How the komuz makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the komuz 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.
Its timbre – the colour that lets you tell it apart from other instruments playing the same note – comes from the mix of overtones its body and resonator emphasise.
From Wikipedia
The komuz or qomuz is an ancient fretless string instrument used in Central Asian music, related to certain other Turkic string instruments, the Mongolian tovshuur, and the lute.
The instrument can be found in Turkic ethnic groups, from China to Turkey. Forms of this instrument are used in China by the Naxi people and are called Huobusi, Hebisi, and Hunbusi.
Other lutes
Frequently asked questions
What does a komuz 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 komuz?
It is classified as lutes (Hornbostel–Sachs 321.321).
Where does the komuz come from?
The komuz originates from Kyrgyzstan.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q645977 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Komuz – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Beknazar Zh at en.wikipedia – CC BY-SA 3.0