Making a Kantele

This is an excerpt of the video diary from my newly updated Kantele making CD-rom, that has plans for 5,10,15 piccolo and electric kanteles as well as information on setting up, playing and case building. I also have downloads available if you just want plans, though the CD has much more to offer.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Kantele
• making
• finnish
• luthier
• plans
• building
• instrument
• mus

[Metallicazack]

Can anybody tell me the name of the song that plays at the beginning and throughout? I love it :D

[michaeljking]

the initial tune is "little acorns" but the tune from 30 seconds in is an improvisation of mine that I demonstrate on the 5th part of my Kantele playing guide, in the middle...its a simple piece played using on hand that is repeated, I show it as a minor tune first and then in a major tuning to show how different small changes make to a piece. Thanks for your comments!!

[michaeljking]

It really depends on the type of timber, but if you are making an open back one then keep the soundboard around 1/4"/6mm to begin with and experiment. The open backed kantele should be thought as working more like a piano than a guitar.

[kingolaf99]

Thank you very much! I will be making a pine prototype, and I don't expect it to sound very good. The pins look to be around an inch apart. Is this correct, or am I being too nosy? =) I really would love to buy the cd, but since I'm a student my cash comes from my parents with little to spare of course! If you could send me a personal message I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

[michaeljking]

Pine carved instruments work better with pegs like a violin, otherwise you need to add hardwood plugs to the hole area.

[AdrianFortescue]

I have only one ask about tunners. What you use (material)? I saw some nails, so i dont know

[michaeljking]

They are Zither/autoharp pins, Mine are made in Germany, Piano/harp supply shops have them.

[Svansakuten]

Thanks for a wonderful lession in making an instrument! It was lovely!

[helixi]

its The churchbells of konevitsa, Konevitsan kirkonkellot, old finnish folk song :D

[kingolaf99]

Thank you very much Michael! I can't wait to get started. I appreciate your help.

[kingolaf99]

Hi Michael,

I plan on making these from a single piece of wood. Any advice? How thick is the soundboard supposed to be? Thanks.

[AdrianFortescue]

Great! I have the main part now - the shape of the plate. I could no longer there to give strings? without the lower part, to give a sound? Or is the lower part, as a base? Thanks ... While I kantelu made smaller, but it is interesting.