- any bellows-type instrument
{may’ron} -- a {SuSDeQ} similar to an accordian.  A possible cadidate.
{DIron} -- bagpipes
{HurDagh} -- category of stringed instrument
{Supghew} -- a small {HurDagh}, and the most common. A possible example.
{leSpal} -- a midsized {HurDagh}
{tIngDagh} -- a large {HurDagh} rarely heard outside of operatic performances

   
But except for the first site linked to, all of these came from a canon source. I wish to hear of independent efforts by musically inclined Klinfolk. Does anyone have photos or sketches of Klingon instruments that they will allow me to post?

[Abbot Nej vIt]

The Picture in the First Link Looks a lot Like a Marimba... (My Father Has Built Quite a Few Impressive Examples)... Though It Does Look Oddly as though the Person in the Center has their Hands Positioned as though it were a Keyboard...

Great List By the Way...!

[KAllen]

So, I'm guessing a Gibson Thunderbird Bass would be out huh??? 

Although the Gene Simmons Axe Bass, might be in...if it was sharpened!!!

[ter'eS]

So, I'm guessing a Gibson Thunderbird Bass would be out huh??? 

Well, that particular model might be out, but how about this one? (take another look at the list, especially the second one from the bottom).

-- ter'eS

[Abbot Nej vIt]

Ahhh... Yes the Les Paul...<Chuckle>... I Missed that... Most Likely an Intentional Nod I Should Think...

[ter'eS]

Yes, indeed.  Marc Okrand is (in)famous for the many puns he's worked into the lexicon.  Another one that's
sort of music-related is the word 'oQqar "an edible tuber", which sounds like "ocarina", a slang term
for which happens to be "sweet potato".

-- ter'eS

[Floris Schonfeld]

You will find some examples of prototypes developed by the Klingon Terran Research Ensemble here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLWVVy1AYcM

We would be very interested to hear what you think!

Feel free to post on youtube!