5 String Kantele
''This is the
instrument I like to play late at night when the children are asleep,
plucking with the pads of my fingers a melodic/rhythmic
pattern that becomes a piece of music within itself that seems to flow
not from my fingers but from the instrument itself ....''
These
Kanteles can
be played by anyone, are great for simple improvisation and yet are
still offer a challenge if you want to play the ancient repertoire or
modern tunes.
The 5 string is the oldest type of Kantele, 2000 plus years at least!
and is an integral part or the Finnish epic poem The Kalevala.
Modern interpretations of these instruments have found use in Schools,
Music Therapy and Meditation work
For historical information have a read at this thesis by Carl
Rahkonen
Tuning
It is strung with steel strings tuned to a Diatonic scale in
D. ( D, E, F#,G, A) Or D minor tuning D, E, F G A
For Music Therapy The Pentatonic D tuning can be used D, E, G, A, C
These instruments are of the open backed variety which have a great
sound that can be modified depending wherever you play it, for example
on a table, lap, upright, closed back ones tend to sound the same
regardless.
Standard instruments are Open backed models made of Scottish Ash or
Sycamore
but
my speciality, the Custom Instruments are usually Walnut and cedar as
pictured, or Cherry and Cedar,Spruce can also be used. Other
timbers available to order.
Prices
Custom Model £255,
includes case,tuning key and VCD Delivery/Shipping is free for the United Kingdom
and £25 extra for U.S.A/World 
I occasionally make instruments from recycled timbers or from
locally felled trees, these are sometimes available on special offer.
Instruments with a backboard are £50 more, These have thin soundboards and backboards and sides
that are slightly tapered. On these instruments I offer the
option of a sound hole on the front or back. (Patrick wolf
plays an antique Black finished instrument with a backborad
and rear soundhole.)
Standard model £155, includes tuning key,VCD guide. Delivery/Shipping is free for the United Kingdom and £15 extra for U.S.A/World
These all hardwood instruments are more robust than the walnut cherry models
*These 5 string Kanteles measure 25" by 4.5" and are 2" in depth,
For traditional Finnish styles of playing these instruments see here:
For contemporary playing check out Patrick Wolf's work.
And also check out my links section for other sources
** If you are interested in 6 string, Horsehair/ re-enactment Kanteles then please visit my Fellow Luthier Corwen's site here: His instruments are very reasonable priced for UK/europe buyers. For US Customers there is Gerry Henkel at www.kantele.com
10 String Kantele
On these instruments you can play the older repertoire, minor and major without changing the tuning and you can play a far wider range of music. The perfect instrument for a frustrated Harpist, or a guitarist looking for a harp/zither instrument.
This Instrument has a shimmering bell like tone and when played un-damped it is similar to wire strung Irish harp, very magical. It has an established repertoire of Finnish folk music, but it is a very personal instrument, you can play whatever music you want to! Being diatonic there are no discordant note combinations, just interesting harmonies!
They are finished with an organic oil varnish and wax to a matt finish. It measures approximately 29" by 6.5" and is 2" in depth. It It is strung with steel strings tuned to a Diatonic scale in D. ( A, B C#,D, E, F#, G, A, b, then high D) It comes supplied with a tuning wrench and 2 spare strings.
Standard models in Scottish Ash or Sycamore, for other woods please enquire.
Books are available for tunes and learning in the USA from www.kantelemusic.com
Piezo pickups can be added, Price depending on model of pickup, I can also make a pure electric model
Prices
Custom Model £400 Including case and tuning key/VCD
Please note that the Currant waiting time for new orders is usually 4 months for a 10 string Kantele please email me to enquire about ordering
Postage/Shipping is £15 for the United Kingdom and £30 for U.S.A
Instruments with case add 50% to Shipping costs.
Instruments with a backboard are £50 more, On these instruments I offer the option of a sound hole on the front or back
A deposit of 20% secures a place on my ordering books, lease contact me for further information