How I make a kokle (Kantele sibling) - Part 1 скачать в хорошем качестве

How I make a kokle (Kantele sibling) - Part 1

I'm starting to build a new kokle (the Latvian sibling of Finnish Kanteles) and decided to register the process. The body will be made out of Spanish Cedar (Cedrella odorata), whilst the soundboard, from Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani), both purchased at Espen Holz. It will have 12 strings, ranging from G/A (69cm, initially 70) to D (35cm, initially 36.5). The total distance between the tuning pins will be 19.5cm, which is comfortable enough for my hand size. I'm choosing these specific lengths after some builds and observation of other instruments. As Ain Haas also noticed, many Latvian kokles (especially those from Latgale) tend to have lengthier high-pitched strings, which translates into higher tensions in the upper register but also more broken strings. I'm still picking a higher tension than in most western kokles and Estonian kankles, and Finnish kanteles, but decided to down the length to 35 cm, as seen in the end. The adjustments in these initial designs are due to maximising the use of the precious pieces of wood. Whilst the Spanish Cedar has a comfortable breadth of 23cm, the soundboard pieces (originally for Wessenborn guitars) have asymmetrical shapes, with the maximum width of 20cm. Whilst I'm not inexperienced, I don't have a workshop and have to work within the limits of an apartment with a family. That, summed up with a personal preference for hand tools and the wish to build this instrument as traditionally as possible, means that I will reduce the use of power tools, unless my lack of skills requires them.