Gambus

The gambus or Arabian oud is a stringed instrument with a body shaped like a pear (sliced lengthwise) and a neck bent just below the tuning pegs. It is played in a variety of styles in Malay folk music, primarily as the lead instrument in Ghazal music.

Its 12 nylon strings are usually attached in double course and are plucked, much like a guitar, with a plastic plectrum. However, unlike a guitar, the gambus has no frets.

Brought into Malaya by the Persian and Middle Eastern traders, the instrument's gentle tone (similar to that of the harpsichord) captured the hearts of the Malays who in time adopted the instrument and the playing techniques into their music.

What gives the gambus its unique sound is the way it is constructed. Much skill is needed to put together the combination of pieces of suitable wood.

It is usually made from rosewood, mahogany or wood from the local jackfruit tree. The wood is cut into strips about 2.5cm wide which are then fitted, one at a time, over a wooden frame before they are carefully glued and left to dry.

The sounds of the gambus reaches out to today's generation through the efforts of musicians such as  Farid Ali - popularly known as Mr. Gambus - who has managed, somewhat, to dispel the perception that the music of gambus is strictly traditional and not contemporary.

Video: Performance by Farid Ali aka Mr. Gambus

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO9kQNL6pA4