Handmade Kanun Workshop
Where woodmeets art
Dr. Ender Özdemir builds every kanun by hand — from choosing the timber to the final tuning of each lever. An instrument set up by a performer's ear, made to last a lifetime.
Scroll
01The Workshop
One master, one art, a lifetime's labour
Ender Özdemir came to music as a performer; years of choir and stage work taught him the kanun from the inside. That ear is the measure of every instrument he builds today.
There is no rush at the bench. Soundboard timber is rested for months, the bridge is shaved by hand, the lever rows are tried one by one. The aim is single: to give the player the tone they are after from the very first note.
Every kanun is built to order. Decoration, string count and dimensions are set to the performer's repertoire and hand.
02Making
How a kanun is born
01
Choosing the wood
Sycamore or spruce for the soundboard — aged, straight-grained timber, selected and rested.
02
Body and soundboard
The frame is joined, the soundboard thinned for tension, the internal braces set.
03
Bridge and strings
The bridge is shaved by hand and PVF strings are drawn; each course is balanced by playing tests.
04
Levers and tuning
The lever rows are built and set note by note; the instrument is played in over several days.
03Collection
Kanun models
From the classic setup to mother-of-pearl commissions — each one finished by hand.
04Workshop Journal
Notes from the bench
Short pieces on wood, sound and care.
Commissions & Contact
Let's talk about your kanun
Write to the workshop for an instrument built to your repertoire and hand; we'll plan the decoration, string count and delivery together.