The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument

roddie Tue May 25, 2021 7:24 pm

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.

The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument Hurdyp10

My friend built the instrument (image) below.

The "Nyckelharpa" a Scandinavian stringed/bowed/keyed MusicalIinstrument Nyckel10

Below; a youtube link to a Mr. Thomas Roth, playing the instrument.

706jim Tue May 25, 2021 9:55 pm

An interesting combination of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen.

Surfer_kris Wed May 26, 2021 1:20 am

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.

Surfer_kris Wed May 26, 2021 1:25 am

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:

roddie Sat May 29, 2021 1:13 pm

@706jim wrote:An interesting combination of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen.

Interesting take on it.. Jim. Thumbs Up

roddie Sat May 29, 2021 1:24 pm

@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. I Love This Forum!

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.

Oldenginerod Sat May 29, 2021 7:04 pm

That instrument, in English speaking countries at least, is commonly called a Hurdy-Gurdy.

KariFS Sun May 30, 2021 7:18 am

@Oldenginerod wrote:That instrument, in English speaking countries at least, is commonly called a Hurdy-Gurdy.

Named by this immigrant no doubt lol!

rsv1cox Sun May 30, 2021 10:14 am

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…