Aquila Sugar Series Afghan Rabab Strings – Best Rubab String Set for Authentic Sound

Rubab (also spelled rabab or robab) is a traditional lute-like instrument central to Afghan and Pakistani music. The new Aquila Sugar Series Afghan Rabab Strings are a premium 3-string set designed specifically for this instrument. Made from Aquila’s innovative sugar-cane-derived bioplastic (Nylgut), these synthetic strings offer a clear, powerful tone and stable intonation even with changing humidity. Tuned to C (Ghata), F (Bam), and B♭ (Zir), this Aquila set fits rubab instruments with a vibrating length of about 65–68 cm (up to ~30 inches body). The set delivers the authentic Afghan rubab sound in a durable, easy-to-play format, ideal for students and professionals alike.

String Specifications and Packaging

Strings: 3R#1, 3R#2, and 3R#3 (melody strings). These correspond to the Ghata (bass), Bam (middle), and Zir (treble) rubab strings.

1. Material: Synthetic “Sugar” plastic (bioplastic from sugar-cane), a nylon-like material that resists moisture and wear.
2. Tuning: C, F, B♭ (often played as a tonal center of D in Afghan music). This means the three melody strings are tuned in fourths, as per traditional rubab tuning. (Some players prefer tuning one step up to C#-F#-B or adjust to match harmonium accompaniment.)
3. Scale: Fits 65–68 cm vibrating length (approx. 26–27 inches). Suitable for full-size Afghan rubabs with bodies up to ~30 inches.
4. String Gauges: 3R#1 – Ø0.62 mm; 3R#2 – Ø0.76 mm; 3R#3 – Ø1.12 mm; all lengths 120 cm.
5. Package: 3 strings (one of each gauge) per set, loop-end (no ball end). Sold as a set.

Pro Tip: Aquila’s sugar-cane Nylgut material delivers a clear, powerful sound and exceptionally stable tuning in humidity. This means fewer retunings and consistent play in any climate.

Use Cases and Tuning Options

Aquila’s 3-string set covers the main melody strings of an Afghan rubab. Many players use just these three: Ghata (lowest, bass), Bam (middle), and Zir (highest). However, rubab players often add extra drone strings for more resonance. At RubabShop, we offer optional 4th (and even 5th) strings that can function as drones (called shatar strings). Typically:

1. The 4th string (often tuned as a second Ghata) is used as a drone (base) string in traditional Afghan music.
2. A 5th string (second Bam or Zir) can serve as a sympathetic/drone or backup.

Tuning Tips: Rubabists in Afghanistan generally tune the strings slightly lower (e.g., Ghata=C, Bam=F, Zir=B♭), while some Pakistani players favor tuning everything one semitone higher (C#-F#-B) to match harmoniums. In either case, the Aquila set easily accommodates either convention. (For reference, common tuning frequencies are about 176 Hz for Ghata, 234 Hz for Bam, and 314 Hz for Zir.)

Across Afghanistan and Pakistan, players praise the Aquila Sugar Series strings for their versatility. Soloists can appreciate the strong overtones and clarity, while ensemble players value the stable pitch. Student reviews mention the strings’ comfortable feel and durability – they “last longer between changes” compared to traditional gut or steel. The consistent tension makes scale playing and ornamentation easier.

🟡 Quick Highlight: Aquila Sugar Series strings were designed with durability and tonal richness in mind. Players note they hold tune longer and produce a more resonant Afghan rubab tone than older materials.

Other Available String Options

Aside from the Aquila Sugar Series, RubabShop also offers several MyRubab branded rubab string sets in various colors and materials. For example:

1. MyRubab Transparent v1 & v2: Clear, nearly invisible nylon strings (versions 1.0 and 2.0) designed for any rubab size. They sound crisp and are great if you prefer an unobtrusive look. Each set can include Ghata, Bam, Zir strings or extras for 2nd Ghata/Bam.
2. MyRubab Black v1: Solid black nylon string (with subtle white twists as shown) for a sleek, classic appearance. Popular for replacing the Ghata or Bam with a darker string that blends with ebony pegs.
3. MyRubab Multi-Color: Color-coded nylon strings, ideal for the Ghata or fourth drone string. The bright colors make tuning easier and add visual appeal.

MyRubab Black-v1 and Transparent Strings: Our exclusive black strings (Black v1) shown here. We also stock the matching Transparent (v1/v2) and Multi-Color rubab string sets to fit your preferred style and instrument size.*

Each MyRubab set (Transparent, Black, Multi-Color) is made of soft, high-quality nylon and comes with extra strings (e.g. two Ghata, two Bam, two Zir) for backups. They enhance your rubab’s resonance and can be customized to your instrument. Simply specify your rubab size when ordering, and our team will select the right gauge.

Editor’s Pick: MyRubab Transparent Strings are invisible on dark instruments, ideal if you want a clean look. Multi-Color strings, on the other hand, give a bold aesthetic and make the Ghata easily distinguishable – a fun choice for recording or stage performances!

Benefits and Reviews

RubabShop students and instructors consistently highlight the Aquila Sugar strings for these benefits:

1. Unique Tone: The bioplastic construction yields a warm yet clear sound that many describe as richer than steel or gut. The bass (Ghata) string in particular sings with a full, rounded voice.
2. Durability: Unlike fragile gut, Aquila’s synthetic strings are long-lasting and resist humidity changes. Players report fewer broken strings and less frequent replacement. (Even our nylon MyRubab strings are noted for being “soft and durable”.)
3. Stable Tuning: Students appreciate that Aquila strings stay in tune through rigorous practice. The material’s stability means you spend less time tuning and more time playing.
4. Consistent Feel: The smooth nylon surface gives a comfortable finger feel. Beginners find it easier to fret notes cleanly, and advanced players can execute rapid passages with clarity.
5. Professional-Endorsed: Afghan rubab academies and online teachers often recommend Aquila Sugar strings for beginners and pros. Many online reviews and course feedback cite Aquila strings for their professional-grade tone.

In summary, Aquila Sugar Series strings combine the best of modern materials with traditional rubab sound. Whether you’re studying sitar-classical compositions or Pashto folk tunes, these strings ensure your instrument projects with authority and beauty.

FAQs

1. Q: Why are rubab strings often called Ghata, Bam, and Zir?
   A: These are traditional Pashto names for the three main strings: Ghata (bass string), Bam (middle), and Zir (treble). (In Persian, Ghata is also called Katay.) They correspond to low (Sa), middle (Pa), and high (Saʹ) scale degrees in rubab tuning.
2. Q: How do I tune the Aquila rubab strings?
   A: Start by attaching the Ghata (thickest) string on the bass peg, Bam on the middle peg, and Zir on the treble peg. Tune them to C, F, and B♭ respectively (or to C#, F#, B if you prefer one semitone higher). Commonly, the frequencies are ~176 Hz (Ghata), 234 Hz (Bam), 314 Hz (Zir). Use a digital tuner or harmonium for reference.
3. Q: Can I use more than three strings?
   A: Yes. The Aquila Sugar set covers the 3 main melody strings. Many players add a 4th drone string (often another Ghata tuned to the same bass tone) or even a 5th string. For extra strings, check our listings for Sympathetic/Ruban Drone Strings or ask us about adding a 4th string.
4. Q: Are these strings suitable for any rubab size?
   A: The Aquila set is optimized for full-size Afghan rubabs (65–68 cm scale). For smaller or larger instruments, you may need custom gauges. Our MyRubab Transparent sets are “suitable for any size instrument” with custom fitting – just let us know your rubab’s scale length when ordering.
5. Q: How long do the strings last?
   A: Aquila sugar strings last significantly longer than traditional gut. With normal playing (1–2 hours/day), many players change their aquila strings only once every 1–2 years. Their synthetic nature ensures the tone and tension remain stable over time.
6. Q: Do you ship internationally?
   A: Yes! Worldwide delivery is available, and we offer free shipping across Pakistan. Orders are fully tracked.
7. Q: How can I order or get assistance?
   A: Simply add the Aquila Sugar Series Afghan Rabab Strings (3-string set) to your cart on RubabShop.com. For questions, chat with us on WhatsApp – we’re happy to help with sizing and recommendations.

Cultural Note: Rabab String Names and Heritage

The rubab’s string names reflect its rich history. In traditional Pashto, the bass is called Katay or Ghata, the middle Bam, and the high Zir. These names appear in Afghan music theory and even medieval texts. Classical rubab strings were once gut; the move to nylon/synthetic strings (like Aquila’s) is a modern evolution. Still, many players cherish the Afghan tuning in fourths described by musicologists. This fourths tuning (e.g. D-G-C or C-F-B♭) is a hallmark of rubab tradition. Today’s Aquila Sugar strings honor this heritage by delivering the authentic tonal relationships Afghan musicians expect, while offering the practicality of modern materials.

🎵 Experience the Aquila difference – upgrade your rubab with Sugar Series strings for unmatched tone and playability!

For any questions or orders, contact us via WhatsApp with this article title: WhatsApp Us. We ship worldwide, free across Pakistan.