The sipsi (pronounced [sipˈsi]) is a clarinet-like, single-reed instrument used mainly in folk music and native to the Aegean region of Turkey. The name sipsi may be onomatopoeic, meaning it might sound like the instrument’s noise. The sipsi can be made of bone, wood, or reed, though the reed version is most common. Its size varies by region, but it usually has five finger holes on the front and one finger hole on the back.

The sipsi is one of many reed instruments in Turkey used to play lead melodies in instrumental folk music. It is typically played in the Western part of the Aegean Region of Turkey. Most folk songs played in this area using the sipsi are in 8 time.

Playing

The sound quality of the sipsi is similar to that of the Irish bagpipe. Players use a method called circular breathing, where air is taken in through the nose while air stored in the cheeks is released. This technique helps create a continuous sound.

To tune the sipsi, a thread is wrapped around the bottom of the reed, which is inserted into the main part of the instrument. The reed is adjusted by tightening or loosening the thread. The instrument can produce a wider range of notes than its six finger holes might suggest. Higher notes can be played by using specific breathing techniques.