The Music and Musical Instruments of Southern India and the Deccan c11.172

c11.172

The other instrument in the plate is the Rabôb, which is found in almost all Mahomedan countries, and in various places differs only in shape. The Indian Rabôb is principally used in the Punjâb and Upper India; its use in other parts is confined to Mahomedans. The instrument is made of wood, with a belly of parchment. In general there are four strings—three of gut and one of brass; the two upper strings are sometimes doubled and tuned alike, in which case, of course, the instrument has six strings. Sympathetic strings of metal are usually attached at the side. Four or five catgut frets at semitonic intervals are sometimes found. The instrument is played with a wooden plectrum, and rarely with a bow as a sârangi. The Rabôb is a handsome instrument, and when well played is very pleasing. Its tone rather resembles that of the banjo.