: Features 23 frets and is preferred for the "Aşık" style, offering a deeper, drone-heavy sound. It is considered the traditional choice for beginners as it covers a wider range of tones.
: The boat is traditionally carved from mulberry wood , though juniper, chestnut, walnut, and hornbeam are also common. The chest is almost always made of spruce for its resonant qualities, while the neck is crafted from harder woods like hornbeam or juniper. Universal Baglama
A standard bağlama consists of three primary sections: the (bowl-shaped resonator), the chest (soundboard), and the handle (neck). : Features 23 frets and is preferred for
: Features 19 frets and uses a specific tuning called Bağlama Düzeni . It is often more practical for modern folk music and is easier for fast, technical playing. Tuning and Playability The chest is almost always made of spruce
The instrument comes in two main variations that dictate playing style and repertoire:
The , also known as the Saz , is the most iconic string instrument in Turkish folk music, deeply rooted in the cultural history of Anatolia. Often called the "Universal Bağlama" due to its versatility and presence across various regions, it is a long-necked lute evolved from the Central Asian Kopuz . Anatomy and Construction
: It typically features seven strings arranged in three courses (two, two, and three strings).