Xänorphica. A key-violin. An instrument somewhat like the tetrachordon, invented by Röllig (1761–1804), the sounds of which were produced by bows set in motion by a pedal, and acted upon by keys.

Xyloharmonica, Xylosistrum. An harmonicon consisting of graduated blocks of wood, struck with hammers acted upon by keys. Instruments of this class were made by Röllig (1761–1804), and by Uthe (1810).

Xylophone. [Cigelira.]

Xylorganum. [Gigelira.]

Yang Kin. A Chinese instrument furnished with brass strings, which are struck with two small hammers, like a dulcimer.

Yo. An Indian flute.

Yu. An interval of the Chinese scale. The ancient Chinese divided the octave into twelve equal parts, like the semitones of our chromatic scale, which were called lu. Their scale, as commonly used, consisted, however, of only five notes, which were called koung, chang, kio, tché, and yu, and which corresponded to our F, G, A, C, D; koung or F being considered to be the normal key.

Yue Kin. A guitar called by the Chinese, “Mopn Guitar,” [Guitar.]

Za. Formerly a solfeggio name for B♭.

Zambomba (Sp.) A common toy instrument in Spain, formed of an earthen pot tightly covered at its open end with a parchment, into which is inserted the stem of a reed. When the reed is rubbed up and down with rough or moist fingers, the vibrations are transferred to the air enclosed in the vessel, and a hollow rumbling sound is produced.

Zampogna (It.) A bagpipe in use among Italian peasants. The name is supposed to be a corruption of Symphonia. [Bagpipe.] A rough-toned reed instrument without a bag is also called Zampogna or Zampugna.