Cumbus Saz

This Cumbus is 40 inches in overall length. It has 24 tied frets and 3 courses of the 2 metal strings each; one of which is wound. The Cumbus Saz Long neck has a nut to bridge length of 29.5 inches. The body has a 10 inch diameter and is 6 inches deep. It comes with a soft case. The Cumbus is a relatively young instrument. It was developed in Istanbul in the early 1900's. The inventor, Zeynel became known as Zeynel Abidin Bey. The famous Ataturk Mustafa Kemal, Turkey's first president, dubbed it Cumbus, pronounced joom-bush. Cumbus is Turkish for revelry, just the mood this instrument inspires. Our Cumbus are imported from the Family shop of Zeynel Abidin on Ataturk Bulvar in Istanbul.

SPECIAL NOTE; No Warranty on Strings: Manufacturers recommend that you change the strings on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey before it ever begins the final leg to your home. During this time the elements affect the strings and may shorten their lifespan. It occasionally happens that a string will fail during that final leg of the journey. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings soon after it arrives. If you are a student you may want to change your strings every 3-4 months. If you are a rock star you may need to change your strings every week. If you store your instrument, you should consider changing the strings when you pick it up again.

Cumbus Origins

The Cumbus is a relatively young instrument. It was developed in Istanbul in the early 1900s. The inventor, Zeynel, was born in Salonika, now known as Thessaloníki, Greece. He eventually settled in Beyazit, Istanbul, opened a music shop, and became known as Zeynel Abidin Bey. He was also known as a local Oud performer. Eventually he began to design new instruments. It was on January 24th 1930 that Zeynels instrument received its name from a fellow native of Thessalonica, the famous Ataturk Mustafa Kemal. Ataturk began his service to Turkey as a soldier. Later as a national leader he founded the republic of Turkey, and became Turkeys first president. Drawing on the sound of the instrument for inspiration, Ataturk dubbed it Cumbus. Pronounced "joombush", Cumbus is Turkish for revelry . Soon Zeynel was manufacturing and selling his Cumbus. In 1934 the Surname Act was passed, requiring all Turkish citizens to take a family name. Zeynel Abidin Bey now became Zeynel Abidin Cumbus. About 30 years ago, the Cumbus stepped off the classical stage. Today, it is still played by the people out of the cities, especially at weddings, and special ceremonies.

Description Of Cumbus

Originally this Turkish chordophone had a leather soundboard, much like an American Banjo. The narrow fretless neck was designed to easily disassemble from the aluminum body by loosening a large screw mechanism. It has been said that the body looks like a kitchen frying pan; the back and sides are solid. There are vent holes on the top surface around the soundboard. Today the Cumbus have Mylar soundboards held in place by a bolted tension ring. For its light weight, the Cumbus is very sturdy and remarkably loud.

Our Cumbus

They are from the Cumbus family shop on Ataturk Bulvar in Istanbul. This is the Family shop of Zeynel Abidin Cumbus, the inventor of the Cumbus. They all have the traditional spun aluminum body and detachable neck. The soundboards are sturdy Mylar and they come in a soft carrying case.

The Standard Cumbus is approximately 34 inches long. It is the most traditional in design, with no frets on the neck. There are six courses of 2 strings each.

The Cura Cumbus is approximately 29 inches long. It has nylon frets tied to the neck and 3 courses of 2 strings each.

The Tambor Cumbus is approximately 51 inches long. It has nylon frets tied to the neck and 3 courses of 2 strings each.

The Banjo Cumbus is approximately 23 inches long. It has nylon frets tied to the neck and 4 courses of the 2 strings each.

Care & Tuning Instructions for the Cumbus

As with all maniacal instruments common sense will go a long way in protecting its longevity. Do not store it in direct sunlight, or places with drafts. Avoid sudden changes in humidity and temperature. If you must ship your instruments remove some tension for the strings. With these Cumbus, do not use abrasives on the metal body. Be especially careful to keep sharp objects way from the soundboard.

The Standard Cumbus is tuned like the Turkish Oud and one step higher than the Arabic Oud. Almost any Oud tuning can be used. The two strings that make up a course are tuned to the same key.

From low to high you can tune

Standard A B E a d g; or D E A D G C;

Egyptian/Arab: D G A D G C;

New Turkish Classical: F# B E A D G;

Turkish/Armenian: E A B E A D;

Turkish/Armenian Variant: C# F# B E A D;

Old Turkish Classical: A D E A D G.

The Tambor Cumbus has 6 strings in 3 courses; tuned D A d.

The Cura Cumbus can be tuned like a banjo or mandolin.

Turkish Cumbus Saz