Description
The Professional Turkish Mey delivers the warm, melancholic voice that has defined Anatolian folk music for centuries. Built from seasoned apricot wood and fitted with a handcrafted double reed, this instrument produces the deep, breathy timbre that distinguishes the Mey from every other woodwind in the Turkish tradition — intimate enough for solo meditation, yet bold enough to cut through a full folk ensemble.
Materials & Construction
The body of this Professional Mey is turned from aged apricot wood, a dense hardwood prized in Anatolian instrument-making for its natural resonance and warm acoustic character. The cylindrical bore is carefully shaped to produce even intonation across the instrument’s range. The double reed (kamış) is crafted from Arundo donax cane — the same reed grass used in Armenian duduk construction — trimmed and flattened by hand to create the wide, responsive mouthpiece that gives the Mey its signature sound. A tuning clip (kıskaç) mounted on the reed allows fine pitch adjustment during performance.
Sound & Character
The Mey sits in a tonal space all its own — deeper and more intimate than the Turkish ney, warmer and less piercing than the zurna. Its wide reed produces a slightly nasal, deeply expressive timbre that responds to subtle changes in breath pressure and embouchure. Soft breath yields a hushed, introspective voice; firm breath opens a full, carrying tone suited to ensemble playing. The instrument rewards players who value dynamic nuance and emotional range over sheer volume.
Available Tones & Ordering
This Professional Mey is available in the following tones: Do, Si, La, Fa, Re. When placing your order, please specify your preferred tone in the order notes section at checkout.
Other tones are made to order. The preparation period for custom tones varies between 3 and 10 days. Note: The price listed is for each tonality.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body material | Apricot wood |
| Reed type | Double reed (Arundo donax) |
| Tuning mechanism | Kıskaç (adjustable reed clip) |
| Available tones | Do, Si, La, Fa, Re (custom tones on request) |
Who Is This For?
This Mey is designed for intermediate and advanced wind players exploring Turkish and Azerbaijani modal music. The wide double reed demands a relaxed embouchure and controlled breath support — players with prior experience on reed instruments (clarinet, oboe, duduk) will adapt fastest. Dedicated beginners can learn the Mey, but should expect a learning curve with reed control. A few lessons with a traditional Mey teacher will accelerate progress significantly.
Musical Traditions & Genre Compatibility
The Mey is deeply rooted in Turkish folk music (halk müziği), where it traditionally accompanies the baglama, davul, and def in regional ensembles from eastern Anatolia, the Black Sea coast, and the Kars region. It also appears in Azerbaijani mugham traditions under the name balaban. Players working in makam-based music — exploring modes like Hüseyni, Uşşak, and Karcığar — will find the Mey’s natural microtonal flexibility indispensable. Contemporary musicians increasingly use the Mey in world music fusion, film scoring, and meditative soundscapes for its immediately evocative, emotionally rich voice.
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 rapid temperature changes, which can cause the wood to crack. Apply a thin coat of bore oil to the interior every few months to preserve the wood. Reeds are consumable — replace when the tone becomes thin or uneven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Professional Mey suitable for beginners?
The Mey works best for players with some wind instrument experience, particularly those familiar with double-reed technique. Complete beginners can learn, but the wide reed and embouchure control required take patience. A few lessons from an experienced Mey player will make a significant difference.
How do I choose the right tone?
The available tones are Do, Si, La, Fa, Re. Your choice depends on the repertoire and ensemble you plan to play with. If you are unsure, contact us before ordering and we can advise based on your musical goals.
How long do the reeds last?
With regular playing, a quality double reed typically lasts several weeks. Reed lifespan depends on playing frequency, humidity, and care. Always remove and dry the reed after each session to extend its life.
Can I play makam scales on the Mey?
Yes. The Mey’s fingering system and flexible embouchure make it well-suited to the microtonal inflections found in Turkish makam music. Quarter-tone pitches are achieved through partial finger coverage and breath control.
What is the difference between the Mey and the Duduk?
The Mey and the Armenian duduk (also called balaban in Azerbaijan) are closely related instruments sharing the same double-reed family. Both use apricot wood and a wide cane reed. The main differences are historical and regional — the Mey tradition is rooted in Turkish Anatolian folk music, while the duduk is central to Armenian musical culture. Tonally, they are very similar.
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KISA AÇIKLAMA (Short Description):
- Handcrafted Professional Turkish Mey with seasoned apricot wood body
- Double reed (kamış) for the instrument’s characteristic warm, breathy tone
- Available tones: Do, Si, La, Fa, Re — specify your preferred tone in the order notes
- Other tones are made to order — preparation period varies between 3 and 10 days
- Note: Price is for each tonality
