The Nyckelharpa

The nyckelharpa, meaning “key harp,” is a traditional Swedish instrument. The first clues of this instruments existence are from 14th century European relief sculptures. The nyckelharpa is classified as a bowed string instrument. It is played in much of the same way a violinists plays a violin with the exception of the 37 wooden keys which, when depressed, act as frets (pushing up from below the strings, changing the pitch). LINK

"Bach on Nyckelharpa" LINK