Ramkie
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Hornbostel–Sachs classification
(Composite chordophone)
(Composite chordophone)
DevelopedSouth Africa
 A 6 string fretted Ramkie. | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | String instrument |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | (Composite chordophone) |
| Developed | South Africa |
The Ramkie (also called an Afri-can) is a type of guitar usually made in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Malawi. It is made using a discarded oil can (or similar) for the soundbox. It has three or four strings (rarely six like a guitar), made of fishing wire or bicycle brake wire, and may be fretted or fretless.[1][2][3][4] The instrument has apparently always been used for repetitive chord-playing, not melodic patterns.[5]
