Thursday, 17 September 2015

Gambus Instrument


The gambus is the most common lute found in a variety of styles in Malay folk music as well as syncretic music such as ghazal. It is also used to accompany song and dance in Sabah, Malaysia. Originating from the Middle East, the Malaysian version uses 9 to 12 wire strings which are plucked. There are two types of gambus in use, the GambusHadramaut and Gambus Hijaz.

The overall length of the gambusMelayu of Johor is about 88 cm. At its greatest depth it is about 13 cm. Its width is 23.5 cm. The face of the neck is flat and the lower portion of the belly is covered with skin to the extent of 32 cm from where the edge of the belly meets the tail-piece downwards. Most gambusMelayu are made from the Chempedak, Cengal andNangka or jackfruit tree.

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