SAZ vs. Setar: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Iconic String Instruments
The SAZ (often called the bağlama) and the setar are two remarkable plucked string instruments, each deeply rooted in the musical traditions of Turkey and Persia (modern-day Iran), respectively. While both are long-necked lutes with rich cultural histories, they differ significantly in their origins, construction, sound, and playing techniques. This SEO-optimized guide explores these differences in detail, offering insights into their unique roles in Turkish folk music and Persian classical music. Whether you’re a musician, music enthusiast, or simply curious about world instruments, this article provides a thorough comparison to deepen your understanding.
Introduction to SAZ and Setar
The SAZ and setar are emblematic of their respective cultures, embodying the musical and aesthetic preferences of Turkey and Persia. The SAZ, known as the bağlama in Turkish, is a versatile instrument used in folk music, often played by ashiks (bards) or in ensembles. In contrast, the setar is a delicate, expressive instrument central to Persian classical music and Sufi traditions, typically played solo or to accompany vocals. Understanding their differences requires examining their origins, physical characteristics, sound profiles, and cultural significance.
In this article, we’ll break down the key distinctions between these instruments, covering their history, construction, tuning, and modern usage. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what sets the SAZ and setar apart and why they remain cherished in their respective musical landscapes.
Origins and Cultural Context
The SAZ: A Pillar of Turkish Folk Music
The SAZ, commonly referred to as the bağlama, is a cornerstone of Turkish folk music. Its origins trace back centuries, with its use by ashiks—poet-musicians who travel and perform epic tales and love songs. The SAZ is part of a broader family of instruments, including the cura, tambura, and meydan saz, each tailored to specific regional styles. For example, the cura is popular in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, while the meydan saz, with its deep, resonant sound, is used for outdoor performances in Central Anatolia.
The SAZ’s versatility makes it a staple in both solo and ensemble settings, often accompanying vocals or blending with other instruments. Its cultural significance extends beyond music, symbolizing Turkish identity and storytelling traditions.
The Setar: A Voice of Persian Classical Music
The setar, a Persian instrument, is deeply embedded in Iran’s classical music and Sufi traditions. Its name, derived from “se” (three) and “tar” (string), reflects its historical three-string configuration, though it now typically has four strings, a change attributed to the mid-19th century. The setar’s origins are debated, with some sources suggesting it dates back to the 9th century, though conservative estimates place it in the 15th century.
In Persian music, the setar is prized for its intimate, expressive qualities, often played solo or to accompany poetry and vocals in Sufi gatherings. Its delicate sound resonates with the spiritual and philosophical themes of Persian culture, making it a revered instrument among classical musicians.
Size and Construction
SAZ: Robust and Varied
The SAZ is a larger instrument, with its size and construction varying by type. The standard bağlama has a body roughly 25 cm long and a neck about 55 cm, though larger variants like the meydan saz can have necks up to 70 cm. The body is typically made from durable woods such as mulberry, chestnut, alder, or spruce, with the neck often crafted from chestnut for stability. The SAZ features 6 to 12 strings, depending on the variant (e.g., 6 for the cura, 12 for the meydan saz), and 17–24 frets, with some models having up to 32 frets for extended range.
The strings, usually steel or brass, are arranged in courses, and the frets are often nylon, allowing for microtonal adjustments that align with the quarter-tone scales of Turkish music. The SAZ’s robust build contributes to its loud, resonant sound, ideal for group performances.
Setar: Delicate and Compact
In contrast, the setar is much smaller and more delicate, with a pear-shaped body measuring approximately 25 cm long, 15 cm wide, and 15 cm deep. The body is crafted from mulberry wood, either in lathes or carved from a single block, which is critical for its warm, soft tone. The setar’s neck is long and narrow, spanning 40–48 cm in length and 3 cm in width, with a 12 cm section for tuning pegs, sometimes adorned with camel bone for aesthetic appeal.
The setar has four strings, grouped into three courses: a bass string (bam, bronze or phosphor-bronze), a drone string (Mushtaq, steel, added in the 19th century), and two melody strings (yellow and silver, both steel). It features 25–27 movable gut or nylon frets, tied in three or four strands, allowing for precise microtonal tuning. The bridge, made of wood, is small (5–6 cm long, less than 1 cm high), enhancing the instrument’s intimate sound.
Comparison Table: Physical Characteristics
| Aspect | SAZ (Bağlama) | Setar |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shape and Size | Larger, varies by type (e.g., neck 55 cm, body 25 cm for standard bağlama) | Pear-shaped, smaller (25 cm long, 15 cm wide, 15 cm deep) |
| Neck | Long, proportional to body, e.g., 70 cm for meydan saz | Long and narrow, 40–48 cm long, 3 cm wide, with 12 cm peg section |
| Frets | 17–24, up to 32 for meydan saz, often nylon, close to quarter tones | 25–27 gut or nylon, movable for microtones, tied in 3 or 4 strands |
| Strings | 6–12, varies by type (e.g., cura 6, meydan saz 12), steel or brass | 4 strings: bam (bass, bronze), drone (steel), yellow and silver (steel), grouped in 3 courses |
| Soundboard Material | Mulberry, walnut, spruce, or other durable woods | Always mulberry wood, critical for sound quality |
| Bridge and Decoration | Wooden bridge, may have decorations | Wooden bridge, 5–6 cm long, <1 cm high, neck may have camel bone decoration |
Sound and Playing Technique
SAZ: Loud and Versatile
The SAZ produces a loud, powerful sound that makes it ideal for both solo performances and ensemble settings. Its robust tone can be adjusted through various playing techniques, including plucking with a soft pick (plectrum), fingerstyle (selpe), or a tapping style. The SAZ’s flexibility in tuning and support for microtones allow musicians to explore a wide range of expressions, making it a favorite in Turkish folk music and even modern genres, as seen in bands like Altın Gün, which use electric bağlamas.
Setar: Soft and Expressive
The setar, in contrast, is known for its gentle, soft sound, with a range spanning more than two and a half octaves. This delicate tone is perfect for the nuanced expressiveness required in Persian classical music. The setar is almost exclusively played with the nail of the right index finger, using an oscillating motion, while the left hand frets the notes, sometimes using the thumb for the bass string. This technique, distinct from other tanburs that may use multiple fingers or a plectrum, enhances the setar’s intimate, emotive quality.
Tuning and Musical Range
SAZ: Flexible Tuning for Turkish Music
The SAZ has no standard tuning, but common configurations include the bozuk düzen (top C, middle G, bottom D) for the bağlama. Its tuning supports microtones, aligning with the quarter-tone scale used in Turkish music, which allows for intricate melodic variations. This flexibility makes the SAZ adaptable to various compositions and regional styles.
Setar: Microtonal Precision for Persian Modes
The setar’s tuning is also flexible, tailored to Persian modal systems (dastgahs). A common tuning is c c’ g c’ (Helmholtz pitch notation), with support for microtones using notations like koron (1/4 flat) and sori (1/4 sharp). Tunings vary by tonality, such as Mahur/Chahargah (C/A#, G/F, C/A#) or Shur/Afshari/Abu’ata/Dashti (F/D#, C/A#, G/F, C/A#), reflecting its role in Persian classical music’s complex modal structures.
Usage and Popularity
SAZ: A Modern and Traditional Staple
The SAZ is widely heard in Turkish folk music recordings and live performances, easily blending with Western instruments in open jams due to its loud, flexible sound. Its modern adaptations, such as the electric bağlama, have expanded its reach into contemporary music, with bands like Altın Gün showcasing its versatility on global stages.
Setar: A Niche but Revered Instrument
The setar, while less suited for open jams, remains a cornerstone of Persian classical music, often used in intimate settings or studio recordings. Its association with Sufi masters like Mushtaq Ali Shah and its role in preserving Persian musical heritage ensure its cultural significance, though it is less common in Western-influenced music scenes.
Conclusion
The SAZ (bağlama) and setar are two extraordinary instruments, each reflecting the soul of its cultural origins. The SAZ, with its larger size, louder sound, and versatile playing techniques, is a dynamic force in Turkish folk music, capable of both solo and ensemble roles. The setar, with its compact build, soft tone, and delicate playing style, is an intimate voice in Persian classical music, embodying spiritual and poetic traditions.
Whether you’re drawn to the robust energy of the SAZ or the subtle expressiveness of the setar, both instruments offer unique opportunities for musical exploration. By understanding their differences, musicians and enthusiasts can appreciate the rich diversity of world music and the cultural stories these instruments tell.
