Description
The Classical Kemence by Master Necati Gurbuz is a handcrafted Turkish bowed instrument — the classical kemence used across Ottoman and Turkish art music. Handmade in Turkey with a black mulberry body and a cypress soundboard, it is offered with a choice of gut or metal string sets and is built for intermediate to professional players.
Materials & Body
The body is made from black mulberry, valued for its warm, resonant tone, while the soundboard is cypress — a lighter wood that widens the instrument’s expressive range. Together they give the Classical Kemence a clear, rich voice across its register. The fingerboard and pegs are ebony and the bridge is maple.
Strings & Tuning
The Classical Kemence is offered with two string sets: a traditional gut set for a warm, authentic sound, or a metal set for a brighter, contemporary tone.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Body Material | Black Mulberry |
| Top Material | Cypress Tree |
| Fingerboard & Pegs | Ebony |
| Bridge | Maple |
| Overall Length | 85 cm |
| Body Width | 26 cm |
| Overall Height | 26 cm |
| Weight | 3.2 kg |
| Country of Origin | Turkey |
Who It’s For
This instrument is ideal for intermediate to professional musicians, as well as collectors who appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of traditional instruments. While beginners may find it a bit challenging, the rich sound and quality construction will inspire players to grow and develop their skills. If you are just starting out, a student instrument may be a gentler first step.
Musical Genres & Traditions
The Classical Kemence sits at the centre of Turkish and Ottoman art music, where it features in makam-based fasil and Sufi repertoire, and it is also heard in Turkish folk settings. Musicians exploring Anatolian bowed instruments often set it alongside the kabak kemane, which has a very different, folk-rooted voice.
Care & Maintenance
To maintain the beauty and sound quality of your Classical Kemence, keep it in a stable environment with controlled humidity and temperature. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Clean the instrument periodically with a soft cloth, and if using gut strings, check them regularly and replace them once they begin to fray.
Video
Every Classical Kemence is selected and inspected at our Brisighella showroom before it ships. Explore our full range of Turkish string instruments, or read more about maker Necati Gurbuz.
