this was a big help. thank you.

I believe it is a long neck, although I am not at home to check.

Out of curiosity, if the standard tuning is GDA, why would most folks tend to tune up a step?

Hi Denize,

You have a short-neck (kisa sap) baglama saz. You can use a lot of different tunings. One of the most popular is Cc GG Ddd. That would be the low course (closest to your face when holding it in playing position) would have the wound string tuned to C and the next one (in the same course) tuned an octave above that. The middle two strings tuned to G above the C in unision and the last course to D for the closest, wound string, and the last two an octave above that (dd)

Next, you need to check the spacing of the frets to make sure that when you fret strings you are getting the desired note on pitch. You'll want to make sure that the spacing includes B half-flat, E half-flat and F half-sharp. Those are the most important notes for playing most common makamlar (maqamat). I find that the easiest way to tune is using a chromatic electronic tuner. For the half-flats position the fret where it will give you a note that causes the tuner's needle or indicator lights to bounce back and forth between the flat and the natural. Or, find a friendly oud player and tune to them!

One other piece of advice, go to a shop that sells violins and such (unless you have a middle eastern music store nearby) and get some peg dope. Apply it carefully and evenly to the section of the tuning pegs that fits in the holes. It makes the pegs turn more smoothly but also stay in place. Be careful not to apply too much though, you don't want to make the pegs too slippery!

That should get you started.

peace,
jerry