Professional Mey

Description

The Professional Mey is a traditional Turkish double-reed wind instrument with a distinctively warm, melancholic tone that sits at the heart of Anatolian folk music. Handcrafted from seasoned apricot wood, this instrument delivers the soulful, breathy timbre that has defined Turkish pastoral and classical traditions for centuries.

Materials & Construction

The body of this Professional Mey is turned from aged apricot wood — the preferred material in Turkish instrument-making for its acoustic density and natural resonance. The double reed (ağız) is crafted from carefully selected Arundo donax cane, trimmed and shaped by hand to produce an even, responsive airflow. The combination of body and reed creates the instrument’s characteristic, slightly nasal timbre — intimate and expressive in equal measure.

Sound & Playability

The Mey produces a chromatic range across roughly one and a half octaves, sitting between the ney and the clarinet in character — warmer than either. Its wide reed requires a relaxed embouchure and steady breath support, making it accessible to players transitioning from other reed instruments. Dynamic control is highly responsive: soft breath yields a hushed, inner voice; firm breath opens a full, carrying tone suited to ensemble playing.

Specifications

Who Is This For?

This Mey is suited to intermediate and advanced wind players looking to expand into Turkish modal music, as well as dedicated beginners with experience on double-reed instruments. It performs equally well in solo practice, studio recording, and intimate ensemble settings. Players exploring makam scales — Uşşak, Hüseyni, Rast — will find the Mey an indispensable voice for authentic expression.

Genre Compatibility

The Professional Mey is deeply rooted in Turkish folk (halk müziği) and classical Ottoman music, where it appears alongside the bağlama, kanun, and def. Contemporary musicians also incorporate it into world music fusion, meditative soundscapes, and film scoring for its immediately evocative quality. Its sound is instantly recognisable in the regional traditions of eastern Anatolia and Azerbaijan.

Care & Maintenance

After each playing session, remove the reed and allow both reed and body to air-dry completely before storing. Keep the instrument away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes, which can cause the wood to crack. Apply a thin coat of bore oil to the interior every few months to maintain the wood’s integrity. Reeds are consumable — replace when the tone becomes thin or uneven. A spare reed is included with every instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Professional Mey suitable for beginners?

It works best for players with some prior wind instrument experience, particularly those familiar with double-reed technique. Complete beginners can learn, but the embouchure control required takes patience. A lesson or two from a traditional Mey player accelerates progress significantly.

What tuning does this Mey come in?

This model is tuned to A / Bb, the most common folk tuning used in Turkish and Azerbaijani repertoire. If you need a specific regional tuning, contact us before ordering.

How long do the reeds last?

With regular playing (30–60 minutes daily), a quality reed typically lasts 2–6 weeks. A spare reed is included. Reeds can also be ordered separately from the Tapadum accessories section.

Can I play makam scales on the Mey?

Yes. The Mey’s chromatic fingering system and flexible embouchure make it well-suited to the microtonal inflections found in makam music. Quarter-tone pitches are achieved through partial finger coverage and breath control.

Does the Mey come with a case?

A protective pouch is included. For travel or stage use, we recommend a padded hard case, available separately in our accessories section.