I've not been participating in this thread, but I must really jump in here and pose a question about the Turkish Kemence which I've seen and heard on YouTube in two environments: there's the native Turkish environment which is interesting but a little beyond my old-fashioned ears; then there's the Suibhne O'Piobaireachd environment which - and I have to be honest here - I found absolutely fascinating.

Is this instruments difficult to get to grips with (I won't be so presumptious as to say "master")? It seems perfect for getting somehow to the heart of traditional folk song, and giving it a setting which emphasises a necessary other-world quality. I'm also fascinated by the left-hand/fingering/holding technique in which the instrument seems to float.

In passing, "Rivington" is a real village, and a very beautiful anc ancient one, at the foot of Rivington Pike (my stamping ground in the early 50s).