Timple
A small plucked-string instrument, usually with five strings, closely linked to accompanying Canarian popular music.
- Family
- Plucked string
- Area
- Canary Islands
History
The timple belongs to the family of small guitars and vihuelas that circulated through Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. In the Canary Islands it developed an identity of its own, and from the nineteenth century its making became especially established on islands such as Lanzarote.
Characteristics
It is a small instrument with a rounded body and a bright, high-pitched sound. It usually has five strings—although four-string models also exist—and is traditionally played with rhythmic strumming, alongside melodic techniques developed by contemporary performers.
Where it is used
It accompanies parrandas, pilgrimages and popular repertoires throughout the archipelago. In recent decades it has also gained prominence as a solo instrument, performing both traditional melodies and newly created music.
