What is Lutherie? The Art and Science of Traditional Instrument Making
Making stringed instruments (lutherie) is not just the art of woodworking. Discover the perfect fusion of physics, acoustics, and aesthetics in the mysterious world of luthiers.
Qanun journal
Notes from the workshop.
On qanun making, mandal systems, tonewoods and finishes — what 25 years at the bench have taught us.
Qanun Making: The Journey of 26 Notes to Acoustic Perfection
Manufacturing secrets of the Qanun, the richest instrument in Turkish classical music. Resonance effects of Platanus & Beech soundboards, goat skins, and high-precision levers.
Oud Making: Secrets of the Deep and Warm Mediterranean Timbres
Manufacturing secrets of the Oud, considered the king of Eastern instruments. The effects of bowl structure, soundboard bracing design, and fingerboard ergonomics on sound.
Sliding Lever System: Tuning Revolution in New Generation Qanuns
The effects of the sliding lever system, which replaces traditional peg-mounted levers in classic Qanun making, on tuning stability and microtonal precision.
Drying Methods of Tonewoods: Kiln Drying vs. Natural Aging
How does the drying method of wood determine the life and timbre of sound in instrument making? The differences between natural aging and kiln drying.
Istanbul Lute Making: Rebirth of a Forgotten Palace Instrument
The acoustic structure, fret system, and bridge role between oud and guitar of the Istanbul Lute, the elegant instrument of classical Turkish music.
Oud Fretboard Setup and Intonation: Physical Rules of Makam Precision
Ways to achieve perfect intonation on the fretless Oud. The effects of fingerboard curvature, nut/saddle heights, and neck angle on resonance.
Sycamore Panel vs. Beech Panel? Which Qanun Model Should You Choose?
Soundboard selection when buying a Qanun: A comparative analysis of classic warm Plane tree (sycamore) tone and high-stability Beech panels.
Varnish Selection in Musical Instruments: Why Shellac (French Polish) is Preferred?
The harms of synthetic varnish coatings on instrument resonance and the acoustic superiority of traditional French Polish (shellac) applied in hundreds of micro-layers.