Türk Kısa Saplı Ceviz Bağlama Saz ASK-150
- Limited availability – Ready to ship
The Short Neck Walnut Baglama Saz ASK-150 is our most-recommended beginner-to-intermediate saz. Walnut bowl with spruce soundboard, 19 frets (the short-neck standard), and the easier fret spacing that has made this our top-selling instrument for first-time saz players for over a decade.
Why short-neck for beginners
The short-neck baglama was developed in the 1970s by removing the upper two frets (B and C). The result: frets are closer together, easier to fret, faster to learn — at the cost of two notes worth of upper range. For 90% of folk songs, modern arabesque, and singer-songwriter playing, you'll never miss those notes. And the savings in learning speed are significant — most students reach competent playing 3-6 months faster on a short-neck.
Best for
- First-time saz students — the easiest entry into Turkish folk music
- Vocalists who want a chordal accompaniment instrument
- Players coming from guitar (the smaller fret spacing transfers easier)
- Daily practice and home playing
- Anyone who plays mostly modern songs (post-1970s arabesque, halk türküleri)
Not best for
- Traditional aşık music players (the upper two frets matter here — choose long-neck)
- Conservatory students enrolled in classical Turkish music programs
- Performers needing factory-installed amplification (see ASEL-104 or W2)
Specifications
| Bowl wood | Walnut |
|---|---|
| Soundboard | Spruce |
| Neck length | Short |
| Frets | 19 |
| Bowl dimensions | 38 cm width |
| Scale length | 67 cm (bridge to nut) |
| Total length | 99 cm |
| Includes | Soft case, plectrum, replacement strings |
| Country of origin | Istanbul, Türkiye |
ASK-150 vs other Sala sazs
| Model | Price | Neck | Bowl wood | Pickup/Extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASK-111P | $249.99 | Short neck | Mahogany | — |
| CSS-123 | $249.99 | Short neck | Mahogany/Maple | — |
| ASK-150 | $269 | Short neck | Walnut | — |
| ASL-202 | $249 | Long neck | Walnut | AMP jack |
| ASEL-104 | $399 | Long neck | Wenge | Electric pickup |
| W2 | $499 | Long neck | Maple | Electric + Leslie effect |
| RT1 | $699 | Long neck | — | Electric + built-in rhythms |
FAQ
Can I tune this saz to standard tunings (Bağlama Düzeni, Bozuk, etc.)?
Yes. The 7-string / 3-course setup supports all common Turkish tunings: Bağlama Düzeni (standard, GDAD-tuned courses), Bozuk Düzen (for arabesque), Misket Düzeni (folk), and others. Tuning charts are widely available online.
What case comes with it?
A padded soft case is included. We recommend a hardshell case for international shipping or frequent travel — add at checkout.
Is the saz hard to learn?
Moderately. The fretting system has microtonal koma intervals, and right-hand picking (mızrab/tezene) takes practice. Plan 6-12 months of daily practice to play folk songs comfortably.
Can I plug an acoustic saz into an amp?
Yes if your model has an AMP jack or built-in pickup. For acoustic-only sazs, a soundhole pickup can be installed by any luthier — but for stage use, a factory electric model gives cleaner signal.
How often do I change strings?
Casual practice: 4-6 months. Daily practice or performance: 6-12 weeks. The lower bass strings last longer than the high pairs.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, worldwide. Sazs ship in custom foam-cushioned boxes. You choose carrier at checkout — DHL Express, FedEx, or standard postal. EU/US express orders typically 5-9 business days.
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.
