The ney is a reed flute made from dried river cane, played through a headpiece called a baspare. It is central to Turkish classical and Sufi music and has no keys or mechanism: pitch is controlled entirely by lips and breath.
Structure
- Body: a noded cane; node alignment determines tuning.
- Headpiece: buffalo horn, wood or delrin.
- Holes: six front, one back.
- Parazvane: a cleaning tool for the bore.
Types
- Kiz ney: B (Si) tuning, approx. 68-72 cm; the standard beginner instrument.
- Yildiz ney: closer hole spacing, easier finger transitions.
- Mansur ney: longest and deepest voice; for intermediate and advanced players.
Tuning and reed
Professional neys are tested at 440 Hz concert pitch. Tone begins with the reed: Antalya is hard and bright, Adana Ceyhan dense and warm, Hatay Samandag premium and resonant.
History
Its roots reach Mesopotamia and Central Asia; in Turkish music it became institutionalised through Mevlevi ceremonies.
Care
Remove moisture after playing, oil periodically with pure sesame oil, store in a hard case.
