Long-necked lute – Tambura

Long-necked lutes were brought to the Balkans during the 14th and 15th centuries by the Turks. They are related to the Tambura of Macedonia and the Bouzouki of Greece. The tambura dominates in Pirin Macedonia and is found in ‘traditional’ groups in Shop and Thrace. It can be used both as a rhythm instrument and to play the melody line.