How do you make a rabab?

Making a rabab, a bowed string instrument, involves careful craftsmanship and attention to detail. Here are the general steps involved in constructing a rabab:

1. Gather Materials:

- Wood for the body and neck: Traditionally, woods like mulberry, walnut, or sycamore are used.

- Wood for the pegs and tailpiece: Strong woods like ebony or bone are suitable choices.

- Skin for the soundboard: Animal skin, such as goatskin or sheepskin, is commonly used.

- Horsehair for the bow: Bundles of horsehair are needed for creating the bow.

- Strings: Depending on the desired tuning, strings made of nylon or gut may be required.

- Other materials: Resin for the bow, glue, sandpaper, varnish or polish for finishing.

2. Prepare the Body:

- Cut out the main body of the rabab according to the desired shape.

- Hollow out the body to create a resonant cavity.

- Shape and smooth the body to achieve a pleasing aesthetic.

3. Attach the Neck:

- Shape and prepare the neck, which can be an extension of the body or attached separately.

- Fit the neck securely into the body using dowels or glue joints.

4. Attach the Soundboard:

- Prepare and cut a thin piece of skin to serve as the soundboard.

- Place the skin over the soundhole and secure it by gluing or nailing around the edges.

5. Add Pegs and Tailpiece:

- Make holes in the pegbox for the pegs, which are used for tuning the strings.

- Install the tailpiece at the lower end of the body, which will hold the other ends of the strings.

6. Make the Bow:

- Shape and smooth the bow from a piece of round wood.

- Attach the bundles of horsehair to the bow using a special knotting technique.

- Apply rosin to the bow hairs to improve grip and sound production.

7. Attach the Strings:

- Tie one end of each string to a tuning peg and the other end to the tailpiece.

- Tune the strings to the desired pitches.

8. Finishing Touches:

- Sand the rabab to smooth out any rough edges and imperfections.

- Apply varnish or polish to enhance the appearance and protect the wood.

9. Play and Adjust:

- Once complete, test the rabab by playing it and making further adjustments to the strings, bridge, or soundpost if needed.

10. Decoration:

- Optionally, you can decorate the rabab with carvings, inlays, or designs according to your preferences.

Remember that the art of rabab making requires skill and experience. It's a delicate process that combines woodworking, craftsmanship, and an understanding of musical acoustics. If you're interested in creating a rabab, consider seeking guidance from experienced instrument makers or studying traditional rabab-making techniques.