Tanburs

Tanburs are traditional stringed musical instruments commonly found in the Middle East, particularly in countries such as Iran, Turkey, and the Arab world. They are known for their distinctive sound and are often used in both classical and folk music. The tanbur is a fretless lute with a pear-shaped body, typically made of wood, and is played by plucking the strings with the fingers or a plectrum. The instrument has a long neck and a wide, flat soundboard, which gives it a rich, resonant tone. The strings are usually tuned in a just intonation system, allowing for a wide range of expressive possibilities. Tanburs come in various sizes, with the most common being the three-stringed tanbur, which is the most widely used in traditional music. The instrument is often accompanied by other traditional instruments such as the ney (a reed flute) and the daf (a frame drum). Tanburs have a rich history and are an important part of the musical heritage of the Middle East.