The ney is constructed using the "arundo donax" plant, the piece of reed must consist of short segments that are equal to each other and is essential that the reed be a single piece. The arundo donax plant does not grow or develop in swamp lands or wet environments as thought, however in an open field with rich and moist soils, high levels of alluvion, high levels of wind and sunshine close to the ocean where there is a great difference in temperature between day and night. The ecological characteristics are typically found in the Eastern Mediterranean areas of Turkey. Reeds that are suitable for the construction
are found more in widespread reed fields.
The most suitable harvesting season is between the months of November and February. Harvesting before this period will result in a premature and moist reed which will not be suitable and harvesting after this period is also not appropriate because it is when the plants start to regenerate which will give the same results. So harvesting outside the appropriate months will make the reed ineligible for the construction of the ney.
The reeds used for construction must be neither too thick nor too thin; this affects the sound of the ney in a negative way. The reed to be used must be of an appropriate thickness, dried of moisture, its knots and tassels must also be dried till it takes a yellow shade. Suitable reeds are very rare and difficult to find, only about 3-5 pieces are found in a field of thousands.
The neys that are constructed and offered by myself carry all the above mentioned characteristics and requirements, the reeds used are collected specially from the Antakya region in Turkey and are constructed with great care and detail. As a result of this the neys have a rich, strong and high quality sound.
