Thread: Istanbul oddity
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Old 07-25-2020, 07:49 PM
Tim E Tim E is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2020
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Default Istanbul oddity

I present you an uncommon fretted variation of the Turkish Cumbus.











To American eyes, this instrument appears to be something along the lines of a 12 string banjo with an aluminum mixing bowl-like resonator. Invented about a century ago, it seems to be an attempt to create an oud-like instrument with increased volume better suited to live ensemble performance. Typically, they are unfretted, like an oud. The manufacturer expanded the line to include variations such as the saz, mandolin, ukulele, all utilizing similar deep bowl resonators, typically from spun aluminum but also occasionally wood. It appears they did this run of fretted 12 string versions about 20 years ago, and I was fortunate enough to pick one up while they could be had. Since then, they appear to have been discontinued, though I think they make some with 6 string guitar neck versions these days.

This specimen appears to be a common Cumbus with the added feature of metal frets, in a more or less 12 note scale. Scale length is about 21.625" (549mm), neck width at nut is 1.625" (41mm), string spacing at bridge is 2.75" (70mm). The bowl resonator is about 12" (305mm) in diameter amd about 5.5" (140mm) deep, with overall length about 34" (864mm). Strings are fairly light, with intended tuning unknown by me, but I tune it to EADGBE, six unison pairs. The neck joint has a bolt holding it in place that, along with string tension, seems to allow for relatively simple neck angle adjustment, though haven't tried it for myself. The bowl is topped with a synthetic skin. And the fingerboard is a thin Formica-like laminate in a marble-like pattern.

Not being at all versed in the kind of music it was designed for, I pretty much play it like a guitar. It has surprising sustain, with a loud, percussive and resonant voice one might expect. It doesn't sound much like a banjo, but played correctly, it can pull off a pretty good Leadbelly vibe.
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