Factors when purchasing a rubab

Here’s a detailed table outlining all the possible specifications for a Rubab that a customer may need to consider while purchasing. Following the table is a brief definition of each attribute, and a summarized list to help buyers understand what each point refers to:

Rubab Specifications Table

Specification	Details
Size	25 inches, 26 inches, 27 inches, 28 inches, 29-33 inches
Condition	New or Old (used)
Material	King Mulberry (Shah Tut), Thoot, Bidana, Baramkhani (Tirawal)
Design	Traditional, Sadafkaari (mother-of-pearl inlays), Hand-carved, Tree of Life, Flowers, Birds
Strings	3 gut or nylon strings, 2-3 drone strings (metal or bronze), up to 15 sympathetic strings
Tuning	Based on size and temperature (tuned for sharp or bass sound)
Sound Quality	Sharp (small size), Bass (large size), Echoic (due to sympathetic strings)
Weight	Lightweight (Bidana), Heavy (Thoot)
Origin	Afghanistan, Pakistan, North India
Craftsmanship	Handcrafted, 3D/CNC-printed (modern options)
Sympathetic Strings	Up to 15 or more, usually metal or bronze
Usage Purpose	Beginners, Professionals, Stage Performance, Learning
Care Instructions	Clean with soft cloth, tune properly, protect from temperature changes
Color	Natural Wood (darkens over time), Shiny (Bidana), Less shiny (Thoot)
Age Suitability	Suitable for various ages: 25-26 inches for young learners, 27-33 inches for adults
Customization	Custom designs, sea shell (Sadafkaari) inlay work, or plain
Accessories Included	Extra strings, carrying case, tuning tool

Definitions of Rubab Specifications:

Size: The size of the Rubab affects both its sound and portability. Smaller sizes like 25-26 inches are suited for young learners or those seeking a sharp sound, while larger sizes like 29-33 inches create a bass-heavy sound and are preferred by professionals.
Condition: A customer can choose between new or old rubabs. Old rubabs have more seasoned wood, leading to better sound and stability, while new rubabs can be prone to cracking or sound deterioration if not handled carefully.
Material: The quality of the Rubab depends largely on the wood used. King Mulberry is considered the finest, followed by Bidana and Baramkhani, each impacting the sound and durability differently.
Design: Rubabs can feature intricate hand-carved designs or simpler patterns. Traditional designs like the “Tree of Life” or birds are common. Some rubabs feature Sadafkaari, a technique where seashells are used as inlays for decoration.
Strings: Most rubabs come with 3 main strings made from gut or nylon. Additionally, there are 2-3 drone strings and up to 15 sympathetic strings that create an echo effect, contributing to the instrument’s richness in sound.
Tuning: Tuning a Rubab varies by size and can be affected by temperature. Smaller sizes are usually tuned for a sharp sound, while larger sizes are tuned for bass.
Sound Quality: Smaller rubabs have a sharp, higher-pitched sound, while larger rubabs produce a bass tone. The sound is also enhanced by the sympathetic strings that resonate along with the main strings.
Weight: Depending on the type of wood, rubabs can be lightweight (Bidana) or heavier (Thoot). Lightweight rubabs are easier to carry but may lose their sound quicker due to environmental factors.
Origin: Rubabs are originally from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North India. Different regions have slight variations in the instrument’s style and craftsmanship.
Craftsmanship: Traditionally handcrafted rubabs have more uniqueness and intricate details, while modern methods like 3D printing or CNC machines have started to emerge, especially post-2021.
Sympathetic Strings: These additional strings produce an echo or resonance when the main strings are plucked, enriching the sound.
Usage Purpose: Rubabs are designed for different uses, including beginners looking to learn the instrument, professionals performing on stage, or those using it for educational content like YouTube tutorials.
Care Instructions: Regular care such as cleaning with a soft cloth and tuning to proper tension based on the climate will help maintain the rubab’s quality.
Color: Over time, rubabs made from quality wood tend to darken naturally. Some rubabs may come polished or shiny, especially those made from Bidana.
Age Suitability: The rubab’s size should be chosen based on the player’s age. For instance, younger learners may find a 25 to 27-inch rubab easier to handle, while adults may prefer 27-33 inches for a fuller sound.
Customization: Many rubabs offer customization options, including different designs, sizes, and inlay decorations (Sadafkaari).
Accessories Included: Rubabs are often sold with additional accessories such as extra strings, a carrying case, and a tuning tool.

Buyer when purchasing a rubab, consider factors

such as size (which affects sound quality and ease of use), material (King Mulberry and Bidana being the finest woods), and design (handcrafted vs. machine-made). Think about whether you need a new or old rubab, as older ones tend to have more seasoned wood and better sound. For beginners, a smaller rubab (25-27 inches) is easier to manage, while professionals might prefer a larger one for its bass-heavy sound. Additionally, tuning and care are essential to maintain the rubab’s quality. The rubab can be customized in terms of design, with options for traditional motifs or simpler looks.