The Dawn of the Electric Saz
The story of the electric saz, or as known as the electric Bağlama, starts on the lively streets and vibrant music halls of 1960s Turkey. This was a time when traditional music was blending with modern influences, and musicians yearned for a way to express their evolving creativity.
Initially, the electric saz was nothing more than a microphone-like electric device clamped onto the body of the classic, acoustic instrument. Yet, the potential was undeniable. It was in the hands of two talented musicians, Erkin Koray and Orhan Gencebay, that the electric saz would find its true form.
Erkin Koray and Orhan Gencebay were not only talented performers; they were innovators with a keen understanding of the needs of modern music. They embraced the initial concept and refined it, adding significant enhancements that evolved the electric saz into a standalone instrument. Through their dedication, the first dedicated electric saz came to life in the late 1960s.
From that moment, the electric saz began its melodious journey, finding its way into the hearts of instrument players and listeners across Turkey. The instrument, with its electrifying sound and versatile capabilities, quickly garnered widespread popularity. Despite its relatively recent history compared to the classic saz, the electric saz has made an indelible mark on the music scene.
What is the Electric Saz?
The saz is a traditional Turkish stringed instrument that belongs to the lute family. The electric saz is essentially an electrified version of this instrument, equipped with magnetic pickups that amplify its sound when connected to an amplifier. The modern version still retains the characteristic shape and playing techniques of the traditional acoustic saz. However, it provides the added versatility of producing a wide range of tones and effects, which makes it suitable for various music genres.
Types of Electric Saz
The electric saz manifests in several forms, each having unique attributes.
Flat-Body Electric Saz
Modern in design, the flat-body electric saz sports a slim, flat body, making it more comfortable to hold and play with, especially while standing. This design has made it a popular choice for stage performers.
Semi-Hollow and Hollow-Body Electric Saz
These variants of the electric saz are designed with a semi-hollow or hollow body to add resonance and depth to the instrument’s sound. Ideal for musicians who seek to retain the acoustic saz’s natural warmth while enjoying the benefits of amplification, these models strike a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
Standard Full-Body Electric Saz
Keeping the spirit of the traditional saz, the standard full-body electric saz embraces the familiar. It features a deep, resonant body, or ‘bowl,’ that closely mirrors its acoustic cousin. This variant manages to maintain the authentic feel and aesthetic of the traditional saz while integrating the modern functionalities of electric instruments.
The full-body electric saz offers a robust and warm sound while unleashing the power and versatility of an electric instrument. It’s perfect for saz players who crave that rich, acoustic-like tone even when amplified. This model’s classic design combined with its electric capabilities makes it an excellent bridge between tradition and innovation. It’s also the most popular option out there.
Choosing the Perfect Electric Saz
Choosing the perfect electric saz involves careful consideration of several factors:
- Size and scale length: Electric saz models come with a fixed-size neck, suitable for most players.
- Design: The design of the electric saz can range from a simple, elegant look to intricate designs featuring mother of pearl or burl wood veneer. The choice of design largely depends on the player’s personal aesthetic preferences.
- Wood quality and craftsmanship: Opt for an electric saz crafted from high-quality wood with meticulous attention to craftsmanship. This will ensure a durable instrument with a superior sound.
- Pickup type: Electric saz models use various magnetic pickups such as Schaller, Necarman, or DiMarzio. Moreover, ‘M1’ and ‘M2’ which are made in Turkey, are popular pickups widely used by many players. As a rule of thumb, any of the above is a pretty good choice.
- Lesli Effect, EQ & Rhythm Options: Certain electric saz models come with a Lesli effect that creates a popular wah-wah sound, an EQ for adjusting your desired tone, and a slot for an SD card. This allows the player to load popular Turkish rhythms to play along with.
- Budget: Electric saz prices vary significantly. Hence, it’s essential to set a budget and find the best instrument within your price range.
The Electric Saz: Bridging Traditions and Modern Music
The electric saz has transcended cultural boundaries and found a place in a diverse range of musical genres. From traditional Turkish and Middle Eastern music to rock, jazz, and fusion, the electric saz’s distinct sound has charmed both amateurs and professionals.
Well-known musicians like Erdal Akkaya, Ismail Tunçbilek, and Orhan Gencebay have created unique styles showcasing the electric saz’s versatility and adaptability. Their mastery over the instrument and their ability to meld tradition with innovation continues to inspire a new generation of electric saz players.
Furthermore, the electric saz has found a resonating voice in contemporary music styles. The Turkish psychedelic rock band, BaBa ZuLa, for instance, has creatively integrated the electric saz into their music. They’ve established a unique fusion of Eastern and Western sounds, introducing the electric saz to global audiences and redefining its possibilities.
Despite its evolution, the electric saz hasn’t lost its roots in traditional music. Musicians such as Murat Ertel, the lead singer and electric saz player of BaBa ZuLa, have collaborated with traditional musicians like the renowned saz player, Talip Özkan. This serves to explore the depth of the instrument’s heritage while simultaneously pushing its contemporary potential.
Checkout this Baba Zula saz solo, it get’s interesting around 1:40.
Learning to Play the Electric Saz
Picking up the electric saz? Great choice! Here’s a bit of advice to get you strumming in no time.
It’s a good idea to start with its cousin, the acoustic saz. This classic Turkish instrument will get you up to speed with the basics – holding it right, getting to know the notes, and nailing down the strumming. You can use the YouTube channel solfej24 and the website to find music sheets and see step-by-step how to play popular songs.
Once you’ve got a handle on the acoustic saz, try your hand at some simple solos. This’ll help you get a feel for the music, and pretty soon, you’ll start to make it your own. When you’re ready to rock the electric saz, you’ll find that the skills you learned on the acoustic one will come in handy. The electric saz has got some extra bells and whistles, like amplified sound and funky effects. But don’t worry – you’ll get the hang of it.
There are loads of free video lessons on YouTube where saz pros share their skills. You can also consider getting lessons from a teacher for more personal guidance. They can even introduce you to different Turkish music styles that you can try on the electric saz. So, strap on that saz and let the music take you on a journey from traditional tunes to modern melodies. It’s going to be one heck of a ride!
Summing it up
The electric saz serves as a testament to the fusion of tradition and modernity. As it continues to inspire and captivate, its melody will continue to echo in the annals of music, forever uniting cultures and genres.
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.
Hola .Alguien sabe que afinacion utiliza el Ismail Tunçbilek y que tamaño de cuerdas¿ Gracias