Haegeum (해금 )

The Haegeum two-stringed fiddle is held vertically on the knee while being bowed. It appears in Goryeo-dynasty records (918-1392) and is one of the most widely utilized instruments in court music and popular ensembles. The bridge can be moved to alter the tonal quality, and the cloth hides the player’s finger movements.

Description: Cylindrical dark-stained bamboo body tapering slightly toward open back, the elliptical belly of unstained paulonia wood glued to body, the interior of body painted red with brass spike piercing through bottom and bamboo node visible from back; round neck curving forward at top, two silk strings winding around spindle-like frontal pegs and then tied by a loop of string from which hangs a green embroidered cloth, the strings passing over a notched wooden bridge and connecting to a swallowtail-shaped string holder of brass; bamboo bow with horsehair attached (at held end) by leather strap and (at tip)by brass loop. (J. Kenneth Moore, 1981)