Hey there, music lovers! If you’ve ever found yourself entranced by the soulful sounds of Turkish and Middle Eastern music, you’ve probably heard the saz. This beautiful stringed instrument, also known as the baglama, is a cornerstone of traditional music in the region. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover what makes the saz such a special instrument, how much it might set you back, where to buy one, how to tune it, and where you can learn to play.
Saz Price – How Much Does a Saz Cost?
So, you’re thinking about getting a saz? Awesome choice! The price of a saz can range quite a bit. If you’re just starting out, you can snag a decent beginner saz for around $199. These are usually on the basic side, but don’t worry – they still sound pretty good.
Here at Ethnic Musical we have a whole line of Saz at 199$, and it includes a built-in pickup as well. Give them a quick look:
If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, maybe with better craftsmanship and higher quality materials, intermediate saz instruments can cost between $300 and $600. And for the pros out there or anyone looking to invest in a truly top-notch instrument, be prepared to shell out over $1,000 for a handcrafted masterpiece, those usually come with mother of pearl design and more exotic wood.
Where to Buy a Saz: Yilmaz Saz Evi or Ethnic Musical
When it comes to buying a saz, you’ve got some great options. Yilmaz Saz Evi, located in Turkey, is a renowned spot for picking up high-quality saz. Yilmaz Saz Evi, established in 1974, has a rich history rooted in the traditional craft of saz making. Located in Kartal, Istanbul, it has been a destination for lovers of Turkish folk music for decades. The founder, Baki Yılmaz, began his journey with a passion for the baglama, which he turned into a lifelong profession. Yilmaz Saz Evi has built a reputation for high-quality, handcrafted instruments, blending traditional techniques with contemporary craftsmanship.
However, if you’re looking for a saz and you’re out of Turkey, check out Ethnic Musical. We pride ourselves on offering a variety of handcrafted sazs that cater to both beginners and professionals. We are a group of musicians dedicated to spreading Turkey’s heritage. Each instrument is carefully inspected, and we ship using high-end packing materials. That’s why we offer a 100% safe arrival guarantee. We have worked with local artists and makers for over 10 years, in co-operation to make sure instruments are extremely well made, and look amazing.
Here’s what happens when buying from unsafe sources:
The Unique Sound of the Saz
Now, let’s talk about what really sets the saz apart – its sound. The saz has a bright, resonant tone that’s both warm and expressive. Whether you’re strumming a haunting melody or a lively tune, the saz delivers a sound that’s unmistakably rich and full.
The secret lies in its construction. The saz features a long neck with movable frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and those lovely microtones that are so characteristic of Middle Eastern maqam music. The body, typically made from woods like mulberry or walnut, adds to its rich, warm tone.
Tuning Your Saz: A Quick Guide
Tuning a saz can feel a bit tricky at first, especially if you’re more familiar with Western instruments. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems. First, let’s find out whether you have a short neck saz or long neck. Long neck saz has 21+ frets, and short saz has 19. Which one do you have? The most common tuning for the saz is called “baglama tuning,” which is G-D-A from the lowest to the highest string.
Long Saz Tuning
- Start with the lowest string (Bb): Use a tuner to get this string spot-on.
- Next, tune the middle string (F): This should be a fourth above the lowest string.
- Finally, tune the highest string (C): This string is a fifth above the middle string.
Short Saz Baglama Tuning
- Start with the lowest string (B): Use a tuner to get this string spot-on.
- Next, tune the middle string (A): This should be a fourth above the lowest string.
- Finally, tune the highest string (E): This string is a fifth above the middle string.
Remember, each course of strings (there are usually two or three per note) should be in tune with each other. It might take a bit of practice, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Make sure to apply pressure on the pegs, when tuning it. That way, it will stuck inside, and won’t move.
Learning to Play the Saz
Ready to start making music? Great! There are plenty of resources to help you learn. Here are some recommended options:
Barak Saz & Baglama Online Courses
- Details: Offers comprehensive video courses for both short and long neck saz (baglama). These courses are structured for beginners to advanced players and cover everything from basic techniques to advanced rhythms and improvisations. The lessons are taught by Yochai Barak, a seasoned musician and teacher.
- Website: Barak Saz Online Courses
Udemy:
- Details: Udemy offers a range of saz courses for different skill levels. You can find detailed lessons from experienced instructors that you can follow at your own pace.
- Website: Check out Udemy’s saz courses here.
YouTube
- There are numerous free video tutorials available on YouTube. One highly recommended starting point is the Beginner Baglama Saz lesson. YouTube is great for visual learners who want to see and hear the techniques in action.
Final Thoughts
The saz isn’t just an instrument – it’s a gateway to a rich musical tradition that’s been captivating people for centuries. Whether you’re a newbie just starting out or a seasoned musician looking to expand your horizons, the saz offers a unique and rewarding experience. So why not dive in and explore this amazing instrument? Just before we say bye, take a quick look at the Saz Film, an amazing movie about saz, this will get you inspired and reveal what saz really looks like deep inside Anatolian Turkey. Happy playing!
Multi-instrumentalist, oud lover and an expert in Arabic & Turkish musical instruments. Founder of Ethnic Musical, working with luthiers across Turkey, Armenia, and beyond since 2009 to make fine handmade Turkish & Arabic musical instruments.