The Essential Parts of a Rubab: A Beginner’s Guide to Terminology and Functions

Before diving into learning how to play the Rubab, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the names and functions of its different parts. This knowledge will help you understand the instrument better and facilitate communication with instructors or sellers, especially since most Rubab makers and experts come from Pashtun-speaking regions in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Rubab is the national instrument of Afghanistan, and many of its players speak Pashto. Understanding the terms in Pashto will be helpful when ordering parts or communicating with Rubab masters.

Below is a detailed guide to the key parts of the Rubab, including their Pashto names and functions:

Table of Rubab Parts and Their Descriptions

Explanation of Key Rubab Parts:

1. Main Strings: These are the primary strings responsible for melody. Typically made of gut or synthetic materials like nylon, they vary in size and tuning based on the region and style of music played.
2. Sympathetic Strings: Known as “Bachi” or “Sim-e tarab,” these steel or bronze strings vibrate sympathetically with the main strings, adding depth and resonance to the sound.
3. Crown/Head: The top part of the Rubab where the tuning pegs are located. It is crucial for tuning the instrument and adjusting the pitch of the strings.
4. Sadaf Design (Mother of Pearl): A decorative element that doesn’t affect the sound but adds an aesthetic touch. Some Rubabs feature full Sadaf designs across the body and neck.
5. Bridge and Nut: The bridge, often made of bone, is essential for maintaining string tension and transferring vibrations to the soundboard. The nut, at the top of the neck, ensures proper string alignment.
6. Skin (Pust): The soundboard, traditionally made from goat skin, helps amplify the sound. It’s crucial to care for the skin properly to maintain sound quality.
7. Pegs: The tuning pegs are used to tighten or loosen the strings, allowing the player to adjust the pitch.
8. Pick (Mezrab): Rubabs are typically played with a pick made from hard materials like coconut shell or bone. The pick significantly impacts the tone and playability.
9. Neck and Bowl: The neck holds the frets and allows the player to press the strings to create notes. The bowl serves as the sound chamber, giving the Rubab its characteristic resonance.

Summary:

For a Rubab enthusiast or a beginner looking to learn this majestic instrument, understanding the names and functions of its parts is crucial. Whether ordering a new part or communicating with a Rubab master, knowing the Pashto terms can be very helpful. Each part of the Rubab plays a unique role in the instrument’s functionality and sound production. From the melody strings to the decorative Sadaf designs, each element contributes to making the Rubab a versatile and culturally rich instrument. With this guide, you can confidently explore and order specific parts of the Rubab online, ensuring you get the best out of your instrument.

Rubab and Guitar Parts Comparison Table

Below is a comparison of the different parts of the Rubab with their corresponding names in a guitar, helping guitar players to understand the Rubab terminology:

Key Differences and Similarities:

1. Main Strings vs Strings: Both the Rubab and the guitar share melody-producing strings, though the material and number of strings may differ.
2. Crown/Head (Headstock): Both instruments feature a headstock where the tuning pegs or keys are located.
3. Frets and Fingerboard: The placement of frets and fingerboards is common in both instruments, making it easier for guitar players to understand Rubab’s structure.
4. Tuning Pegs: These are used in both instruments to adjust the tension of the strings, allowing players to tune their instruments.
5. Bridge and Nut: Both the Rubab and guitar have a bridge and nut, essential components for string alignment and sound production.
6. Pick (Plectrum): The Rubab is played with a plectrum known as “Shabaz” or “Mezrab,” similar to a guitar pick used by guitar players.
7. Neck: The neck of both the Rubab and guitar holds the frets and supports the fingerboard, where the player presses the strings to produce notes.
8. Bowl: The Rubab’s bowl serves as a sound chamber, which has no direct equivalent in the guitar.
9. String Holder/Tailpiece: Both instruments use a tailpiece or string holder to secure the strings at the bottom end.

For guitar players familiar with the structure and parts of their instrument, many of the core components of the Rubab, such as the strings, frets, neck, and tuning pegs, will be familiar. However, there are key differences, such as the Rubab’s unique sympathetic strings and bowl-like sound chamber, which have no direct counterpart in a guitar. This table will help bridge the gap for guitar players looking to explore the Rubab.