How to Take Care of a Ney
If you take care of it, it becomes a garden; if you don't, it becomes a mountain.” With this proverb in mind, one must also care for the ney. Maintaining a ney—unless it has cracks or breakage—allows it to perform without loss, even with enhanced efficiency. An example cited in. Prof.Dr.Ali TAN's work titled "The Historical and Technical Development of Ney Tuning” (“The ney registered in the Topkapı Palace Harem Inventory, dated 1718, still produces sound; thus, it carries the tradition’s tones into the present.”) helps us better grasp the importance of ney maintenance .
Maintenance of a ney is not merely about oiling. Its preservation, transport, and use are just as critical and require equal attention as oiling.- A ney must always be stored either by hanging it vertically at a 90-degree angle or by placing it horizontally at a 180-degree angle in an appropriate spot. During vertical or horizontal storage, the headpiece (başpare) must align with a suitable space so that it does not disrupt its current angle.
- The ney and its başpâre (mouthpiece) should be regarded as an inseparable pair, and the headpiece should be removed as infrequently as possible.
- Sudden temperature changes may cause a ney to crack, so care must be taken to prevent it from being exposed to abrupt shifts in temperature.
- To prevent breakage or cracking during transport, the ney must be carried in a suitable box, sleeve, or (available in our store) carrying case.
- After being played, the ney becomes moist, and since moisture may cause mold in the sound chamber and alter its tone quality, it should preferably not be placed in a closed box or sleeve. It must be left to dry in an airy environment.
- Since mold can develop, the ney should not be played without proper oral hygiene, and food consumption should be avoided before and during use.
- Under no circumstances should the sound chamber of the ney be tampered with using sticks, brushes, or similar tools, and if mold or a similar issue is suspected, assistance must be sought from an experienced individual.
What type of oil should be used for a ney?
In addition to the points mentioned above, periodic oiling is required for long-term use and tone quality of the ney. The oil selected for this purpose should be a plant-based liquid (such as almond, sesame, or hazelnut) with low acidity, a fine texture, and no sediment, and it must be safe for human health. To add fragrance, it is permissible to include natural scents (such as musk, rose oil, or lavender oil) that contain no chemical additives.
Oiling Period for a Ney
On average, a ney should be oiled as follows:;
- Once a week during the first three months after it is opened,
- Every two weeks during the following three months,
- And thereafter, once a month.
For neys that are played regularly and are over a year old, oiling them once every three months will be sufficient.