ACOUSTIC AND MODERN PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE KASHGAR RUBAB

This article examines the acoustic characteristics, historical development, structural features, and contemporary performance practices of the Kashgar rubab, one of the most significant plucked string instruments in the musical culture of Central Asia. The study analyzes the instrument's origin, its dissemination from Eastern Turkestan to Uzbekistan, and its evolution within the traditions of maqom performance and folk music. Particular attention is given to the reconstruction processes of the twentieth century, which expanded the instrument's technical and artistic capabilities and enabled its integration into professional music education and orchestral performance. The article also discusses the acoustic properties of the instrument, sound production techniques, right- and left-hand performance methods, articulation, tremolo, vibrato, and other expressive devices employed by modern performers.