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Thread: Romanian Cobza I just finished building

  1. #1
    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    Default Romanian Cobza I just finished building

    Here's a Romanian Cobza I just finished building.
    All spruce, cherry and ash.

    I am a luthier specialising in historical and world stringed instruments. You can see more info at my website.

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  3. #2
    Mediocre but OK with that Paul Busman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Romanian Cobza I just finished building

    Nice work. Are those X sound holes traditional? What's the rectangular dark patch between the sound holes and bridge?
    We need audio!
    For wooden musical fun that doesn't involve strumming, check out:
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    Handcrafted pennywhistles in exotic hardwoods.

  4. #3
    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    Default Re: Romanian Cobza I just finished building

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul Busman View Post
    Nice work. Are those X sound holes traditional? What's the rectangular dark patch between the sound holes and bridge?
    We need audio!
    The X holes are indeed a traditional design for this instrument.
    https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=co...ih=931#imgrc=_

    The dark 'patch' is a pickguard. It's usually played with a long thin plectrum like the oud.
    I am a luthier specialising in historical and world stringed instruments. You can see more info at my website.

  5. #4
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Romanian Cobza I just finished building

    How big is this instrument? I can’t really tell if it is Mandolin size or our size. How do you tune it? Metal or nylon strings?
    Jim

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    Mandolin tragic Graham McDonald's Avatar
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    Default Re: Romanian Cobza I just finished building

    Here is a wonderful old photo of a Romanian trio with a cobza which will give an indication of size.

    Click image for larger version. 

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  7. #6
    Registered User gweetarpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Romanian Cobza I just finished building

    Looks something like an oud but with only four courses of strings. How is it tuned?

  8. #7
    Mandolin tragic Graham McDonald's Avatar
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    Default Re: Romanian Cobza I just finished building

    The wonderful atlasofpluckedinstruments.com suggests GG dd gg c'c' or dd aa d'd' g'g'

  9. #8
    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    Default Re: Romanian Cobza I just finished building

    Sorry for the slow reply. I was sleeping!
    Mine has a scale length of 46cm. They are usually between 45-48cm.
    It is indeed related to the oud, and may have become part of Romanian music from either central Asian or Turkish trade and/or invasion.
    Mine is tuned DD AA dd gg.
    I am a luthier specialising in historical and world stringed instruments. You can see more info at my website.

  10. #9
    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    Default Re: Romanian Cobza I just finished building

    Here's a sound sample!


    The shorter scale length vs oud which is my main fretless experience and the fact the strings are still settling in tune makes it a bit out of tune in places, but you get the idea.
    I am a luthier specialising in historical and world stringed instruments. You can see more info at my website.

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