We just came back from a week in Istanbul. A very relaxing place and it seemed pretty safe. Cheaper than California (once you get there)!
Check out this instrument called a Kanun.
http://www.kultur.gov.tr/portal/kultur_en.asp?belgeno=5899It's built like a harp but you play it in your lap. 24 sets of 3 strings each. Each string set comes with sliders whih can raise or lower the tone. PIcture here...
http://www.hichamchami.com/hichamchami/qanun_a.htmI checked out buying them. But real ones are hand made and cost $2000 and have to be special ordered from Izmir in southern Turkey.
This is a really nice instrument. I will see if I can find some sounds and post them...
