Middle Eastern Strings - Saz, santoors, kanun, cumbus, spike fiddles and more.

Middle Eastern Strings

Search Our Site For Instruments, Books, DVDS, Informative Articles And More

Adult & Family Camp

You can purchase the music of the folks that own Lark In The Morning. Click the image below.

If you want further information on an item please use our Request Form and tell us the stock numbers or information about the items that you may want.

If you are buying multiple items
we may be able to combine them and save you shipping.
Just fill out the form above letting us know what you want. The buttons on our pages charge for shipping for each item so if you are buying multiple items call us before ordering online at (707) 964-5569 or use our request form.

Shipping prices on this website are for shipments within the continental US.
If your order is international, we will communicate with you about additional shipping charges.
International orders may contact us in advance of ordering for additional charges. International Inquiry

Return to Lark In The Morning's Main Page

Yayli Tambur (Tanbur) 6 strings, 3 courses, fretted for Turkish classical scale (Pythagorean tuning) with koma fretting allowing many microtonal pitch options. Geared tuners, tied-on frets.Yayli means “bowed” and most often is, uses violin or cello bow. Can also be plucked like standard tambur. Strings: Length: 51-1/2", Depth of resonator: 6", Width of resonator: 12", Nut Width: 1-1/4", Scale Length: 41-3/4", Tuning: DAD, Low course in octaves. Use neck screw to adjust action before tuning. BAN003 $424.15

By ordering through this button I agree to Lark In The Morning's Terms for all orders.

If you are ordering more than one item you may be able to save on shipping costs by calling your order in to 707 964 5569.

String set for Yayli Tambur (Tanbur) Very long strings for the bowed yayli tambur; heavier gauge than the saz set - can also be used on the Cümbüs banjo saz to tune to a lower pitch (GDG, GDA) or on a regular baglama saz for the same purpose. BAN003S $9.90

Baglama Saz Banjo (Cumbus Saz) 6 Steel strings, Plastic head, metal pot body, moveable bridge, has butterfly nut to easily adjust neck & action. Adjust string height before tuning, use screw at back of neck heel. Louder and more “skin” tone than wooden saz. Geared tuners, tied-on frets. Length: 40", Depth of resonator: 6", Width of resonator: 10", Scale Length: 29-1/2", Nut Width: 1-1/4". Can be tuned as high as CGD, etc. Also can be tuned as a Persian tar at CGC; low course in octaves. Can also be bowed like the yayli tambur.

Sound Sample BAN004 $299.00

Cura Cumbus with Soft Case, 29 inches 29" in length. It has nylon frets tied to the neck and 3 courses of 2 strings each. The Cumbus is a relatively young instrument. It was developed in Istanbul in the early 1900's. The inventor, Zeynel became known as Zeynel Abidin Bey. The famous Ataturk Mustafa Kemal, Turkey's first president, dubbed it Cumbus, pronounced joom-bush. Cumbus is Turkish for revelry, just the mood this instrument inspires. Our Cumbus are imported from the Family shop of Zeynel Abidin on Ataturk Bulvar in Istanbul. The Cura Cumbus has 6 strings in 3 courses, tuned A D G

SPECIAL NOTE; No Warranty on Strings: Manufacturers recommend that you change the strings on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey before it ever begins the final leg to your home. During this time the elements affect the strings and may shorten their lifespan. It occasionally happens that a string will fail during that final leg of the journey. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings soon after it arrives. If you are a student you may want to change your strings every 3-4 months. If you are a rock star you may need to change your strings every week. If you store your instrument, you should consider changing the strings when you pick it up again.

CMBC $259.00

Cumbus Saz, Short Neck The Cumbus is 35.5 inches in overall length. It has 19 tied frets and 3 courses of the 2 metal strings each; one of which is wound. The Cumbus Saz Short neck has a nut to bridge length of 25 inches. The body has a 10 inch diameter and is 6 inches deep. It comes with a soft case.

The Cumbus is a relatively young instrument. It was developed in Istanbul in the early 1900's. The inventor, Zeynel became known as Zeynel Abidin Bey. The famous Ataturk Mustafa Kemal, Turkey's first president, dubbed it Cumbus, pronounced joom-bush. Cumbus is Turkish for revelry, just the mood this instrument inspires. Our Cumbus are imported from the Family shop of Zeynel Abidin on Ataturk Bulvar in Istanbul.

CMSS $299.00

Kanoune, Professional, with Case The Arabic Kanoon (Kanoone, Kanoun or Qanun) is 44 ¼" x 18" and weighs 26 ¼ lbs. in it case. It was made in Egypt and has 5 keys and 77 nylon strings. This predecessor of the piano, the Kanoon is mentioned in 10th century Arabic writings. Today it's popular throughout North Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Persia and even Eastern Europe. It's played on the knees and plucked with metal finger picks. The metal sharpening levers alter the pitch of individual strings by eighth or quarter-tones. Comes with a hard case.

KNNP $1911.65

Rabab with Bow A rectangular wooden frame fitted on both sides with goat skin forms the resonator of this instrument. The single steel string is tunable with a wooden peg mounted on the long neck. It is played with a bow. Body is approximately 11" w x 20" t; over all length is approximately 34.5". The term Rabab is found in ninth and tenth century texts,and is the oldest known Arabic word for a bowed instrument Capable of a range of dynamic accents. This instrument is the essential melody instrument of the nomadic Bedouins; customarily played by the sha'ir, or poet-singer, to accompany heroic and love songs. A rabab player rests the instrument vertically on his or her knee and draws the bow across the string in a similar fashion to a cello player. Never handle the hair of the bow with your hands. Oils from your skin will be absorbed by the bow hairs and leave permanent slick spots on the hair. The bow hair, whether it is made of real horsehair or synthetic fibers, will be slick. In order to grab the strings it will need to be coated with rosin. Rosin is sold seperatley. RABAB $89.90

Better Model Saz Approximately 39 by 9 inches. More decorated than the standard model. Soft case included. Hand made in Turkey.

For the 6-stringed baglama instruments the most frequently used tunings, two strings to a course, high to low pitch (thin to thick string, or bottom to top string) are: A G D, A D E, A D F#, G D G, A D A, A E A, G A D, and G C G.

For the 7-stringed instrument, the most frequently used tuning, from high to low pitch, is: A D G, where A is a 3-string course. For an extra set of strings please see: mis031.

PICKS ONLY COME WITH EACH SET OF STRINGS. SAZ003 $299.00

Electric Saz Imported from Turkey, where the Saz continues to be an important Turkish folk instrument. This electronic saz has a Humbucking pickup in base of body, next to the decoratively carved sound hole. The 7 metal strings are in two courses of 2 and one course of 3. Saz can have a number of tunings; including CGC, DGC CFC, EDA, and others There are 19 tied nylon, movable frets. Soft case included.

Wood coloring and decorations may vary from the photograph. Sound board is spruce. Body and neck are various woods including: mahogany, wenge, butternut, walnut, oak and others. Over al length: 48", Neck 24.5 L x 2.25 inches Wide, Nut to Bridge: 27.75 inches, 19 Tied nylon frets, 7 metal strings, two courses of 2 and one course of 3 String sets and plectrums are sold separately.
SAZ005 $364.65

String Set for Electric Saz Designed specifically for our saz005 electric saz SAZ005S $9.90

Baglama Saz, Electronic, Plain, Matte This electronic saz has a Piezo pick-up, the jack is in the bottom, next to the sound hole. This instrument features 7 strings, two courses of 2 and one course of 3. The nylon frets are movable. A nylon case included. String sets and plectrums are sold separately. Wood coloring and decorations may vary. Approximately 38-40 inches in length, 9-10 inches in width and 10-11 inches in depth. Handmade in Turkey.

The most frequently used tuning, from high to low pitch, is: A D G, where A is a 3-string course.

SAZE-PM $364.65

Baglama Saz, Professional, Matte The bowl body of this instrument is made of matching medium-tone staves. This instrument features 7 strings, two courses of 2 and one course of 3. The nylon frets are movable. A nylon case included. String sets and plectrums are sold separately. Wood coloring and decorations may vary. Approximately 38-40 inches in length, 9-10 inches in width and 10-11 inches in depth. Handmade in Turkey.

The most frequently used tuning, from high to low pitch, is: A D G, where A is a 3-string course.

SAZP-M $339.15

Better Kanun (second, was str007) Made out of a light colored wood like Cedar, 72 nylon strings total, the tuners are wooden with Rhinestones on the ends, metal frets that lift up (mandals for fine tuning and makam changes), lots of floral inlay on the body, has a sliding wooden piece on the side which gives access to the string-pegs for restringing purposes. 18" wide, 41" in length. Comes in a padded bag with a pocket and strap. Maker's name "Turhan Onamni" (from label inside).

The mandals (bridge Mechanisms) on this rattle a bit when played, and the bottom string end cover doesn't slide on all the way. Still looks good and plays OK. SEC2661 $1605.00

Electric Saz (second, was saz005) Originally saz005.

Body was damaged in shipping; has large, ugly but stable repaired cracks on back. Since it has electronic pickups, the body structure is not as important, though, to the final overall amplified sound.

Re-wired simply but correctly. Imported from Turkey, where the Saz continues to be an important Turkish folk instrument. This electronic saz has a Humbucking pickup in base of body, next to the decoratively carved sound hole.

Saz can have a number of tunings; including CGC, DGC CFC, EDA, and others There are 19 tied nylon, movable frets. Soft case included.

Sound board is spruce. Body and neck are various woods including: mahogany, wenge, butternut, walnut, oak and others.

Over al length: 48
Neck 24.5 L x 2.25 inches W
Nut to Bridge: 27.75 inches
19 Tied nylon frets
5 metal strings. Player can add one more string if wanted. String sets and plectrums are sold separately. SEC2767 $364.65

Persian Santoor (second, was ham001) Comes with hammers and tuning key Longside 34”includes 1” tuning pegShortside 14”Height 11”Depth 3” Nice instrument! Comes with 1 pair of hammers and a "not very good" tuning wrench. No case! SEC2817 $458.15

Cumbus (second, was STR004) Fretless, 34" long, Scale length: 22", Nut Width: 1-9/16", Resonator: 12" wide, 6-1/4" deep, 9" head, formica fingerboard in varying colors or patterns.

Has adjusting nut on back of neck and movable bridge. If instrument received by customer with a course “off the neck”, can be adjusted by moving bridge of by twisting the neck into place. Geared tuning pegs.

Tuning:

Metal strings are standard, played with oud mezrab (pick). Standard Cumbus tuning: DEADGC is the written book tuning and the one on the pack of strings, however this transposed. The real pitches are ABEADG a fifth above the written notes. Can also use any OUD tuning.

The Cumbus can also be restrung with heavier strings to play at lower pitches; it also can take nylon oud strings for a special tone color.
Dent in body SEC3501 $275.00

Morin Khur The Morin Khur (horse-headed violin) is the national instrument of Mongolia. Among the oldest of all bowed instruments, they were originally made from a horse head for the body, horse skin for the resonator, and horse hair for the strings and bow. The music played upon this instrument is of great variety and virtuosity. Much of the music typically imitates a horse; the rhythms made by galloping horse feet, the whinnying, etc. The modern Morin Khur has a wooden body and soundboard, 2 horse hair strings, and has a rich warm tone. The peghead is decorated with a detailed carving of a horse's head. Used with repaired bow and case. SEC3505 $525.00

Cumbus 12 String Guitar Banjo uses regular 12 str. gtr. string set; customer has to fit strings (ball end) to bridge.Original string set is a standard cumbus set and is too light for good tension at guitar tuning.17 Frets, Adjustable bridge, Open-geared tuning machines and Metal pot body, Has Metal frets, No truss rod, Not hollow necked, 9" headHas butterfly nut to easily adjust neck & action-- adjust string height before tuning, comes with bagtuning: EADGBEPlays like standard guitar - no special instructions neededtotal length-34'body width- 11 1/2"scale length- 22"nut width- 1 1/2"Dent in body. SEC3508 $275.00

Cumbus Extra The Extra Cumbus is approximately 34 inches long. It has NO FRETS. The body is solid wood stave construction. The wood body and neck are inlayed. It has 6 courses of 2 strings each. The Cumbus is a relatively young instrument. It was developed in Istanbul in the early 1900's. The inventor, Zeynel became known as Zeynel Abidin Bey. The famous Ataturk Mustafa Kemal, Turkey's first president, dubbed it Cumbus, pronounced joom-bush. Cumbus is Turkish for revelry, just the mood this instrument inspires. Our Cumbus are imported from the Family shop of Zeynel Abidin on Ataturk Bulvar in Istanbul. The Standard Cumbus is tuned like the Turkish Oud and one step higher than the Arabic Oud. Almost any Oud tuning can be used.
Tuning:

Metal strings are standard, played with oud mezrab (pick). Standard Cumbus tuning: DEADGC is the written book tuning and the one on the pack of strings, however this transposed. The real pitches are ABEADG a fifth above the written notes. Can also use any OUD tuning.

Sound Sample STR004DL $645.15

Kemence Kemenche, 3-string with Rosin & Case. This 3-string kemenche is very light weight and only 22 inches long by 4 inches wide, the peg box is 3 inches deep. It comes with a movable bridge that must be positioned between the sound holes Tuning: EAD, long oval shape w/ fingerboard.Can use saz, guitar or violin strings of the right gauge.played in parallel 4ths by fingering and bowing 2 of the 3 strings at a time; from the Black Sea region,underhand bow grip tightens bowhair with 3rd finger right hand; STR005 $109.90

Better Kanun The Kanun is a very old and historic Asian instrument. It normally rests on your knees, played by plucking individual strings with special picks worn on your fingers. In the 20th century, the Turks improved the design by adding tuning keys, greatly expanding the musical possibilities of this already amazing and versatile instrument. With 72 nylon stings, there is almost no limit to what you can play on a Kanun. 18 inches wide and 41 inches long. Includes a protective padded case. STR007 $2700.00

Best Kanun The Kanun is a very old and historic Asian instrument. It normally rests on your knees, played by plucking individual strings with special picks worn on your fingers. In the 20th century, the Turks improved the design by adding tuning keys, greatly expanding the musical possibilities of this already amazing and versatile instrument. With 72 nylon stings, there is almost no limit to what you can play on a Kanun. 18 inches wide and 41 inches long. Includes a protective padded case. This model differs from STR007 by having more inlay, a finished bridge and more mandalas. STR008 $2950.00

Large Turkish Spike Fiddle (Rebab) Spike fiddles, or rebabs, are part of the lute family. Rebab is an Arabic term translated as "bowed string instrument". Such fiddles date back, at least, to the 8th century in Arabia and Persia. Islamic trading routes helped to spread it over much of North Africa, the Middle and Far East, and Europe. There are two basic forms of the rebab. There are those with wooden pear-shaped bodies to which a neck is attached. Then there are those with a round neck that pierces the gourd body projecting at the lower end, like spike. These usually have a skin or parchment soundboard.

Spiked fiddles typically have no frets. They are played, held upright, with the spike resting on the player's leg or ground. These instruments complement the melodic line by creating a dialogue with the singers. Approximately 24 inches long, 4 strings and includes the bow. Suggested tunings: CGCG,DGDG, or up to GDGD. Recommended strings: highest 4 strings of light gauge guitar string sets or other custom strings.

Sound Sample

Sound Sample STR012 $109.90

Laouta, Turkish This quality instrument was hand built by master luthier Yapim. The Lavta was popular in the an early 20th century among Greek and Armenian players. The lavta has a body made of solid striped wood, a guitar-like neck with tied movable nylon frets, a ‘mustached' bridge and inlayed rosette. The pegbox is at a sharp angle to the neck, like the oud. The tuning pegs are violin style friction pegs. The Lavta is sometimes called a Laouta (ending in a ) but not a Laouto (ending in o ) which is a different instrument. The Lavta is more of a melody instrument which has a much lower tension on it than a true Laouto. It is played, Like and oud, with a long thin plectrum. These instruments can also be tuned as an octave mandolin with the right strings. The perfect instrument for Renaissance Faires.

Approximately 32 (812.8 mm) inches overall length. Nut to bridge is 25.125 inches (638.18 mm). It is 13. 5 inches wide by 6.5 inches deep (342.9 x 165.1 mm). There are 7 strings, in courses of 2; 4 are nylon and 3 are silver wound. Comes set up for CGDA tuning. Zippered case included.

This model are New and Unused with Superficial blemishes that may include, blisters in the finish, scratches, dents, stains, discoloration, rust or pitting on metals, imperfect glazes, non-structural repairs such as putty in nail holes, or other surface marks. The irregularity does not affect the playability or sound quality of the instrument. These are a very good value.

SPECIAL NOTE; No Warranty on Strings

STR013B $374.00

Tar The tar is the long-necked lute of the Caucasian, played in Azerbaijan, Tadzhikistan, Iran and Armenia. The body is hollowed out of a single piece of wood into a rounded figure-8 shape, with a skin belly, friction tuning pegs and moveable frets. Metal strings, played with a plectrum. We offer tar in the Uzbek/Azerbaijani style with the additional paran strings, but they could be easily adapted for Iranian playing by removing these side strings. STR014 $520.00

Semsemia Egyptian harp with decorative inlay. This instrument is of tourist quality, the fit and finish are quite crude and rustic looking. It has steel strings and a movable bridge. Irregular finish. Decorations and shape may differ from photo. This can be tuned form C below Middle to Middle C. There is no right or wrong tuning. Start tuning low and then choose a range that fits your vocals.

Harps is approximately 25 inches long over all, the sound box is 10 inch diameter and 3 inches deep. The Arm is approximately 18 inches wide.

STR021 $74.90

Moroccan Sintir The sintir has a body carved out of a wooden log, a long round neck with 3 gut strings, the middle string being the shortest, and has a camel skin covered resonator. The gut strings are plucked downward with the knuckle side of the index finger and the inside of the thumb, creating a strongly percussive tone. Often the player attaches dangling metal rings and other devices which add a buzzing element to the tone. STR181 $625.00

La Bella Baglama Saz String Set The La Bella BA1 baglama string set was developed with the help of Mr. Hacik of Istambul. La Bella provides a four-step, lab tested, tarnish proof technology on these sets that provides vibrant, aesthetically pleasing stings.

Envelope 1 has 3 plain steel strings .007 gage and 58" long

Envelope 2 has 2 plain steel strings .0011 gage and 58" long

Envelope 3 has 1 wound steel string .018 gage and 58" long

Envelope 4 has 1 wound steel string .024 gage and 58" long

MIS092 $24.90

String Set for Baglama Saz Avarez brand AS-900, string length is approximately 40-42 inches. The set contains Three Envelopes, numbered 1-3. Envelope 1 is LA with 4 thin steel strings, .007 inch gage. Envelope 2 is RE with two heavy steel strings, .012 inch gage. Envelope 3 is SOL with 2 heavy silver wound steel strings, one is .015 inch and one is .023 inch gage. Does not work with our electric saz. Design specifically for saz002 SAZ002S $9.90

Saz Pick, 10 Pack (Plectrums) Plastic pic for the saz. Size, style and color vary. SAZM $6.50

Pickups & Instrument Microphones Amplify your instrument.

Lark In The Morning
PO Box 1176, Mendocino, CA 95460 USA
(707) 964-5569

Return to the Lark In The Morning Catalog page.

Lark Main Menu: Lark In The Morning Home Page

Articles on Instrument Maintenance, Instrument Tunings, Interviews, M&E, Music Humor, Dance.

Terms Lark In The Morning Terms of sale please read before ordering.

denotes a "Special Order" item.

Lark Camp: World Music, Song & Dance Camp

Email Lark In The Morning