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Name: REBAB
Classification: chordophone
Origin: Middle East, but in this form
and style unique to Malaysia

    rebab
    Photo credits: Julie Tan

    The rebab is the most important bowed lute in Malays folk music. It is the main melodic instrument in the mak yong and is used to accompany storytelling in Kelantan. It has 2 or 3 strings, running over a movable bridge. The rebab is held upright on a short spike and played using a wooden bow with nylon strings. The 2 stringed rebab is found only in the context of the shadow puppet theater. (Matusky 1985).

    rebab bow
    Rebab bow
    Photo credits:
    Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism of Malaysia