We know very
little about Norse
music or the instruments used. However, from burial sites
like
the Sutton Hoo boat grave and excavations at Jorvik (York) in England
we at least know about the Lyre and the Panpipes. Following
extensive research we present a replica of an 8th Century lyre and set
of Panpipes. The set of pipes found at Jorvik had
five
holes but it is thought to have been broken. Ours are
available
in 5 or 7 hole scales made from ash or sycamore and optionally
decorated with designs found on a bone comb at Snusgar in Orkney.
The Lyre is made from Ash or Sycamore with a Sycamore
soundboard
and nylon or gut strings. The body is hollowed out, up to half way
along the twin necks. Comes with a tuning key.
Prices: Lyre
with Nylon Strings
£200 ~
Lyre with Gut Strings £250 ~
Pipes 5
Hole £40
~ Pipes 7 Hole £45
HOW TO ORDER.
In 2009 I built a Lyre for projection and sound-scape artist Karen
Monid. This example was fitted with a metal zither type
tuning system for precision tuning in the studio to get the very best
from harmonics and tone. This is recommended for recording
artistes who demand performance over visual authenticity, although the
visual difference is not significant.
Karen used her lyre to create "Contours", a mesmeric installation as
part of the "Odin's
Glow" event at Roseberry Topping
in the North East of England.
Find out more from Karen herself by looking HERE
or view her online interpretation below. Take fifteen minutes out to
relax and listen - then come back here of course!