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Mizmars, Nagaswarams and Shehnais

The mizmar is a traditional wind instrument of ancient Egypt. They are also called Zurnas in Iran, Turkey and among the Kurds. The mizmar is a double-reeded woodwind instrument with seven finger holes that is shaped similarly to a traditional conical oboe. Mizmar is also a term used for a group of musicians, usually a duo or trio, that play a mizmar instrument along with an accompaniment or one or two double sided bass drums. Mizmars are usually played in Egypt at either weddings or as an accompaniment to belly dancers. Also see our mizmar accessories.

The shehnai is a a quadruple-reed wind instrument common in North and West India. It has eight holes, but it's not unusual to find some of the holes partially or completely occluded with wax. Its sound is thought to create and maintain a sense of auspiciousness and sanctity, and is widely used during marriages, processions, and in temples.

The nagaswaram has seven finger-holes with five additional holes drilled at the bottom which are used as controllers. The nagaswaram has a range of two and a half octaves like the flute. The system of fingering is similar to that of the flute, but unlike the flute, where semi and quarter tones are produced by the partial opening and closing of the finger holes, in the nagaswaram they are produced by adjusting the pressure and strength of the air-flow into the pipe. Because of this it is a very exacting instrument. In addition, due to its intense volume and strength, it is basically an outdoor instrument and much more suited for open spaces than for closed indoor concert situations

IMPORTANT NOTICE! Health and sanitary regulations prohibit the exchange or return for credit of any mouth blown instrument.

( MIZE ) Mizmar, Egyptian, Set of 3 The wood grain is striking on these unfinished flutes. The shaft and bell of each mizmar is carved from a solid piece of wood. The mouth piece is carved separately. Each mizmar has 7 finger holes on front & 1 on back. One reed is included for each mizar. Made in Pakistan.

Only: $57.00

Qty:

( MIZE-B ) Mizmar, Egyptian, Brass Trim, Set of 3 The wood grain is striking on these unfinished flutes. The brass trim is decorative and accents the wood nicely. The shaft and bell of each mizmar is carved from a solid piece of wood. The mouth piece is carved separately. Each mizmar has 7 finger holes on front & 1 on back. One reed is included for each mizar. The large mizmar is 14.25" long with a 3" diameter bell; the shaft has an outside diameter of 1". The middle mizmar is 12.5" long, with a 2 5/8" bell; the shaft has an outside diameter of 7/8". The small mizmar is 10.25" long with a 2.25" bell; the shaft has an outside diameter of 0.75". Made in Pakistan.

Only: $57.00

Qty:

( MIZM ) Mizmar, Turkish Shawm 3 joined pieces of rosewood, 7 finger holes on front & 1 on back, 3 sets of tuning holes accent flared end, reed included. Made in Pakistan.

Only: $66.00

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( NGSW ) Nagaswaram The Nagaswaram has seven finger-holes, five additional holes drilled at the bottom which are used as controllers, and a range of two and a half octaves like the flute. Comes with 5 spare reeds, 1 ivory needle or horn attached as well as a carrying bag. Length may vary between 34" to 35". There is approxamately 1" between each finger hole. Made in India.

Only: $365.00

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( SHEN ) Shehnai, Deluxe Rosewood with Brass sole. 16 inches in length. Includes reed. Made in India.

Only: $36.00

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( SHEP ) Shehnai, Plain Rosewood with plain metal Bell. 16 inches in length without the reed. Includes reeds. Made in India.

Only: $42.00

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Ethnic Musical Instruments