Professional Arabic Qanun MKA-4 By Mustafa Saglam
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The Professional Arabic Qanun MKA-4 is Mustafa Sağlam's Arabic-tradition build, made by hand in his Ankara workshop — plane wood (chinar) soundboard, 25-course string layout (74 strings total), tuned to the standard D-D' Arabic maqam scale, with the mandal layout used in Egyptian and Levantine takht ensembles. Same workshop, same hands, and the same quality standard as the MK-404 / MK-123 Turkish kanuns and the MKE-5 Armenian kanun, but built around the different musical system that defines Arabic maqam playing.
Sound demo
Why Arabic kanuns are built differently
Arabic maqam music uses a different default tuning (D-D' instead of Turkish A-A') and a different approach to interval shifting. Where Turkish kanuns use 24-26 mandals per course for koma-level precision (because Turkish makam music transitions through many fine-tuned intervals), Arabic kanuns typically use fewer mandals per course with broader steps — better matched to the way Egyptian and Levantine players shift between maqamat. Putting Turkish tuning on an Arabic kanun (or vice versa) is technically possible but fights the instrument's natural pitch behavior.
Best for
- Arabic maqam students and performers (Egyptian, Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian)
- Takht ensemble players (oud, kanun, riq, nay, violin)
- Recording artists in Arabic classical, religious, or popular music
- Conservatory students enrolled in Arabic music programs
- Cross-genre players blending Arabic kanun into jazz/fusion
Not best for
- Turkish makam repertoire (choose MK-404 or MK-123)
- Armenian repertoire (choose MKE-5)
- Stage amplification (no pickup — see Miras MSK-4)
Specifications
| Maker | Mustafa Sağlam — Ankara, Türkiye |
|---|---|
| Tradition | Arabic |
| Tuning | D-D' (Arabic maqam standard) |
| Soundboard (face) | Plane wood (chinar) |
| Courses (sıra) | 25 |
| Total strings | 74 |
| Mandal system | Arabic layout |
| Strings | PVF nylon |
| Includes | Hardshell case, replacement strings, mandal-tightening key, fingerpicks |
| Country of origin | Ankara, Türkiye |
MKA-4 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
Can I tune the Arabic MKA-4 to Turkish A-A'?
Technically yes, but you'd fight the mandal layout. Arabic kanuns are mandal-engineered around D-D' tuning — shifting to Turkish tuning means many of the mandals point to interval positions that don't match what you'd play in Turkish makam. Buy a Turkish kanun for Turkish music.
Where is the MKA-4 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 MKA-4 have?
74 strings across 25 courses (sıra). Plane wood (chinar) soundboard.
Is the MKA-4 suitable for Iraqi maqam?
Yes. Iraqi maqam shares the Arabic D-D' tuning convention, though some Iraqi players prefer slightly modified mandal layouts. Contact us if your repertoire is heavily Iraqi-focused and we can advise.
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.
When Will I receive my order?
The delivery time by free shipping is 3-5 weeks to worldwide.
The delivery time by DHL shipping is 2-4 days to worldwide.
Does Sala Muzik Ship Internationally?
We currently ship anywhere in the World.
