How the cobza makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the cobza belongs to the lutes: strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck – the family of the guitar, violin, sitar and oud.
More broadly it is one of the chordophones (string instruments), where sound comes from vibrating strings, amplified by a resonating body.
Press play above and watch the spectrum: the evenly spaced peaks are harmonics, and their relative strength is what gives the instrument its character.
From Wikipedia
The cobza (also cobsa, cobuz, koboz) is a multi-stringed instrument of the lute family of folk origin popular in Romanian, Moldovan and contemporary Hungarian folk music. The cobza is a pear-shaped string instrument with a short neck and wooden body, traditionally used to provide rhythm and harmony in folk music. It can be played solo or in groups and is usually strummed with a folded goose feather. It is considered the oldest accompaniment instrument in the region comprising Romania and Moldova. The usage of a related musical instrument in Hungary may date back to at least the 16th century, possibly arriving with the Magyar tribes as early as the 9th and 10 centuries. The usage of the modern Romanian cobza in Hungary started following the Táncház movement of the late 20th century.
It is distinct from the Ukrainian Kobza, an instrument of different construction and origin.
Other lutes
More instruments from Moldova
Frequently asked questions
What does a cobza sound like?
As one of the lutes, its sound comes from the way strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck.
What type of instrument is the cobza?
It is classified as lutes (Hornbostel–Sachs 321.321-6).
Where does the cobza come from?
The cobza originates from Moldova and Romania.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q2216785 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Cobza – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Moldovan Post Office – Public domain