Amu Nowruz Presents: Lutes Of Central Asia

Pamiri Rubab

Left: Standard Pamiri Rubab. Middle: Pamiri Rubab with extra carving and extra strings. Right: Pamirir Rubab with Frame Drum.
In Tajikistan a similar but somewhat distinct rubab-i-pamir (Pamiri rubab) is played, employing a shallower body and neck. The rubab of the Pamir area has six gut strings, one of which, rather than running from the head to the bridge, is attached partway down the neck. It has no sympathetic resonance strings. Sometimes the upper part of the body is carved into elaborate shapes.