Instruments Page


Koboz / Cobza


Koboz

"Koboz" (Hungarian) or "cobza" (Romanian) is an ancient lute that has been played in Romania centuries longer than even the violin. It is often associated with the singing of epic songs. Hungarians of Moldavia play melodies on it, but Romanians typically use the cobza for a running 16th-note accompaniment, as is also done with its successor, the cimbalom/tsambal. It is rarely played today, having been replaced by the cimbalom, accordian, or synthesizer.