History, technique of creating and some great sounds of the rubab
Movies prepared by Gulu Giyoh NGO in cooperation with Development Policy Foundation and PEIPSI CTC.
Dr. Davlatmamadov Shirinbek interviews Usto Masayn Gulomasen in Andarob Village, Ishkashim District.
Dr. Davlatmamadov Shirinbek has a conversation with Usto Masayn, one of the most famous masters of Tajikistan, who creates musical instruments that are original in design and sound.
Some highlights from the conversation
- Most instruments are made of mulberry wood bought in Khorugh and other villages for about 400 somoni.
- A rubab can also be made from apricot wood, but this requires hard work: it stays in water for two or three months, and it is also too soft for a rasp.
- All instruments are made without electrical appliances, mostly because there are no suitable conditions.
- Usto Masayn started creating musical instruments in 1973 to expand the range of Pamir musical instruments.
- Some of Usto Masayn’s instruments are displayed in the Tajik National Museum in Dushanbe.
- All rubabs created by Usto Masayn have their own original names, such as Masrud (Masayn and rud — string) or Panjrud (panj — five and rud — string).
- Usto Masayn not only creates new kinds of instruments, but also recreates old ones.