I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!

Subject: I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 09 May 02 - 12:22 PM

Hi All

Just thought that any of those following the previous thread, 'any Nyckelharpa players' might be interested to know I made the plunge and I have placed an order for a Nyckelharpa. When I know more info I'll let you know.

I am so excited, I am buying a Nyckelharpa, wow!!

Cheers, Sam

Subject: RE: I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 May 02 - 01:00 PM

Hope you didn't pay more than 5 cents for it....After all it's a Nickleharpa........Of course living where you do maybe it would cost a Pound instead, making it a Poundeharpa which is probably what will happen to you after you start playing the thing....Folks will pound the harper.

Okay, enough bad puns.........

Happy for you Sam and I know we'll be hearing more soon.........whether we want to or not.................(:<))

Spaw

Subject: RE: I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!
From: GUEST,Michael
Date: 09 May 02 - 01:26 PM

I have a friend in Mankato Minnesota who makes those things. He'd be interested to know what you paid for it, or is it a secret?

Subject: RE: I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!
From: mooman
Date: 09 May 02 - 02:18 PM

Dear Sam,

I'll PM you the telephone number of a friend in Sweden who is a fine nyckelharpa layer and member of a large circle of nickelharpa players there. He might be a good contact for advice and "Upland" tunes (from the Uppsala area) which are typically played on the nyckelharpa.

A friend here in Brussels (Rudy Velghe from the group Orion) is also a fine nyckelharpa player. If you get across here sometime I might be able to fix up a session for you with him and his partner (Rachel Gigot - an amazingly good virtuoso button accordion and melodeon player).

All best wishes

mooman

Subject: RE: I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 09 May 02 - 05:00 PM

Spaw, you know me well!! I cannot NOT tell people about things like Nickelharpas and accordions!!!

Mooman I have a CD of orion and a great band thay are, I would love to link up with them if I was coming to Brussels or not!!

Latest news, my Nyckelharpa will be ready in JULY!!! just in time for the festivals, EXCELLENT!!!! And just one month after my Birthday!!

Cheers, Sam

Subject: RE: I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 09 May 02 - 05:01 PM

Spaw, you know me well!! I cannot NOT tell people about things like Nickelharpas and accordions!!!

Mooman I have a CD of orion and a great band thay are, I would love to link up with them if I was coming to Brussels or not!!

Latest news, my Nyckelharpa will be ready in JULY!!! just in time for the festivals, EXCELLENT!!!! And just one month after my Birthday!!

Cheers, Sam

Subject: RE: I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 09 May 02 - 05:02 PM

Spaw, you know me well!! I cannot NOT tell people about things like Nickelharpas and accordions!!!

Mooman I have a CD of orion and a great band thay are, I would love to link up with them if I was coming to Brussels or not!!

Latest news, my Nyckelharpa will be ready in JULY!!! just in time for the festivals, EXCELLENT!!!! And just one month after my Birthday!!

Cheers, Sam

Subject: RE: I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 09 May 02 - 05:03 PM

Spaw, you know me well!! I cannot NOT tell people about things like Nickelharpas and accordions!!!

Mooman I have a CD of orion and a great band thay are, I would love to link up with them if I was coming to Brussels or not!!

Latest news, my Nyckelharpa will be ready in JULY!!! just in time for the festivals, EXCELLENT!!!! And just one month after my Birthday!!

Cheers, Sam

Subject: RE: I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 09 May 02 - 05:05 PM

Sorry about all the messages above my computer is suffering from Deja-voo or is that a slow modem???

Cheers, Sam

Subject: RE: I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 09 May 02 - 09:15 PM

No, you're just excited; which is understandable. I've long coveted one of those things (and a Hardanger, come to that), so I'm thoroughly envious. Seriously, though, how much are you paying for it? I don't think I've seen them at much less than a couple of grand.

Subject: RE: I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!
From: GUEST,Sarah
Date: 10 May 02 - 01:56 AM

Congrats Sam,

I'm still going to have a look first.

A Gemini as well eh!

Birhday present was how I was passing this whole nyckelharpa thing off to my husband too but looks like it might end up as Christmas present instead.

Cheers Sarah

Subject: RE: I've just ordered a Nyckelharpa!!!!
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 10 May 02 - 02:00 AM

Hi

Well I have been doing LOTS & LOTS of research, in fact me and Sarah Cheffins have both been doing research and finding lots of things out at the same time. It was spooky.

Unlike lots of instruments nyckelharpas are not made in factories although there are two 'dealers' in sweden I know of Bjorn Bjorn (who I think also makes them? another at www.nickelharpa.telia , although if you can find a maker its cheaper. You will have to wait a little a bit longer though but its a whole lot more personal.

So Makers I have found:

Soren Ahker 21.000SEK + case + Bow = quite expensive but good maker

Olle Plahn - who has harps that Johan Hedin uses - WOW. He sells his for 15.000SEK inc Case, Bow. He is also the person I am getting mine off.

Enar Magnusson - he makes them as his hobby and has made them for some members of finnish band JPP so a reputable maker. His are only 10.400sek INC Bow & Case thats about £700

Esbjorn Hogmark - possibly the most highly rated maker, and expensive, good though. [e-mail]

Don't forget shipping costs on top, only 700SEK about £60, and shipping is fine most of the time. In fact I have decided to ship mine as the maker seems so confident with the method I would rather do that than risk not getting it on the plane. It is also insured if I ship it.

I hope that is of help, but I do advise you to check out the American Nyckelharpa that will link you to even more makers at www.nyckelharpa.org and players!!!

I hope that gives you an idea Malcolm,

Cheers, Sam