The ney, also spelled nai or nay, is an end-blown oblique reed flute whose origins trace back to Central Asia and some of the world’s earliest civilizations, dating as far back as the time of the pyramids.
A key instrument in Oriental and Sufi music, the ney is known for its deep, airy, and meditative tone, often associated with a strong spiritual and mystical dimension.
Oriental flutists typically use several neys, each tuned to a different key, allowing them to adapt to various maqams and to the tonalities of instruments such as the oud or violin.
This practice gives the ney a unique role within traditional ensembles, where it interacts with other instruments with great expressive subtlety.