Peder Källman Violinmaker Violin Viola Cello Nyckelharpa

New making of

Chromatic nyckelharpa and tenor nyckelharpa

Strings, accessories

I have a small though high quality making of nyckelharpas where my experiences from proffessional making is combined with my experiences as a nyckelharpa musician. I make two nyckelharpa models. My own model of the traditional chromatic nyckelharpa and the Hedin model of the tenor nyckelharpa, which both you can find more information from here.
The Traditional CHROMATIC NYCKELHARPA Quality craftsmanship is implemented in the making of the totally handmade instruments based on the style of August Bohlin's and Eric Sahlström's traditional chromatic nyckelharpas. It is this type of instrument that has been the dominant instrument during the 1900's. It has 4 playing strings - three melody strings A, C (D), G, and a bass string C - plus 12 sympathetic strings. I have had thoughts, ideas and experiences which I brought together in my new chromatic nyckelharpa model. I have implemented the design from the beautifully shaped historic instruments with the modern instrument along with the highest standard of functionality and playability. It includes 22 keyes on the first string, 12 keyes on the second and 12 on the third. Photos Listen to and watch a short video! Olov Johansson and David Eriksson is playing. Olov, to the left, plays a Peder Källman nyckelharpa. (Free Quicktime).
	Nyckelharpa "Road Worn" 2011 Here you can see one of my nyckelharpas made to be "Road Worn". An imitation of intense playing, wear, patina and history on a new instrument. The nyckelharpa is made 2011. Photos
The TENOR NYCKELHARPA - from the middle ages into the 21st century The tenor nyckelharpa (the Johan Hedin-model) is a completely new instrument that extends and develops the family of nyckelharpas in terms of sound, size and construction/design. It is a result of the joint effort between me and musician Johan Hedin, where Johan designed a new instrument to meet the new needs that he discovered through his various musical meetings and musical environments. The project was supported by Kungl. Musikaliska Akademien (The Royal Academy of music) and Musikhögskolan (The Royal University College of Music)-both in Stockholm.
The tenor nyckelharpa has four playing strings and twelve sympathetic string. It is tuned like a violin though one octave lower (E, A, D, G). Every detail is totally handmade. Learn more from the tenor nyckelharpa (pdf-file, 1,73 MB, an article by Johan Hedin.) Listen to it! Photos		Free pdf-reader
	As an option, quarter notes can be included among the keys, which does have historical examples in the older kontrabasharpas. The construction is an exciting mixture of building techniques - from the moraharpa via the gamba and instruments with older sound hole forms, to modern nyckelharpas with additional chromatic keys - from the Middle Ages into the 21st century.
Biography I have played nyckelharpa since Swedish folk music's upswing during the early 70's. I have also given courses in nyckelharpa since 1975 and became "riksspelman" (accredited fiddler) in 1979. My first nyckelharpa was made 1978, which started off my career as an instrument maker and lead to my becoming a certified professional violinmaker. I have several times been a jury member at the nyckelharpamakers' competition and exhibition held at the annual fiddlers' convention at Österbybruk.
Strings You can also buy nyckelharpa strings. Fair prices and easy delivered. Call me or send me an e-mail. New strings gives you the nyckelharpa sound back. The sympathetic strings are very important for a fresh sound. Playing a lot or little - the strings need to be exchanged every year or two for a full rich sound. I´d be pleased to give advise about strings!