The Shahnameh Guide To The Lutes Of Central Asia

Pamir Tanbur

Left and right: Pamiri tanbur being played.
The Pamir Tanbur or Pamiri Tanbur is carved from solid wood (usually apriot) and unlike other tanburs, has nylon or gut strings and the lower half of the body covered with skin. In this way it is more like a rubab, despite the name. It is played with a thick wooden plectrum.