Strings

Kantele

Posted at July 20, 2013 | By : | Categories : Strings | 0 Comment

Kantele-Kalevala

In its classical form, the Finnish Kantele consists of a wooden resonating body in the shape of a wing. The body is made from a specially crafted Birch trunk. Five strings from horse hair tuned in pentatonic scale cover the body. Modern Kanteles can have up to 36 metal strings and offer a system of hooks which allow the player to change the tone a half-note higher or lower. This can be done even while playing. The instrument is plucked with the fingers while lying on the lap or at a table, similar to a zither.