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
Not best for
- Turkish makam players (choose MK-404 or MK-123)
- Arabic maqam players (choose MKA-4)
- Players whose primary repertoire is non-Armenian and won't use the Armenian-specific mandal positions
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.
Quand vais-je recevoir ma commande ?
Le délai de livraison par livraison gratuite est de 3 à 5 semaines dans le monde entier.
Le délai de livraison par expédition DHL est de 2 à 4 jours dans le monde entier.
Est-ce que Sala Muzik expédie à l'international ?
Nous expédions actuellement partout dans le monde.
