The word rebab is an Arabic term that can be translated as 'bowed string instrument'. Dating back at least to the 8th century, the rebab has been closely associated with Islamic culture and is thought to be the earliest ancestor of the contemporary violin.

While its roots are probably in Arabia or Persia, the rebab's influence has reached as far east as Indonesia and west to regions of Europe and Africa. Its diffusion is closely tied to the growth of the Islamic world and the development of extensive trade routes after the 10th century.

As part of the generic lute family, there are two basic types of rebab: plucked rebabs with pear-shaped or elongated bodies, and bowed rebabs which often have an extension or spike on the bottom to rest on the ground when played and which are hence called spike fiddles. Generally, both styles have 2 or 3 gut or other strings. However, there is an Afghan rebab which has 3 to 5 main strings plus 12 to 16 sympathetic strings.

Spike fiddle rebabs used in the Javanese gamelan are made from wood, or sometimes from a hollowed, half coconut shell covered with hide. This body is attached to a long, narrow wooden neck which has no frets; instead, the fingers of the left hand become moveable bridges. These instruments ornament the melodic line, creating a dialogue with the singers.