Research Information System
Rast Muzikoloji Dergisi, vol.12, no.2, pp.103-117, 2024 (Scopus)
In Turkish music, the tanbur frequently appears in literature as a stringed and plectrum-played instrument, both for its depiction in makam theory and its performance. Throughout the historical trajectory of the Turks, the term tanbur did not signify a standard structure but was used for various long-necked, multi-stringed instruments. With the evolution of Turkish instruments in Central Asia, as the number of strings and frets increased, this instrument came to be known as the tanbur. Additionally, terms synonymous with tanbur such as tanbura, dombur, and dombrak have also been identified. During the Ottoman Empire, the tanbur began to attract attention from the late 17th century and especially gained its highest esteem in the 18th century. Dimitri Kantemiroğlu, in his book “Kitâbü İlmi’l-mûsikî alâ vechi’l-hurûfât” also known as Kantemiroğlu Edvarı, elucidated the practical aspects and the more controversial theoretical foundations of music using the pitch structure of the tanbur and recognised this instrument as the standard in Turkish music. The generation of sound in stringed instruments like the tanbur involves the interaction of vibrations starting from the string with the body of the instrument, resulting in a distinctive quality of sound. The vibrations of the strings are initiated by a long, horizontal plectrum. In this respect, the plectrum also plays a significant role in sound formation. Traditionally, and indispensably for many performers, the tanbur plectrum made from tortoise shell, known as “bağa”, has been used. The information obtained from comparative measurements on the acoustic properties of bağa plectrums, commonly used in tanbur performance, and plectrums made of different materials will enable more informed choices in plectrum selection. Additionally, the use of interdisciplinary approaches and acoustic measurement techniques to compare these plectrum materials is of great importance as it represents a first in this area. Taking into consideration the difficulties in sourcing bağa today and the ethical concerns for the endangered Caretta caretta turtles, this study aims to explore the usability of alternative materials for bağa plectrums. In this context, the effects of tanbur plectrums made from delrin, galalit, katalin, bone, and mikarta on the sound of the instrument were investigated. For this purpose, the performer’s plectrum strike was recorded in slow motion to establish a strike pattern. A mechanism was designed to replicate the same strike motion at the same speed and angle for each different material, minimising the displacement during the strike process and aiming to closely replicate the performer’s strike, thus obtaining more consistent data. This mechanism, once set up in the string area, was triggered using Arduino software, and each measurement was performed over 30 seconds, including 15 plectrum strikes. Throughout this process, the system remained open and the average values were calculated. To prevent any impact on the consistency of the research because of noise, the servo motor trigger belt system was positioned away from the microphone. Also, the harmonic analysis of the motor sound confirmed that it did not overlap with the harmonics of the plectrums being studied. In evaluating the collected data, comparison was made using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and 1/3 octave band analysis techniques, fundamental to many sound analysis methods. During the measurement phase, the FFT analyser took measurements throughout the performance duration at specific intervals, calculating the average of all collected values. In the examined frequency band, measurement results were presented as a single average curve. Moreover, 1/3 octave band analysis was also performed. This method, more compatible with the human auditory mechanism, was preferred as it provides significant insights into how an instrument’s sound is perceived. Findings of the study showed that, in comparisons made with bağa, plectrums made of delrin, bone, and mikarta exhibited a higher graphic curve and harmonic structure, while those made of katalin and galalit showed a lower graphic curve and harmonic structure. Bağa, having a moderate curve, indicated that controlled changes in the design and material properties of plectrums from different materials could serve as alternatives. Thus, the use of alternative plectrums instead of the costly and difficult-to-source bağa is thought to contribute ethically to the conservation of Caretta caretta turtles. This study recommends psychoacoustic studies of different material plectrums and the exploration of more diverse materials with advancing material technologies. This research aims to provide a broader and more concrete knowledge base, assisting instrument makers in selecting tanbur plectrum materials and contributing to the performance fields for tanbur players.