Kabak kemane

The kabak kemane (a three-stringed fiddle) is a widespread Turkish folk instrument whose features change from region to region.

The instruments known as kabak, kemane, ıklığ and rebab, the hegit of Hatay province, the rubaba of the south-east, the kemança of Azerbaijan, and the gıcak, gıccek or gıjek of the Turkic peoples of Central Asia all share the same roots.

The body is usually made from a gourd, though wooden versions are also common. The neck is of hardwood. A spike of wood or metal under the body rests on the knee, so the instrument can be turned from side to side. The bow is made from a sapling, with horse hair running from end to end. Today metal strings have replaced the gut strings of the past.

The instrument can easily play all chromatic notes. It produces long, sustained sounds, and can also be played legato, staccato and pizzicato.