Аннотация
This work is devoted to the improved string-bow chordophones - Kazakh prima-kobyz and Kyrgyz prima-kiyak. They possess a nearly 90-year history and have been studied little to date. The both instruments are considered for the first time in a comparative plan. The similar instruments of the same type were widely used in many Turkic republics of Central Asia in connection with organizing orchestras of folk instruments. They became actively used in ensemble and solo music practice later. Popularity and the existing repertoire allow to pay closer attention to them.