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Launeddas

Basic information.
Main parts (all made of cane):

  1. Mankosedda (Descant "chanter").
  2. Mankosa manna (Treble "chanter").
  3. Tumbu (Drone), which consists of 2 (in case of very low-pitched types 3) sections.
  4. Kabittsina (Reeds), which are "upcut" (i.e. with the tip of their tongue pointing towards the instrument).
NB¹: The combination of the Mankosa manna and Tumbu (nowadays usually tied together) is called Kroba or Loba.

There are 12 different varieties of the Launeddas, called Kuntsertus. Depending on the variety (type) of Kuntsertu, its Mankosedda and Mankosa manna have their specific range and, accordingly, its Tumbu has its proper pitch. Kuntsertus can be made in various keys (called Puntus), but the range and pitch of each part remains, within the chosen key, in exact proportion required for the selected type of Kuntsertu.
Unless the Launeddas is played during a procession, its player (for whom I haven't detected a specific designation, yet) usually carries an Astučča (which is a sheath of thick, firm leather) with several Kuntsertus, thus being prepared to choose the type needed, depending on the melody to be played.

Wiebe Stodel, 23 October 2020

NB³: Source of drawing: Carlo Mariani, Roma, whose website proves to be quite interesting...