Bashpare and manufacturing techniques in Ney instrument

Abstract

The historical origins of the ney instrument can be traced back to ancient civilizations. This wind instrument, made from reed, has been referred to by various names across different cultures. However, written and material evidence concerning the başpâre—the mouthpiece attached to the upper end of the ney that facilitates performance—appears to date back approximately three centuries. This suggests that the başpâre was incorporated into the historical development of the ney at a relatively later stage and gained functional significance particularly within the repertoire and performance practice of Turkish religious mûsikî. In this context, the başpâre has played a decisive role in the structural evolution of the ney, contributing both to the ergonomic refinement of the instrument and to the qualitative aspects of its musical performance. The materials used in başpâre production and the techniques employed in its crafting constitute a subject that warrants examination as thoroughly as the history of the ney itself. Indeed, the başpâre is one of the most critical components of the instrument. Due to its significance, its construction methods, materials, craftsmen, and technical specifications should be documented from an academic perspective. In this article, we have sought to document certain unique technical insights—gleaned from the experiences and knowledge of Ali Erdoğan, a craftsman residing in Kuşadası—regarding başpâre making. The art of başpâre craftsmanship, now on the verge of disappearing, has received little attention in scholarly literature. The existing academic studies on the subject are extremely limited and generally narrow in scope. For this reason, we have endeavored to address the topic of “başpâre” in a comprehensive manner in this study, which we believe to carry an original academic contribution in its field.