I was just given a funky instrument the other day. Purchased by my late uncle, and finally made its way to me.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubab
Unfortunately, it's sustained a bit of damage. The skin head (akin to a banjo) is damaged, as is the bridge and one of the tuning pegs.
Does anybody know of any reputable repairer of ethnic stringed instruments? I'd like to get it into playing condition, and maybe even learn something on it.