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Tambouras
Greek traditional string instrument / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The tambouras (Greek: ταμπουράς [tabuˈras]) is a Greek traditional string instrument of Byzantine origin.[1] It has existed since at least the 10th century, when it was known in Assyria and Egypt. At that time, it might have had between two and six strings, but Arabs adopted it, and called it a tanbur. The characteristic long neck bears two strings, tuned five notes apart.[2]
Quick Facts String, Classification ...
![]() Greek playing tambouras, 18th-century painting | |
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Classification | Plucked |
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It is also similar to the Turkish tambur and Indian tanpura.[3]
Tanbur, a Persian word, is according to some scholars derived from the Sumerian pan tur, meaning "little bow".