The Shahnameh Guide To The Lutes Of Central Asia

Komuz

Left: A boy in traditional dress playing a komuz.Right: Komuz made by Jo Dusepo.
Komuz is the best-known national instrument and one of the better-known Kyrgyz national symbols. The komuz is generally made from a single piece of wood (usually apricot or juniper) and has three strings traditionally made out of gut, and often from fishing line in modern times. In the most common tunings the middle string is the highest in pitch. Virtuosos frequently play the komuz in a variety of different positions; over the shoulder, between the knees and upside down. An illustration of a komuz is featured on the reverse of the one-som note.