A rectangular wooden frame fitted on both sides with goat skin forms the resonator of this instrument. The single steel string is tunable with a wooden peg mounted on the long neck. It is played with a bow. Body is approximately 11" w x 20" t; over all length is approximately 34.5". The term Rabab is found in ninth and tenth century texts, and is the oldest known Arabic word for a bowed instrument Capable of a range of dynamic accents. This instrument is the essential melody instrument of the nomadic Bedouins; customarily played by the sha'ir, or poet-singer, to accompany heroic and love songs. A rabab player rests the instrument vertically on his or her knee and draws the bow across the string in a similar fashion to a cello player. Never handle the hair of the bow with your hands. Oils from your skin will be absorbed by the bow hairs and leave permanent slick spots on the hair. The bow hair, whether it is made of real horsehair or synthetic fibers, will be slick. In order to grab the strings it will need to be coated with rosin. Rosin is sold separately.
