Mike's Oud Forums

COBSA

avro707 - 6-2-2010 at 11:08 AM

Hi there I know this is not an Oud. But on the weekend I picked up a Cobsa it is in good order full set of srtings. it has not been played alot no wear on the top. I looked on the internet and found there were some postings on this site. I hope you do not mind if I ask a question or two. I need to find new strings and a soft or hard case for it, also if any one knows what they go for that would be great as well (more for insurance than any thing else). I think it is from the Hora factory. Thanks for your time Rob.B

Aymara - 6-2-2010 at 11:45 AM

Hi Rob,

welcome to the forums!

Maybe THIS discussion of the Cobza (Romanian lute) helps.

On page 4 someone mentioned, that he restrung his Cobza with oud strings.

Sazi - 6-2-2010 at 03:50 PM

Hora Factory sell their Cobza for $480 USD on-line.

Although Cobza come with steel strings they can be strung with oud strings, or Lute strings, and I think it gives them a sweeter sound, but that would be down to personal preference.

Besides the thread that Aymara pointed you to, there is some other info out there on the net, including various tunings, just Google it, but be prepared to dig deep, I found various tunings in Google Images.

strings for cobza

Koya - 6-2-2010 at 09:04 PM

Hi Folks,

I am an cobza player in Hungary. This isnstrument not only Romanian! We ( Hungaríans) are a nation in Europe who came here more than 1100 year ago from middle Asia. We used this kind of instruments like the other Turks nations from very long time ago....

We can use different srtings. It is depend what the sound I would like. I am using three instuments. While we play together with flute I like play on AEAD (most popular nowdays, because the most of the flute players likes A flute.)
Playing with fiddle....the DGDA cobza is the best ( I think) and while I am singing the GDGC is comfortrble for my voice.

This is a good idea for AEAD from D’Addario oud set.
------------
5,6 th. string------------------------------a
11-th. string ------------------------------A
3,4-th. string -----------------------------e
7,8 th. string------------------------------e
5,6-th. string -----------------------------a
5,6- th. string ----------------------------a
3,4-th. string------------------------------d
3,4-th. string------------------------------d

This sound will similar that Fábri Géza's :bowdown:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ1qQTwG1L0&feature=related

All the best!:wavey:

Koya
http://www.myspace.com/detot

avro707 - 6-3-2010 at 06:52 AM

Hi thanks to you all this is a big help I like the music links as well are ther CDs available? I know of D'Adderio but can you get the Oud strings any where? or can you order them from a music store? Thanks again I guess I cot a fair deal on my Cobsa at $100.00 Canadian, at an antique sale. :). will be back on later to se if there are more post. Rob.B

Aymara - 6-3-2010 at 07:25 AM

Hi again, Rob!
Quote: Originally posted by avro707  
I know of D'Adderio but can you get the Oud strings any where?


For example HERE in the US or HERE in Europe.

adamgood - 6-3-2010 at 07:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by avro707  

Thanks again I guess I cot a fair deal on my Cobsa at $100.00 Canadian, at an antique sale. :). will be back on later to se if there are more post. Rob.B


Rob I'm completely jealous that you found a cobza for $100 and so randomly in North America, congrats. I would love to come across one. Any chance you could post photos of your score?

Anyone have one for sale in Berlin? :)

Adam

avro707 - 6-3-2010 at 10:53 AM

Hi I will try and post a photo soon just have to get my dads work computer to work longer than 5min to up load photos. Antique shows and antique malls have yielded many treasures from violins and guitars to Concertina and a Crua Saz (like a bowl Back Mandolin but with only 3 course of strings and a longer neck.) i have also bought mandolins. I look for furniture and other items as well. It is all in the luck of the day on what you will find.

arsene - 6-15-2011 at 02:48 AM

Hi Rob,

Congratulations with your cobza, I hope you are playing it in good health.

My reply is a bit late, but as Aymara pointed out I indeed put nylon (oud) strings on my cobza. An advantage is of course that oud strings are much easier to get (for proper, steel cobza strings I have to travel to Romania) but I have to say I like the sound much more, and I like to believe it sounds closer to the historical instrument when it used to be strung with gut strings.

I believe the switch to steel strings at some point had to do with industrialization and the need for louder instruments. In any case, I am not the only one who did so - check out Hungarian "cobzar" Andras Benko:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huq3V5nlstM

First time I heard it I could swear it was an oud, but after checking out photos on his website it was obvious that he plays with nylon strings.

Enjoy!

Marcus - 6-15-2011 at 04:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by adamgood  
Quote: Originally posted by avro707  

Thanks again I guess I cot a fair deal on my Cobsa at $100.00 Canadian, at an antique sale. :). will be back on later to se if there are more post. Rob.B


Rob I'm completely jealous that you found a cobza for $100 and so randomly in North America, congrats. I would love to come across one. Any chance you could post photos of your score?

Anyone have one for sale in Berlin? :)

Adam


Hi Adam,:wavey:
there is one Cobza on ebay.
Not this cheap and not in Berlin, but Austria isnt that far.

Cheers Marcus

Koya - 7-3-2014 at 10:53 PM


Zalán Csenki from Hungary plays moldavian Hora melodies.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDJGU37250k

Bye!

Koya

Jack_Campin - 7-4-2014 at 02:37 PM

No octaved strings?

It seems to be turning into an oud. Is there a folk tradition where it's strung that way?