Yue qin
DEFINITION
A Chinese mandolin named from its moon-shaped soundbox and similar to the long- necked Ruan. The soundbox is sometimes octagonal or hexagonal in shape with 2 strings normally tuned a 4th or 5th apart. Two additional strings can be added and are typically tuned in unison with the other 2 strings creating 2 courses of 2 strings each. The Yue Qin is commonly used to accompany performances such as operas and narratives. It is also known as a Moon mandolin.