This trapezoidal plucked zither is widely used throughout the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia. The adjustable levers on the player's left, called mandal in Turkish, raise the pitch of each triple course of gut or nylon strings. This permits the player to use several tones that satisfy a makam. The bridge supporting the strings is placed upon a belly traditionally made of fishskin. The kanun's 72 strings, grouped in 24 courses, are plucked with metal plectra attached to the player's index fingers.

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My kanun was made by Atac Usta from Yalova Istanbul. Expressive music thearpist and kanun player Ayla Varol Clark played this beautiful kanun for many years before I fortunately became the keeper of it. I hope to post recordings in the future.