Class of stringed musical instruments
A Benju, Benjo (Sindhi, Balochi: بینجو) is a type of Zither fitted with a keyboard, commonly used in the Sindhi music and Balochi music.
The Benju holds a significant place in the Sindh and Balochistan's musical heritage. It produces a rich overtone and creating a mesmerising sound that has become an integral part of the folk music in Balochistan.
Baloch musicians gradually adapted it for contemporary performances and developed and enchanting textural template.
Today, in all regions of Balochistan, especially in the cities, binju is used in all kinds of music along with common Balochi instruments.
Construction and play.
It is about 1 meter long, 10 –12 cm wide and the soundbox is about 5 cm high, with six strings. Strings 1 and 2, 5 and 6 are used as bordun (drone) strings and tuned to the tonic and the fifth or fourth. In relative pitch C and G or F. The middle strings 3 and 4 are tuned unison to F or G, and they are fretted and can be shortened by pressing down the metal keys. The scale is chromatic from G to A, B flat or B. The right hand plays the strings by using a wooden or plastic plectron, the left hand is fingering the keys.
The benju is played mainly as a solo instrument accompanied by dholak and tambura. Sometimes it is combined with Suroz.
References.
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