Yayli Tambur

Video

The yaylı tambur is a distinctive bowed long-neck lute originating from Turkey. Derived from the older plucked mızraplı tambur variant of the Turkish tambur, the yaylı tambur is known for its long, fretted neck and a round soundbox, which can be made of metal or wood and is often covered with a skin or acrylic head, similar to a banjo. It plays a significant role in Turkish classical music, providing a deep, resonant sound with rich tonal qualities.

Overview

The yaylı tambur is held vertically, with the soundbox resting either in the player’s lap or between the calves, or it can be suspended on a strap. The bow is held sideways, with the little, ring, and middle fingers pressing on the horsehairs, while the thumb and index fingers hold the rightmost edge of the bow. Alternatively, some players prefer to hold the bow overhand, similar to a cello bow, allowing for more expressiveness in playing.

The instrument features a unique string setup: the leftmost strings are combined into a single course, creating a doubled string tuned in unison, slightly elevated from the bridge. This string course is used for melodic playing. The remaining strings, numbering from 4 to 6, serve as sympathetic strings, tuned to the octave, fifth, and/or fourth of the main doubled string, adding a rich harmonic resonance to the instrument’s sound.

Fretting and Glissandi

The yaylı tambur’s neck is fretted, typically with 24 to 34 frets per octave, allowing for microtonal adjustments essential for performing makam (the system of modes in Turkish music). However, despite the presence of frets, the instrument behaves as though it were unfretted, meaning that players can press down on parts of the neck not aligned with a fret to produce continuous slides between notes, known as glissandi and portamenti. This is a hallmark of the yaylı tambur’s expressive capabilities, enabling players to achieve intricate tonal nuances.

The frets on the yaylı tambur can be adjusted and moved according to the player’s preference, ensuring that the intonation matches the specific makam being performed. This flexibility is critical for achieving the microtonal intervals that characterize Turkish classical and folk music.

Alternate Tuning System

Dr. Ozan Yarman has proposed an alternative 24-tone tuning and fretting system for the yaylı tambur, diverging from the traditional Arel-Ezgi-Uzdilek tone system that is commonly used in Turkish Art Music. Yarman’s system aims to maintain the microtonal nuances of Turkish music while offering a more consistent approach to tuning and notation. It has been applied to some modern performances and has contributed to discussions on the evolution of Turkish music theory.

Playing Techniques

The yaylı tambur is known for its ability to produce seamless melodic lines, with techniques that include vibrato, trills, and microtonal slides. The player manipulates the bow to create varying dynamics and expressive phrasing, while the left hand adjusts the pitch by pressing on the strings. The sympathetic strings provide a natural reverberation that enriches the instrument’s tonal palette, making it suitable for both solo performances and orchestral settings.

FAQ

What is a Yaylı Tambur?

The Yaylı Tambur is a bowed long-neck lute from Turkey, derived from the mızraplı tambur. It features a fretted neck and a round soundbox covered with a skin or acrylic head, allowing for expressive melodic playing with glissandi and rich tonal qualities.

How is the Yaylı Tambur played?

The Yaylı Tambur is played vertically, with the soundbox resting in the player's lap or between the legs. The bow is held sideways or overhand, while the left hand presses the strings against the frets to produce melodies. The instrument allows for sliding techniques that create a continuous flow of notes.

What makes the Yaylı Tambur different from other bowed instruments?

The Yaylı Tambur is unique due to its adjustable frets and use of sympathetic strings, which create a resonant, harmonious sound. Its design allows players to adjust the frets for different makams, and its ability to perform microtonal slides sets it apart from other bowed instruments.

What is the alternate tuning system for the Yaylı Tambur?

Dr. Ozan Yarman has proposed an alternative 24-tone tuning system for the Yaylı Tambur, which diverges from the traditional Arel-Ezgi-Uzdilek system used in Turkish Art Music. This tuning aims to preserve the microtonal aspects of Turkish music while offering a consistent framework for tuning and notation.

What types of music is the Yaylı Tambur used for?

The Yaylı Tambur is primarily used in Turkish classical music and folk music. It is valued for its rich sound and expressive capabilities, making it suitable for both solo performances and as part of ensembles. Its ability to play intricate microtonal melodies makes it ideal for traditional makam compositions.

Links