Zithers
I currently make a small range of simple folk zithers - epinettes and kanteles - to order. Standard models are an Epinette du Val d'Ajol with a 530mm scale length, and a 5 string Finnish kantele. Other sizes and string configurations are available to special order, and I hope to extend the range to include a scheitholt, 10 string kantele and Appalachian dulcimer.
Wood choices for the epinette include:
Spruce/mahogany
Cedar/walnut
Lime/poplar (or maple)
Tuning is by zither pins (geared tuners are an optional extra), with nuts and bridges of hornbeam or hard maple
Here is the latest (December 2024) Woodsville epinette to leave the workshop. It's only been in its new home a couple of weeks, but the owner Martin has already composed and recorded some lovely tunes with it(!), and he has very kindly agreed to let me use them here to accompany my photographs of the instrument:
530mm scale Val d'Ajol epinette in cedar and walnut
Music:
Im Paradiesgärtlein
Flintstone Dance
Almost Home
All composed and performed by Martin Schmalz
Not just a zither afficionado, Martin is also (as 'Blipmusik') an excellent electronic musician - you can find more of his music on Bandcamp here:
And here are a couple of epinettes with geared tuners I made for Greg Gunner in the US:
First, a 530mm scale 5 string Val d'Ajol model in cedar and African mahogany -
Greg said - "The instrument looks and sounds great. The craftsmanship is superior. Thank you for making me such a fine instrument."
And one with a 680mm scale length (and a lovely deep voice - tuned an octave below the first) in spruce and walnut; closer to the Gérardmer style, this one has a triple strung melody course -
Greg said - "It's a beauty, and the slightly larger size produces a full, resonant sound. Added to the previously purchased and smaller Val d'Ajol model, I now have a nice set of your epinette des Vosges models. You make excellent instruments with a true scale, and the craftsmanship is a testament to your woodworking skills. All the best."
And for the kantele:
Walnut or lime/maple construction
Stainless steel string holder (varras) and zither pins for tuning. Traditional open-backed style, but using a built up frame rather than being hollowed out from a single piece of wood
Standard epinettes are available to buy from my Etsy shop here:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WoodsvilleWoodcraft
Or contact me direct for kanteles, special order epinettes & other types
Prices from £300 (epinettes) or £250 (kanteles)
