The back hole of a ney is opened according to the ney's measurements and to which hand its player keeps on top. That is why we ask "left hand on top or right hand on top?" when you order. In this article I explain how the back hole is measured and opened, and how you can tell which hand you play with on top.
Measuring the back hole
The back hole is measured from exactly half of the ney's total length, including the başpare (mouthpiece). On a 72 cm Kız ney, for example, the back hole is opened at 36 cm. First the exact midpoint is marked.
Which hand goes on top on the ney flute?
Beginners often do not know this. There is a simple way: on your first attempts, as you search for a sound, which corner of your lips does the blowing naturally drift to? Look at that.
If the blowing drifts to the right corner of your lips, you play with your left hand on top. The owner of the ney in the video plays left hand on top, so we open the back hole slightly to the left of the midpoint. In other words, the back hole is not opened exactly in the middle but shifted slightly right or left according to the player's hand preference.
That is why choosing "left hand on top / right hand on top" is required when you order a ney on our site. If you are unsure, message us on WhatsApp (+90 532 706 06 34) before ordering and we will decide together.
The back hole is opened by hand
I open the back hole by hand, not by machine. Because every ney is prepared for a specific person, this raises its value in my eyes. Only special tools made for opening neys are used. After the hole is opened, the burrs inside are removed with fine sandpaper.
The back hole is the most important hole on the ney; we call opening it "opening the ney's eye".
Sound and tuning test
Once the back hole is opened, we test the notes one by one. On the Kız ney in the video, the tuning settled in the Aşiran position. Every ney is checked this way before it leaves. For details on checking tuning, see What does an out-of-tune ney mean?.
As the ney goes to its owner
Before we say goodbye, the outside of the ney is wiped with alcohol-free amber scent. With the ney we include an instruction booklet, which also serves as a certificate; it explains how to store the ney and contains guidance for your studies.
For care, pure sesame oil or genuine almond oil is used; olive oil is not, because its acidity is high. No scent, essence or perfume is ever dripped inside. For details, see Why does a ney get mouldy or bend?.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the back hole of a ney?
At exactly the middle of the ney's total length, including the başpare. On a 72 cm Kız ney it is at 36 cm, opened slightly to the right or left according to the player's hand preference.
Should I play left hand or right hand on top?
On your first attempts, notice which corner of your lips the blowing drifts to: if it drifts to the right corner, you play left hand on top. If you are unsure, ask us before ordering.
Why is the back hole opened by hand?
Because every ney is prepared for a specific person. A hand-opened hole can be adjusted to the player's hand preference.
You can browse our handmade neys and contact us with any questions before ordering.
