Nyckelharpa
The keyed fiddle (nyckelharpa), a bowed string instrument with keys that stop the strings, played in Swedish folk music since the 16th century and especially associated with Uppland. Its buzzing drone strings and chromatic key rows give it its characteristic sound. It was revived in the early 20th century and remains a national instrument, played at dance and fest. The instrument's keys press tangents against the strings to change their pitch, while one or more drone strings ring beneath the melody, giving the nyckelharpa its humming, hurdy-gurdy-like timbre. Surviving church paintings and wri