Gambus

The origins of this instrument are closely related to the short-necked, traditional ribbed-bowl-shaped Arabian lute (Oud) from Yemen, which can also be known as "gambus" or "qanbus." However, this example is of the second variant of instruments that have a narrower body usually carved from a single piece of wood. Probably due to strong migration and trading routes, the Islamic gambus became widespread in South East Asia. This example shows typical characteristics of these instruments, like the large carved tailpiece and a longer hook-shaped pegbox that resembles a stylized horse-head. This style of tailpiece serves not only to attach the strings, but also to provide support to the player's arm. The pear-shaped resonator is covered with animal skin through brass tacks along its edges. The neck is also hollowed out and has a wooden fretless fingerboard cover that was nailed along the edges. The instrument has three wooden pegs, but the configuration of the pegbox, nut and tailpiece suggest that this is a seven-string, four-course instrument with three double-course strings and one single. There is still one gut string in place. The back of the body has a small centered hole.