The diffusion of the tanbur into musical cultures along the Silk Road resulted in a variety of instruments with two or more, occasionally doubled or tripled courses, and a varying number and variously tuned frets, each having its own characteristic sound, playing technique, and repertory. Since the last century, tanburs have spread beyond the Silk Road, and new versions continue to appear due to changing musical and tonal demands required from them. Similar or identical instruments are also known by other names, such as saz or baglama, dotar or dutar, setar, doembra, and dambura. This book is...

The saz or baglama, a generic name for long-necked lutes in Turkey, plays an important role in the Turkish musical culture. It forms the core of all folk musical ensembles and orchestras and is a popular instrument in the arabesque, entertainment, and pop music. It is the instrument par excellence in Turkish music education and in the religious rituals of the Alevi and Bektasi. The saz or baglama can also be heard as a solo instrument on international concert stages. Acknowledging the instrument's unique place in Turkey, The Turkish Long-Necked Lute Saz or Baglama, an updated and revised...