Professional Turkish Lavta II

Description

The Professional Turkish Lavta II from Tapadum is a handcrafted Ottoman lute positioned as the second tier in our professional lavta series — delivering the tonal depth and playing response of a serious performance instrument while remaining accessible to dedicated students and intermediate players. Built by experienced luthiers using traditional Anatolian methods, the Lavta II offers the refined voice of Turkish classical music at a practical price for active musicians.

Traditional Staved Bowl

The bowl is assembled from multiple hardwood ribs in the traditional Turkish staved technique. Each rib is matched for grain and glued into the characteristic pear-shaped profile that defines the lavta silhouette. The staved construction creates a resonator that amplifies string vibrations with a balance of warmth and articulation — smaller and more focused than an oud’s bowl, giving the lavta its agile, cutting voice suited to vocal accompaniment and ensemble playing.

Spruce Soundboard

The spruce soundboard is hand-selected for tap tone and grain consistency. In a small-bodied instrument like the lavta, the soundboard carries much of the tonal work — its thickness, bracing, and wood quality directly shape the instrument’s projection and harmonic character. A hand-cut rosette provides the central aesthetic focal point while also influencing the air movement through the body.

Movable Gut Frets for Turkish Maqam

The fingerboard uses movable gut frets in the traditional Turkish style — essential for playing the microtonal intervals that define maqam modal music. Unlike fixed metal frets, the gut loops can be adjusted to match the specific tuning of any maqam, giving the player true intonational flexibility. This is one of the defining features that distinguishes the lavta from guitars and Western-fretted instruments.

Technical Specifications

Who This Lavta Is For

The Professional Lavta II is ideal for intermediate players progressing from beginner instruments, conservatory students studying Turkish classical music, and active performers who need a reliable stage-and-studio instrument. It’s also a strong choice for oud players adding lavta to their working instruments, or mandolin players transitioning into Ottoman repertoire.

Music Genres & Traditions

The lavta is central to Ottoman classical music, Turkish art music, Greek rebetiko, and Byzantine-era repertoire. Its bright, cutting voice complements vocals and string ensembles where the oud would sit too deep in the mix. Contemporary players use the lavta in Mediterranean fusion, film scoring, and Sephardic music projects. The lavta / laouto tradition stretches from Byzantine times through modern Istanbul and Athens.

Care & Maintenance

Keep the lavta in its case at stable humidity (45–55%) — wooden lutes crack in dry air and warp in humid conditions. Wipe with a soft dry cloth after playing. Retie loose gut frets as needed and check intonation monthly. Friction pegs benefit from occasional peg dope for smooth tuning. Loosen strings slightly during long storage to reduce soundboard stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Lavta II and Lavta III?

The tiers reflect differences in wood selection, finishing detail, and tonal refinement. The Lavta III uses premium wood grades and receives additional craftsmanship attention; the Lavta II delivers excellent professional tone at a more accessible price. Both are built to performance standards by the same luthiers.

Can I play Greek rebetiko on a Turkish lavta?

Yes. The lavta (laouto in Greek) is a central instrument in rebetiko and wider Greek folk traditions. Turkish and Greek lavta construction are closely related, with minor regional differences. The microtonal fret system works for both traditions, though tuning conventions may differ slightly between players.

How many strings does the lavta have?

Professional Turkish lavtas typically carry 7 strings arranged as 3 double courses plus one single bass string, though 8-string variations exist. The courses are tuned in octaves or unisons depending on the player’s preference and repertoire.

Is the lavta easier to learn than the oud?

Slightly, because the frets help with pitch placement — but both instruments require Turkish maqam theory, right-hand risha technique, and developed musical ear training. Neither is a casual instrument; both reward patient, dedicated practice.

Does this lavta come with accessories?

A gig bag is included for basic transport. Risha plectrums, spare strings, and a hard case are available separately from the Tapadum shop. For performing musicians and valuable instruments, upgrading to a hard case is strongly recommended.