The bass talharpa, also known as tagelharpa or jouhikko, is a bowed lyre—a musical instrument with roots tracing back to the early Middle Ages. Popular across Scandinavia, it dates back to the Viking Age, when skalds performed their epic sagas on the shores of ancient fjords.
The body of the talharpa is crafted from solid ash, giving it a rounded shape optimized for sound resonance. Historical research shows that traditional talharpas were not flat but rather hollowed out from a single piece of wood. Ash itself is a highly textured and beautiful material, renowned for its distinctive grain patterns.
The soundboard is constructed from resonant spruce, ensuring powerful projection and exceptional acoustic qualities. The talharpa's surface is coated with premium segment oil wax, providing long-term moisture resistance and enhancing its visual appeal.
The bas-talharpa produces a bold, low-pitched, enveloping sound infused with the magic of the North and the power of ancient sagas. To achieve this, we install metal cello strings. The instrument uses a quart-fifth tuning system, typically starting from the note A (A1-E2-A2), with A2 serving as the primary vocal string. Variations in tuning are possible based on string tension, which is evaluated visually and by feel. When using a bow, optimal playability is achieved on the second of the three strings, such as A1-D2-G2.
Production of talharpa takes approximately two weeks, with every instrument handcrafted to perfection. Subtle variations between models reflect the uniqueness of each piece. A horsehair bow is included with every purchase, alongside a complimentary case with a water-repellent fabric handle.
A horsehair bow is included in the set.
A case with a handle made of water-repellent fabric is included as a gift.
Click the link below to immerse yourself in the hauntingly beautiful sound of the talharpa: https://youtu.be/mb6QlR2mQmk?si=xRqBPs6yQilNR6I_
For those seeking personalized touches, simply add the talharpa to your cart and submit your desired artwork, or contact us directly to explore our diverse collection of images. Whether you're looking for something specific or want us to create a custom design, we're here to help.
Orders are dispatched via reliable transport companies once full payment is received. Visit our Payment and Delivery section for comprehensive details.
