Oğur Sazı: A Modern Evolution of Turkish Stringed Instruments

The Oğur Sazı, an innovative six-stringed instrument, is the brainchild of renowned Turkish musician Erkan Oğur. Rooted in Turkish folk traditions, this instrument represents a creative evolution of the kopuz, a traditional three-stringed instrument deeply embedded in the cultural history of Anatolia and Central Asia. Through Oğur’s genius and experimentation, the Oğur Sazı has emerged as a blend of ancient sounds and modern musical capabilities, expanding the sonic range available to musicians who want to explore both Turkish and world music traditions.

Evolution and Background

The kopuz is a highly significant instrument in Turkish musical culture, dating back to the earliest Turkic tribes and the nomadic traditions of Central Asia. Traditionally, the kopuz was a three-stringed instrument often used in folk music and played by minstrels known as âşıks. Over centuries, the kopuz evolved into various forms, including the cura, bağlama, and other saz varieties, each bringing unique nuances to Turkish music. However, these instruments generally retained their fret systems, which limited their capacity to fully express the complex microtonal melodies found in Turkish and other Middle Eastern musical styles.

In the late 20th century, Erkan Oğur—a visionary musician and composer recognized for his innovative contributions to Turkish music—took inspiration from these traditional roots to create an entirely new instrument: the Oğur Sazı. He expanded the instrument’s structure from three to six strings and removed the frets, offering an entirely new way to play microtonal melodies that resonate deeply with Turkish makam theory and improvisational techniques.

Instrument Structure and Construction

The Oğur Sazı is built with a distinct structure that merges the look of traditional Turkish string instruments with the extended functionality of modern stringed instruments. Here are some of the key components that define the Oğur Sazı’s construction:

1. Body: Typically crafted from high-quality wood, such as walnut or mulberry, the body of the Oğur Sazı is designed to amplify its natural tones, creating warm and resonant sound. Some models use a mixture of woods to optimize tonal quality, emphasizing both high and low frequencies.

2. Neck: The fretless neck is one of the Oğur Sazı’s most defining features. Unlike traditional fretted instruments, the fretless neck enables a fluid movement along the strings, allowing players to glide between notes smoothly, which is essential for playing Turkish microtones and intricate melodic phrases.

3. Strings and Tuning: The instrument’s six strings offer greater versatility in tuning and harmonization. Common tunings range from standard guitar tuning to unique Turkish tunings, allowing musicians to create a variety of moods and effects. The increased string count allows for richer harmonics and a broader sonic range, compared to traditional saz instruments.

4. Bridge and Soundboard: The bridge and soundboard design have been carefully crafted to enhance the instrument’s resonance. The Oğur Sazı’s bridge helps in achieving a balanced tone across the strings, while the soundboard projects the warm, rich timbre that the instrument is known for.

Each part of the instrument contributes to its unique tonal qualities, blending the deep, earthy sounds of the Anatolian tradition with the bright, expressive capabilities of a modern string instrument. The construction process requires skilled craftsmanship, as each detail plays a role in producing the Oğur Sazı’s exceptional sound.

Playing Techniques and Musical Expression

Playing the Oğur Sazı is an immersive experience that combines traditional and innovative techniques. Here are some ways it can be played:

1. Microtonal Glissandos: The fretless neck allows for continuous sliding between pitches, which is a hallmark of Turkish and Middle Eastern music. This technique, known as glissando, enables players to effortlessly move through microtones and create an emotive, expressive sound.

2. Fingerpicking and Strumming: Due to its design, the Oğur Sazı can be played in various styles, ranging from intricate fingerpicking to more percussive strumming. Each approach brings out different aspects of its tonal range, making it suitable for both solo performances and ensemble settings.

3. Harmonic Overtones: With six strings, the Oğur Sazı offers opportunities for harmonic exploration. Players can achieve natural harmonics by lightly touching certain parts of the string while plucking, adding shimmering overtones to the sound. This technique, along with plucking, adds layers of sonic complexity, ideal for experimental musicians.

4. Adaptability to Guitar Techniques: Since the Oğur Sazı is often tuned like a guitar, guitar players can transition smoothly to playing it. The familiar tuning gives guitarists access to the instrument’s rich Turkish soundscapes, enhancing its appeal to musicians across genres.

A Unique Addition to Any Collection

The Oğur Sazı has captured the hearts of musicians worldwide, offering a unique blend of Turkish tradition and modern versatility. Its range and adaptability make it a valuable asset for any player interested in Turkish, Middle Eastern, or experimental music. Whether in traditional settings or contemporary compositions, the Oğur Sazı opens a new realm of musical expression that honors the past while embracing innovation