Viking Instruments

Viking Saxon lyre    Jorvik Pipes

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!

Contours from Karen Monid on Vimeo.




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