Dombrā

Dombrā [*tanbur], 1. plucked stringed instr. of the U.S.S.R., a forerunner of the balalaika and still closely akin to it, already known in the 16th c., when it existed with 3 strings. Today the dombrā is a lute-like instr. with round body, long neck, and 3 metal strings, made in 6 sizes. The strings are tuned a 4th apart; it is played with a plectrum; 2. among the Kirghiz the dombrā has an oval body, 6 frets, pegdisc, and 2 strings held by rear pegs, and is played with bare fingers; 3. among…