Professional Armenian Qanun MKE-5 By Mustafa Saglam
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The Professional Armenian Qanun MKE-5 is Mustafa Sağlam's Armenian-tradition build, made by hand in his Ankara workshop — plane wood (chinar) soundboard, 25-course string layout (74 strings total), with the mandal configuration used for Armenian modal repertoire including the Sayat-Nova classical canon, Armenian sacred music, and contemporary Armenian folk fusion. Same workshop, same hands, and the same quality standard as the MK-404, MK-123, and MKA-4 — configured for the Armenian musical system.
Sound demo
What makes an Armenian-system kanun
Armenian musical tradition uses modal systems related to but distinct from Turkish makam and Arabic maqam. The MKE-5's mandal layout reflects these differences — interval positions configured for Armenian-specific modes, scales, and the ornamentation patterns common in the Sayat-Nova canonical repertoire and Komitas-era folk collections. For Armenian conservatory students and diaspora performers, this is the kanun configured around your actual music.
Best for
- Armenian conservatory students (Yerevan, diaspora)
- Sayat-Nova repertoire performers
- Armenian sacred music ensembles
- Contemporary Armenian folk-fusion players
- Diaspora musicians keeping the tradition alive abroad
Specifications
| Maker | Mustafa Sağlam — Ankara, Türkiye |
|---|---|
| Tradition | Armenian |
| Soundboard (face) | Plane wood (chinar) |
| Courses (sıra) | 25 |
| Total strings | 74 |
| Mandal system | Armenian-specific layout |
| Strings | PVF nylon |
| Includes | Hardshell case, replacement strings, mandal-tightening key, fingerpicks |
| Country of origin | Ankara, Türkiye |
MKE-5 vs other Sala kanuns
| Model | Price | Tuning | Layout | Maker | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MK-123 | $1,299 | Turkish A-A' | Turkish 24-mandal | Mustafa Sağlam · Ankara | Turkish — plane wood (chinar) body |
| MK-404 | $1,299 | Turkish A-A' | Turkish 26-mandal | Mustafa Sağlam · Ankara | Turkish — walnut + spruce body |
| MKA-4 | $1,299 | Arabic D-D' | 25 sıra · 74 strings | Mustafa Sağlam · Ankara | Built for Arabic maqam, plane wood face |
| MKE-5 | $1,299 | Armenian | 25 sıra · 74 strings | Mustafa Sağlam · Ankara | Armenian repertoire, plane wood face |
| MSK-4 | $3,999 | Turkish | Premium build | Miras · İstanbul | Passive pickup + 1/4" jack |
FAQ
Why a separate Armenian kanun model?
Armenian modal music uses interval relationships distinct enough from Turkish and Arabic systems that a dedicated mandal configuration makes daily playing dramatically easier. With a Turkish or Arabic kanun, you'd fight the mandal positions for Armenian repertoire. The MKE-5 puts the mandals where Armenian players need them.
Where is the MKE-5 made?
In Mustafa Sağlam's workshop in Ankara, Türkiye. From there it's shipped to Sala Muzik's setup workshop in Istanbul/Üsküdar for inspection and final setup, then out to you worldwide.
How many strings does the MKE-5 have?
74 strings across 25 courses (sıra). Plane wood (chinar) soundboard.
Can the MKE-5 also play Turkish or Arabic repertoire?
Partially. The instrument body and strings are the same family — you can play melodies cross-tradition. But the mandal-driven interval shifts won't align as naturally with Turkish or Arabic music. For serious cross-tradition work, most professional players keep two kanuns (Turkish + Armenian or Arabic + Armenian).
How long to learn the kanun?
1-2 years daily practice to play confidently. The mandal system adds complexity beyond pitch — you change interval positions mid-piece for each makam transition.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, worldwide. Kanuns ship in double-walled custom crates, foam-cushioned, fully insured DHL or FedEx Express. EU/US arrive 5-9 business days.
How often replace strings?
Casual practice: 6-12 months. Daily practice/performance: 3-6 months. Replace by course (not individual string) so tonal balance stays consistent.
Hvornår modtager jeg min ordre?
Gratis levering til hele verden tager normalt 3–5 uger.
Levering med DHL til hele verden tager normalt 2–4 dage.
Leverer Sala Muzik internationalt?
Ja, vi leverer til hele verden.
