| Project by woodjewelry | posted 791 days ago | 2555 views | 7 times favorited | 9 comments |  |
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The Kanklės is is the national instrument of Lithuania. This one was made over a weekend for my children to play with. Its a 5 string version (great for children as its easy to learn and not very loud:-).)
This instrument was made from a single 2 1/2” plank of bass wood. First I put the plank through the planner to make it flat on both sides, then I cut out the rough shape (omitting the tail details) with the band saw. Next I flattened the top and bottom on the jointer. Using the band saw I then cut a 1/4 inch slice off the top(this will be the top deck). The two parts were then put through the planner to smooth the cut surfaces.
The inside of the instrument is hollowed out using a chisel (you could use a router), don’t hollow under the tunning pegs or the tail.
Next the F hole is cut in the top deck. Once this is done I glued the top deck to the bottom piece. as well as gluing on a 3/4” thick piece to build up the tail for carving, leaving it overnight to dry.
The next day I cut out the shape of the tail. Then I drew on with a pencil the design for the carving, then carved and shaped it.
The The whole instrument was then sanded to 600 grit.
To bring out the carving a brown spirit stain was applied. This was followed by 3 coats of lacker.
The tuning pegs were made from brass screws with 1mm holes drilled in them. However I would recommend if you make one use real piano tunning pegs or make wooden peg as found on violins.
The Kanklės is is the national instrument of Lithuania. They make a great weekend project. This one was made over a weekend for my children to play with. Its a 5 string version (easy to learn) but they can have almost any number of strings you that you want.
Here is a great site with details about Kanklės with designs- (the shapes not so important but the length of strings are): http://Kankles.mch.mii.lt/content.htm
-- Mark, Lithuania, http://www.woodworkers-online.com
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9 comments so far
hairy
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1763 posts in 1698 days
#1 posted 791 days ago
That’s pretty sweet! Thanks for showing it, this is the first I have seen.
-- It must be jelly baby, cause jam don't shake like that...
HallTree
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#2 posted 791 days ago
I have been looking for a string instrument to make. I will have to check this one out. Thanks Mark for showing us yours. Nice job.
-- "Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life" Solomon
lightweightladylefty
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#3 posted 791 days ago
Mark,
I like it. I would love to make one. Thanks for sharing!
L/W
-- Jesus is the ONLY reason for ANY season.
Maveric777
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#4 posted 790 days ago
Very cool!
-- Dan ~ Texarkana, Tx.
stefang
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#5 posted 790 days ago
Beautiful Mark. It looks like it would be fun to make. I loved the carving. Thanks for the link.
-- Mike, American in Norway
drbyte
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#6 posted 789 days ago
Great job. Tell us how it’s plucked/played. How is it tuned-what notes? Do you touch the strings to make higher notes? I check the site but it not a lot of help.
-- Dennis, WV
drbyte
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#7 posted 789 days ago
Also, what gauge/size string did you use. Was it a guitar string?
-- Dennis, WV
woodjewelry
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#8 posted 789 days ago
Hi,
I find no.12 or 14 steel guitar strings seem to be best.
If you want to find out more about making and playing Kanteles you could try Michael Kings utube channel he shows how to make lots of different instruments, with a guide to playing a 5 string Kantele. Also he has a short video about how to make a simple open backed Finnish version :
http://www.youtube.com/user/michaeljking
The Kantele can be played in several ways, plucked individual notes with both hands, strummed chords, hammered like a dulcimer and even bowed. You can also play it an octave higher by touching the string at the halfway point with one finger and letting go as you pluck.
All the best
-- Mark, Lithuania, http://www.woodworkers-online.com
Knothead62
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1688 posts in 1127 days
#9 posted 183 days ago
Beautiful! I’m always interested in music instruments from different cultures. As to noise, if you are a grandparent, it doesn’t matter. Just get the toy or whatever and let the parents contend with the noise. lol
I looked at the pictures- my complements on the carving.
-- Regret- the feeling you get just after you do something really stupid.
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