Transforming a Cumbus String Instrument into a Tanbur Bowed Instrument

At Sala Muzik, we love exploring the versatility of traditional instruments. In this blog, we’ll guide you through an exciting transformation: turning a cumbus into a bowed tanbur. This creative modification allows a plucked instrument to become a bowed one, expanding its range of sound and possibilities.

Materials Needed:

• A cumbus
• A tanbur neck
• Tanbur strings
• A tanbur bridge

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Loosening the Strings
Start by loosening the strings of your cumbus. This step ensures that there’s no tension on the instrument when making modifications.

2. Removing the Bridge
Carefully remove the bridge from the cumbus to prepare the instrument for the neck replacement.

3. Unscrewing the Neck
Find the screw located at the back of the cumbus neck and gently loosen it. Once the screw is loosened, lift the cumbus neck off the instrument’s body.

4. Attaching the Tanbur Neck
Take the tanbur neck and attach it to the cumbus body. Use screws to secure it firmly, ensuring stability and proper alignment.

5. Stringing the Instrument
Next, string the instrument with tanbur strings. Carefully thread each string through the appropriate pegs and tighten them slightly.

6. Adding the Tanbur Bridge
Place the tanbur bridge on the instrument’s body. Adjust its position to achieve the right string height and ensure proper resonance.

7. Adjusting String Distance
Use the screw at the back of the tanbur neck to fine-tune the string height and distance. This adjustment is essential for comfortable playability.

8. Tuning the Instrument
Finally, tune your new bowed tanbur. This step requires patience and precision to ensure the instrument produces clear and harmonious tones.

The Result:

With these modifications, you’ve successfully transformed a cumbus into a bowed tanbur. This process showcases the incredible adaptability of traditional instruments, allowing you to explore new sounds and playing techniques.

Need Accessories?

Whether you’re looking for a cumbus neck, a tanbur neck, or any other accessories, we’re here to help. Contact us at sales@salamuzik.com for all your musical instrument needs.

At Sala Muzik, we combine tradition with innovation to bring you high-quality instruments and accessories. Stay tuned for more creative projects and ideas!