It is indeed interesting to note the great variety and differences in function, shapes and makes, techniques, and the music itself that the plucked string that is traced to one source – the Middle East – has developed and evolved. These differences may be seen in the significance of the plucked string instrument to the culture of each country. There is the variety of configurations and sizes, which are partly indicative of their importance in the repertoires of different societies, their different timbres and amplitudes, their diverse musical functions, as well as their allusion to extra-musical symbols, like the siren figure of the charango, or the crocodile shape of the jakhe, and the lizard shape of the kudlung. Some are folk, some are classical, some playing solo, some in ensembles – homogeneous and heterogeneous, some accompanying the voice, and some accompanying dances and theatrical performances. These point to the infinite variety of conditions where the plucked instrument contributes its sonic substance and its musical essence. But what is of paramount value in the plucked string instrument is the variety of musical expressions that it has conjured, serving different cultures to communicate their ideas, feelings and emotions in order to bring about a unique musical experience to the rest of humanity.
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