Comparative analysis of the kabak kemane and the Karadeniz kemence

The kabak kemane and karadeniz kemence, which belong to the stringed instrument family of Turkish folk music, have continued their tradition through the master-apprentice relationship, just like other Turkish folk music instruments. These two instruments, which belong to different regions, have been passed down from generation to generation over the centuries, becoming an important part of cultural identity, and have played a significant role in reflecting the musical characteristics of their own cultures from the past to the present. This research was prepared with the aim of comparing the performance techniques of the kabak kemane and karadeniz kemence, which are representative of the Black Sea and Teke regions, and identifying their similarities and differences. In this descriptive survey model study, the similarities and differences between the performance techniques of the kabak kemane and the karadeniz kemence were examined using the document analysis method, one of the qualitative research methods, and data was obtained by reviewing visual and written literature. Throughout the study, the music notation program Finale was used to create the musical notation. In this study, the performance techniques of the kabak kemane and the karadeniz kemence were compared, and it was found that techniques such as double stops, detache, legato, striking, mordan, trill, and vibrato are commonly used in both instruments, while pizzicato and glissando techniques are only used in the kabak kemane. It was concluded that performers shape their playing techniques according to their individual interpretations and traditional patterns, and that this shaping may play an important role in developing the potential of the instruments. Recommendations were developed based on the findings.