The Shahnameh Guide To The Lutes Of Central Asia

Kashgar Rubab

Kashgar Rubab being played.
The Kashgar rubab (also called rawap) is a fretted plucked long-necked stringed instrument used in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the autonomous region of Xinjiang, Western China. The history of the instrument dates back to the 14th century. They usually have 5 strings in 3 courses (lowest single), but during Soviet times, there was also a 4 single string version with a shorter neck, tuned like a mandolin.