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Iran

Instruments

Names: Qeycheck or Gaychack.

Type: Bowed > Chordophone

Region: Iran > MIddle East & South Asia.

Source: Mohammed Namazi, y2004
Description: The qeycheck is a "scull shaped" bowed instrument found in South Eastern regions of Iran. Having a short neck and eight strings when playing the qeycheck only two of the strings are bowed. The qeycheck is supported by the musician holding the qeycheck upright on his left knee. Only the first string to the left is fingered. The rest serve as sympathetic string who enhance the timbre when played.

Several relatives to the qeycheck are found in North Western India (Rajasthan, and neighboring areas). In Nepal one would find a 4-stringed Sarinda (see South Asia) who is a closely related instrument to the Qeycheck. In Baluchistan (Pakistan) this type of instrument is played amongst the Baluchi people and is also found and is often accompanied by a form of tambura (a long necked drone lute) to accompany singing. The qeycheck has a loud colourful nasal tone when it is played

Anatomy of the Qeycheck: My specimen is highly ornate with glass mirrors; an emerald gem stone, beads, coins and various metal trinkets glued onto the instrument. Goat or sheep hide is stretched over the sound hole in which provide support for the bridge. During the stretching the hide small pegs are pushed in to holes in which hold the tension of the hide. A small belt attached to the back of the qeycheck allows for the qeycheck to be held when standing upright during performance.

Citations: Kereshmeh Records > Article "Gaychack" >