How the imzad makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the imzad 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.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
The imzad (Arabic: إمزاد; alternately amzad) is a type of bowed "single-string fiddle" used by the Tuareg people in Africa.
Its body is made out of a gourd which is covered by animal skin, creating a soundboard. The strings are made from horse hair and are connected near the neck, and runs over a two-part bridge. The bridge is made of two pieced of wood, joined into a cross. The round bow is also equipped with horse hair.
Other lutes
Frequently asked questions
What does an imzad 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 imzad?
It is classified as lutes (Hornbostel–Sachs 321.311-7).