The töröksíp, (Turkish pipe) is a Hungarian shawm. Whilst it uses a small reed like that of the Turkish and Balkan zurna, it has a steeper conical bore, closer to that of the Catalan gralla or Italian ciaramella.
It is the nominal ancestor of the tárogáto, a 19th century instrument which, in reality, has little in common with it, having extensive keywork and a single reed.
I acquired four of these instruments together, the other three being labelled ‘Bige Joszef, Budapest’. This one has no maker’s mark and there are enough differences between it and the others to suggest it is by a different maker.
It appears to be made from cherry, is in good condition, and is playing well in the key of F#.
43cm long
£110
