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Thread: Any help identifying this beautiful instrument?

  1. #1
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    Default Any help identifying this beautiful instrument?

    Hey there friends.

    I've been trying to identify this remarkable instrument for quite some time now without any luck, and though it's clearly not in the mandolin family I couldn't resist asking for advice here. I mean, are there more knowledgable societies on line when it comes to string instruments? I for one doubt it.
    Hope you don't mind.

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    I think it might be some kind of setar, although it has 7 strings?
    It is beautifully handcrafted with ornaments and carvings, and the person I got it from mentioned Kashmir, but in all honesty that might not have relevance.

    All information or thoughts on its name, origin or history would be much appreciated.

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  3. #2
    Registered User CWRoyds's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any help identifying this beautiful instrument?

    I would guess it is some kind of Saz. (Turkey)
    There are so many versions of this kind of instrument spread across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
    It is a very cool thing. I like the decorations.
    The Atlas of Plucked Instruments is a good source for identifying this kind of thing.

    https://www.atlasofpluckedinstrument...iddle_east.htm
    Mandolins: Northfield 5-Bar Artist Model "Old Dog", J Bovier F5 Special, Gibson A-00 (1940)
    Fiddles: 1920s Strad copy, 1930s Strad copy, Liu Xi T20, Liu Xi T19+ Dark.
    Guitars: Taylor 514c (1995), Gibson Southern Jumbo (1940s), Gibson L-48 (1940s), Les Paul Custom (1978), Fender Strat (Black/RWFB) (1984), Fender Strat (Candy Apple Red/MFB) (1985).
    Sitars: Hiren Roy KP (1980s), Naskar (1970s), Naskar (1960s).
    Misc: 8 Course Lute (L.K.Brown)

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  5. #3
    Registered User CWRoyds's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any help identifying this beautiful instrument?

    The bit throwing me off is the short peg near the body, which would move it farther east.
    Maybe a Setor from Tajikistan?
    I don’t see that peg on middle eastern instruments, but is more common on instruments father east.
    On Sitar, it would be called a Chikari.
    https://www.atlasofpluckedinstrument...ntral_asia.htm
    Mandolins: Northfield 5-Bar Artist Model "Old Dog", J Bovier F5 Special, Gibson A-00 (1940)
    Fiddles: 1920s Strad copy, 1930s Strad copy, Liu Xi T20, Liu Xi T19+ Dark.
    Guitars: Taylor 514c (1995), Gibson Southern Jumbo (1940s), Gibson L-48 (1940s), Les Paul Custom (1978), Fender Strat (Black/RWFB) (1984), Fender Strat (Candy Apple Red/MFB) (1985).
    Sitars: Hiren Roy KP (1980s), Naskar (1970s), Naskar (1960s).
    Misc: 8 Course Lute (L.K.Brown)

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  7. #4
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any help identifying this beautiful instrument?

    The Turkish Saz does have seven strings.

    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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  9. #5
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any help identifying this beautiful instrument?

    Quote Originally Posted by CWRoyds View Post
    The bit throwing me off is the short peg near the body...
    Strap holder
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  10. #6
    Registered User foldedpath's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any help identifying this beautiful instrument?

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    Strap holder
    Or a leg rest for a seated, lefty player.

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  12. #7
    NY Naturalist BradKlein's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any help identifying this beautiful instrument?

    Dollar for dollar, you're better off buying a saz without the expensive strap holder peg, and simply wrapping the saz-strap around the peg head. A leather boot lace is your best bet for that...
    BradKlein
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  14. #8
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    Default Re: Any help identifying this beautiful instrument?

    Thank you so much CWRoyds!
    I was unfamiliar with the "atlas of plucked instruments". A wonderful source indeed. I haven't had a chance to have a thorough look yet, but as you mention, it could be a variant of the Setor, due to the tuning pegs on the side (still the Setor seemingly has two)

    The peg on the instrument in question is in fact a tuning peg, string attached and all

    I am quite fond of the saz and it might be possible to get one for a good price, but I've seen more than a few cheap ones that are close to unplayable. No need to quote J.Garber.

    (I am actually not considering buying this instrument though, since it has already been gifted to me.)

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  16. #9
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Any help identifying this beautiful instrument?

    Some Punjabi instruments of similar shape are shown with shorter strings attached to pegs on the side of the neck; I've not seen one depicted with a single string that short, though.
    Allen Hopkins
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  18. #10
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    Default Re: Any help identifying this beautiful instrument?

    Yes in the sitar world at least, those side pegs are not uncommon, but I've never seen something like this. It as six tuning pegs on the headstock and then two side pegs. One a the beginning of the neck and one at the very end.

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