Instruments

The koshnay is an instrument made up of two cane tubes with reeds carved into them, which are blown over to produce sound.  This instrument is common in Khorezm and the Fergana Valley regions of Uzbekistan. The koshnay is a melodic instrument in the alto range with very unique tone color. The koshnay consists of two cylindrical tubes that are connected with thin silk strings. On its face, the koshnay has seven finger holes cut into it which measure 6 mm in length and 3 mm in width.  Near the mouthpiece reeds, there is another hole which aids in sound production.  Both tubes are identical in size and shape and are played simultaneously.

The surnay is one of the most complex of Uzbek wind instruments because of its structure. In terms of its shape and method of sound production, it is similar to the oboe. The surnay consists of a wooden conical tube with a wide bell. The instrument is in widespread use throughout Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and the Caucases (where it is known as zurna), and similar instruments are common throughout the Far East. The surnay is considered a mandatory part of music ensembles for weddings, holidays and other celebrations. It is the solo instrument in these ensembles, which usually consist of karnay, doira, and nagora.

Another woodwind instrument that uses a reed is the bolaman. It consists of a wooden tube with a thick false bell at the end, in which there is a narrow cylindrical channel that is the main identifying characteristic of the instrument. The diameter of this channel  is 5 mm, which is maintained even at the bell of the instrument.  The top surface of the instrument are seven finger holes measuring 4 mm in diameter, there is also one thumb hole on the back of the instrument. When playing the bolaman, the four fingers of left hand are used. The forefinger, middle nameless fingers are used for the covering the first second, third holes and as well as the thumb is used for the covering the down hole. The foure fingers of the right hand i.e. forefinger, middle, nameless and the little finger are used for the covering of the fourth, fifth, sixes and sewenth holes.

Modern chang by appearance is similer to the traditional one. Unlike the latter there are three long legs, pedal mechanism fixed to the middle leg in the modern chang and this mechanism's function is to ensure timely drowning of sounds. As a result of improvement the sound line became chromatic, and the range had been expanded up to 3,5 octaves. Moreover, it became possible to perform the compositions of Uzbek composers and foreign classical music on chang in addition to the classical Uzbek music.

Kanun is a stringed - pinch instrument with the shape of a trapeze with one sharp corner. A deck consists of two materials:  wood (nut or beech) and leather (bull). There are three oval apertures with inserted (built-in) socket decorated by woodcarving (vegetable pattern) on the deck. Membrane is made of bull parchment, strings are intestinal, and the pins are made of wood (apricot). The support for strings is located on the leather membrane. Strings are attached to side walls of the case from the left side, and from the right side - to wooden pins which are adjusted by a special metallic key.

Ud is a string - pinch (plectra) instrument widespread on territory of Uzbekistan since ancient times. From historical sources it is known that its initial name was Barbad. Ud consist of a big and wide wooden (riveted) body (mulberry) with wooden deck (spruce) short neck (beech) and curved head. Pins are wooden (apricot) and strings are silk. There is a tuning aperture with an inserted socket with an openwork carving (spruce). Aperture's diameter is 80 mm.

By sound volume the bass dutar occupies the lower register. The sound is reproduced by means of a bass mediator using the following methods: tremolo, staccato as well as pizzicato by pinching by the pads of the big finger of the right hand.

Modern gidjak has the same form as the traditional one. As a result of improvement upper part of the neck became thinner, and bottom part became thicker, and the face was made flat. At the same time the bow was replaced by   the violin-bow. Body of modern gidjaks is wooden; they are made by means of hollowing and of staves. In practice the hollowed   version is used. It has four strings (metallic).

Sato is the tambur's generic instrument. Its appearance reminds the tanbur, but the body is slightly bigger. The sound is produced by the bow, and sometimes it is played by nahun as well. At present sato is played by violin - bow. It has four main (metal- brass) and four tuning strings that are located along the neck. Four additional frets are located on the deck. There is open - work carved tuning aperture in the middle of the deck, and there are two carved «drop» - shaped apertures on the sides.

Doira one of most widespread the Uzbek national instruments that issue sounds without certain height. Doira has rich rhythmic and dynamic capacities. It is played by strikes by both hands and all fingers. Beautiful timbre and dynamic sound effects emphasize the growth the performer's skills Main feature of doira music is reflected by this fact. Instrument's diameter is 380-400 mm.