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The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument
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The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument
A Musician friend of mine "built one".. a few years ago. Below is an image of the identified-parts of the Nyckelharpa and below that; an image of the one my friend built. After it was finished, he offered me some leftover Sitka Spruce.. which I accepted. Beautiful clear/straight-grain wood.. just like they used to use in the Golden-Age of aircraft construction.
A person who builds guitars is known as a "Luthier". I can't say/don't know what you'd name a person who builds these instruments.

My friend built the instrument (image) below.

Below; a youtube link to a Mr. Thomas Roth, playing the instrument.
A person who builds guitars is known as a "Luthier". I can't say/don't know what you'd name a person who builds these instruments.

My friend built the instrument (image) below.

Below; a youtube link to a Mr. Thomas Roth, playing the instrument.
Re: The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument
An interesting combination of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen.
706jim- Gold Member
- Posts : 395
Join date : 2013-11-29
Re: The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument
I have not heard of any special name for those who build them around here, perhaps it is simply included under "Luthiers".
It used to be quite popular to build them, with books and courses held in the 70- 80-ties. But these days I think it is only the older the generations that are interested and the knowledge is in risk of getting lost.
It used to be quite popular to build them, with books and courses held in the 70- 80-ties. But these days I think it is only the older the generations that are interested and the knowledge is in risk of getting lost.
Surfer_kris- Diamond Member
- Posts : 1877
Join date : 2010-11-20
Location : Sweden
Re: The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument
The first picture above is not actually a "nyckelharpa" as it uses a rotating wheel. The nyckelharpa is played with a bow, like the one your friend has build.
The video above is not very representative of how the instrument is used regularly, this is more the traditional music played on midsummer's eve:
The video above is not very representative of how the instrument is used regularly, this is more the traditional music played on midsummer's eve:
Surfer_kris- Diamond Member
- Posts : 1877
Join date : 2010-11-20
Location : Sweden
Re: The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument
706jim wrote:An interesting combination of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen.
Interesting take on it.. Jim.


Re: The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument
Surfer_kris wrote:I have not heard of any special name for those who build them around here, perhaps it is simply included under "Luthiers".
It used to be quite popular to build them, with books and courses held in the 70- 80-ties. But these days I think it is only the older the generations that are interested and the knowledge is in risk of getting lost.
Thanks much for the acknowledgement Krister. Can't get much more accurate an account; than would come from you there in Sweden.

As far as interest and knowledge is concerned; we have hopefully added some intel to any future web-queries through keyword-searches.. as long as the CEF sustains.
Re: The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument
That instrument, in English speaking countries at least, is commonly called a Hurdy-Gurdy.
Oldenginerod- Top Poster
- Posts : 3832
Join date : 2012-06-15
Age : 60
Location : Drouin, Victoria
Re: The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument
Oldenginerod wrote:That instrument, in English speaking countries at least, is commonly called a Hurdy-Gurdy.
Named by this immigrant no doubt

KariFS- Diamond Member
- Posts : 1953
Join date : 2014-10-10
Age : 51
Re: The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument
For some reason roddie it reminds me of the Balalaika featured in the movie Dr. Zhivago and Laras's theme. Haunting with the ice covered branches tapping on the window early in the movie.
Can you play the balalaika? Engineer: Can she play? She's an artist! Gen. Yevgraf Zhivago: Ah, then it's a gift…

Can you play the balalaika? Engineer: Can she play? She's an artist! Gen. Yevgraf Zhivago: Ah, then it's a gift…

rsv1cox- Top Poster
Posts : 9283
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
crankbndr- Diamond Member
- Posts : 2989
Join date : 2011-12-10
Location : Homestead FL
Re: The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument
CB - I had no idea.
Us gun lovers do have a soft side......
Greenie for you
Us gun lovers do have a soft side......
Greenie for you
rsv1cox- Top Poster
Posts : 9283
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument
I plagiarized it, should have put the authors name.

crankbndr- Diamond Member
- Posts : 2989
Join date : 2011-12-10
Location : Homestead FL
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