My friend from Bishkek gave me one of these instruments, called it a "komuz". They are carved out of a single piece of wood, usually apricot or walnut. They are a fretless 3-stringed instrument, and there are six common tunings. The most interesting tuning (to me) is called Kambarkan which is D-A-D'. I like it because that's the most common tuning for mountain- and stick dulcimers. However, on my instrument, the first sting tuner won't hold the high D'. So, instead I have to settle for D-A-A tuning, which is also a common tuning for dulcimers. Also, since I don't know how to play fretless instruments, I have added "temporary frets" in the form of Nylon tie-wraps. So, I can play my dulcimer tunes on the Komuz. But, Kyrgyz players play it much differently than I do, and the rhythms they play are very fast, like trying to reproduce the feeling of galloping horses. Hopefully, I will have another chance to visit Kyrgyzstan and be able to stay long enough to learn some technique. If you can access Youtube, I know there are maybe a dozen or so Komuz videos. My favorite is a "dueling match" between a Kyrgiz man playing the komuz and a Kazakh man playing a 2-string dombra. Both played amazingly well. Cheers.
Comments
My friend from Bishkek gave me one of these instruments, called it a "komuz". They are carved out of a single piece of wood, usually apricot or walnut. They are a fretless 3-stringed instrument, and there are six common tunings. The most interesting tuning (to me) is called Kambarkan which is D-A-D'. I like it because that's the most common tuning for mountain- and stick dulcimers. However, on my instrument, the first sting tuner won't hold the high D'. So, instead I have to settle for D-A-A tuning, which is also a common tuning for dulcimers. Also, since I don't know how to play fretless instruments, I have added "temporary frets" in the form of Nylon tie-wraps. So, I can play my dulcimer tunes on the Komuz. But, Kyrgyz players play it much differently than I do, and the rhythms they play are very fast, like trying to reproduce the feeling of galloping horses. Hopefully, I will have another chance to visit Kyrgyzstan and be able to stay long enough to learn some technique. If you can access Youtube, I know there are maybe a dozen or so Komuz videos. My favorite is a "dueling match" between a Kyrgiz man playing the komuz and a Kazakh man playing a 2-string dombra. Both played amazingly well. Cheers.
-Rand.
This instrument made from solid piese of wood/
Beautiful little instrument that. What form is does the body have? Rounded like a pear?
Nice, love them, I have my CB version of one I built.http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/komuz2-1?context=user