Turkish Short Neck Walnut Baglama Saz ASK-150
- In stock, 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)
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?
Free shipping to the United States takes 3–5 business days.
For destinations outside the United States, free shipping takes 3–5 weeks and DHL shipping takes 2–4 days.
Does Sala Muzik Ship Internationally?
We currently ship anywhere in the World.
