Tagelharpa basics and tuning.

[@jackumcfarland3753]

Wow sounds amazing, I’m currently trying to make a Tagelharpa and this video helped out a lot.

[@Dunholmpiper]

I'm glad to hear you found this useful, good luck with your tagelharpa making.

[@barefootarts737]

great instrument to start with making. I’ve finished one and it is so satisfying, epic even, to make and play your own instrument. An Otherworldly experience.

[@Nomed38]

@@barefootarts737 that is awesome! Now I have another channel to subscribe to and watch videos from so that is even better.

[@MaskedUlfjarn]

Sounds like a fine adventure Scout

[@4nedjo22]

@@barefootarts737 I love to make one my self. Where I can find more info?

[@skipton9511]

Thanks, Paul - it's a good introduction to an uncommon instrument. Every 'correct' method started with someone who played the way it worked for them. Listening to you over the past months, I'd say that there is nothing 'incorrect' about the way you play. Be well and keep it awesome - peace

[@Dunholmpiper]

Skipton95 Thanks for your comments, I thought I'd make this video for people who'd bought an instrument from me as a help to get them playing. I'm a little wary of presenting a method of playing this instrument as it's just the way I do it. As ever, I'm happy that people enjoy my music and get something from it, pipes, fiddles or whatever 😃. First talking video I've done in a while since YTPC days, it was nice to do something a little different. Take care and best wishes.

[@barefootarts737]

ive been watching these videos for a while, and I appreciate how willing people are to share what they have figured out about how to play this instrument that has very few players to learn from available. I’ve been playing for about a year these videos are very inspirational and accessible.

[@Dunholmpiper]

I’m very glad you’ve found this useful, good luck with your playing.

[@TheMacronist]

I sit in front of my modern PC, my AR headset shows me the time of day and i listen to your sounds and it feels like i do an handshake to my ansistors. And i feel graet an free!

[@coleyyy704]

Most beautiful sound in the world, legitimately my favorite sound ever

[@Angeredbobbin]

I can't tell you how happy I am that you mention how to hold it for your legs, and actually playing a scale. This was super helpful.

[@Dunholmpiper]

I’m glad it was helpful for you, sometimes it’s just the smaller points, like holding the instrument, that make all the difference. Good luck with your playing 🎶!

[@noellereiter8041]

Very helpful, thank you. I just bought one, and I'm starting to learn how to play it.

[@Dunholmpiper]

Glad you found it useful, good luck with your playing.

[@DeSvenster]

Thank you! I've ordered a custom Tagelharpa just today as I wanted to learn this instrument. There's very little to find when it comes to tutorials on playing or tuning, so this helps out a bunch! It'll be another few months before I can start to learn, but i'll be watching this video on repeat!

[@Dunholmpiper]

Glad you found it helpful, I’ll probably post a few Tagelharpa vids shortly as I’m in the middle of making a new one. Good luck with your playing 👍

[@DeSvenster]

@@Dunholmpiper And I'll be watching! Looking forward to them. If you have any more tips, lessons for a beginner?

[@dalepiper6693]

Great insight into playing an unusual instrument...great sound.

[@Dunholmpiper]

Thank you, I thought I'd make this video in response to questions I'm occasionally asked by people starting to play. As I make these, I thought it would be useful to anyone picking up their instrument for the first time. Many thanks for watching and your comments 😃👍

[@diegobastiani]

beautiful talharpa, im making one by myself and i'll put that tuning keys behind the bridge like yours xD its more eazy to tune for sure thx for the videos good night

[@sifridbassoon]

I love the Thor's hammer cut into the front. I've never seen that. 😃

[@viksenartreal410]

Very good!! here in Argentina exploring the world of Jouhikko-

[@Dunholmpiper]

Glad you found it useful 😊🎶.

[@donovandunlap8560]

This was a huge help. Thank you.

[@Dunholmpiper]

I’m happy you found it useful 😊.

[@georgesilva1737]

Way cool thanks for sharing

[@soam7816]

very helpful. thank you!

[@brenneisen-baumpflege]

Awesome 🙏🏻❤️

[@Dunholmpiper]

Thanks 😊

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Thank you for doing this video - very informative

[@Dunholmpiper]

You're welcome, I'm glad you found it useful.

[@tobiaspolze]

i got my Tagelharpa today, but i struggle a lot with squeaky sounds. i think i need to practice my bow technique? Also i need a tuning device.

[@Dunholmpiper]

Tobias Polze Yes, a smooth bowing action and pressure, and the correct amount of rosin on the bow hair will help. Good luck and keep playing.

[@ZentColdStoneberserkr]

Thanks cheers

[@mr.mcloremcclure2522]

I just made my first one. Hoping to sound like you soon.

[@Dunholmpiper]

Good luck with your playing 👍.

[@Valech0]

I know little to nothing about music and instruments but i wanna learn this so bad.

[@stefcestojkovskimusic6146]

🤗❤️

[@Dunholmpiper]

Blagodaram 🎶😃!

[@stefcestojkovskimusic6146]

@@Dunholmpiper thank you 🤗

[@333Eriana]

thankyou - any tips i can get are helpful - like the fellow in the post from a year a go , I too am looking around my yard for bits to make one -cuz i sure can't buy one where i live - nor would i be able to afford it

[@333Eriana]

and i'm back - got it built and playing around with tunings - never have used a bow before in my life so that's a kick. -

[@susfring8946]

Hey man thank for tutorial.but i have problem whit my tagelharpa i have guitar strings on it and i tune it to D2-A2-D3 but when i touch string whit my left hand string are muting so i think problem is whit tuning so can you help me to now what octave tuning i need.thanks

[@INDYOSKARS]

Very nice but you should have mentioned the soundhole, the nice Þórshamar "Mjölnir".

[@jakedyer2674]

I haven’t been on KZbin in a while haha hope you’re doing well and still having a blast playing music!

[@Dunholmpiper]

jake dyer Thanks Jake, yes I just post a music video now and then.

[@jakedyer2674]

Dunholmpiper awesome! I can’t wait to see more!!!

[@gaetanozuccarello9802]

😉👍😊😊😊😊😊

[@erickdavidgutierrezcubillo1502]

this is really helpful, thank you so much. Can you tell me the difference between the three strings? I want to build one by myself

[@JackHughes-yx4qj]

Very nice! what strings and tuners did use?

[@GherkinPossum]

I was pronouncing the name for this gorgeous instrument SO poorly, and now I feel bad TwT I appreciate the new knowledge though! I won't go around saying "TAYGGEL HARPAH" now TTwTT

[@taylorwilcoxon3406]

Is there somewhere where I can buy one of these? I love that!

[@ewoudvanaalst4089]

There are also a lot of taglharpa makers all over the internet. For example you have Moon Cross Shop who makes taglharpas in Normal, Baritone and Einar Selvik style. They also make Kravik Lyres. very beautiful designs they have. You can find them on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

[@gardvord]

That is the substance you use on the bow to get the friction called?

[@Dunholmpiper]

Rosin, used on all fiddle bows.

[@gardvord]

@@Dunholmpiper I could for the life of me not remember that lol Thx!

[@billsykes9253]

Thanks for that ,Ive a small one from turkey,had a while but having trouble with strings.Where do you get yours from ? Ive metal ones but they’re not that good

[@DRJMF1]

This Tagelharpa music (wardruna) I would like to replicate in UK. I am trying to find an instrument which can produce this exact sound, and also a teacher too ! Any guidance would be appreciated.

[@MrJonesMorgan]

È un piacere scriverle, la ammiro davvero tanto! Potrei chiederle una informazione riguardo le corde? Se potesse darmi qualche indicazione le sare davvero grato

[@nilsscholz4474]

I Need Help.. cant tune my 3 String tallharpa Without a Tuner .. dont know which Work

[@Hesher93]

if didn't already find a way, you can download a tune app for your smartphone, should work.

[@kristusfistus]

Most helpful video I've seen on this! I just got my own, although I wonder how I tune the first string from the top as high as you did. I feel like it's already so tight I'm afraid if I go higher the string will snap, or the bridge flying off. Does different tagelharpas have a different range or should it be fine? It came with the strings marked as "F C F" so really not sure if it is limited to this. Anyways, great tutorial!

[@Dunholmpiper]

Glad you found the video useful. Different strings will tune differently depending on how and what they’re made from, length, and instrument build. If your’s seems to be under too much tension, try a lower pitch. It can be anything as long as it is in tune with itself and suits the instrument. Good luck with your playing 👍.

[@jessicaparker8127]

Ive been trying to find songs to learn for the tagelharpa but cant seem to find anything, do you know of any?

[@Dunholmpiper]

I think there are many in Nordic traditional music, but I just make them up.

[@FurryOvrlord]

amazing! this is the kind of content ive been struggling to find! thanks for posting! have you got some more content like this? struggling to find anything to help me learning mine. does the build make a massive difference as well? i bought this one from someone i know, its not built exactly the same way as yours here. my notes always come out sounding scratchy or hoarse no matter what i try also, any suggestions? and when trying to change notes while playing a similar issue, it just warps the sound or makes it worse.

[@Dunholmpiper]

Glad you found the video helpful. With most, if not all, bowed stringed instruments lots of factors go into the sound, string material, thickness of string, amount of rosin, bowing technique, bow type, .... and then there’s the build of the instrument body😫. Keeping at it, refer back to your maker, there’s also a good Facebook forum for Bowed Harps / Tagelharpa etc. Good luck 👍

[@FurryOvrlord]

Dunholmpiper yeah, found a few Facebook groups. Any recommendations?

[@barefootarts737]

my first check would be rosin, then string tension. Good intonation is difficult with tagleharpa.

[@jillgeary1313]

I just found out about this instrument - thanks for the video! I used to play the 'cello, violin, viola da gamba - and now mostly play the harp and folk instruments - but the tone of this instrument is really appealing!! Might I ask, are the strings gut? Looking forward to more videos like this one. I'm curious what music lays out on this?

[@Dunholmpiper]

Glad you enjoyed the video, I’ve several others playing bowed harps along with various bagpipes and fiddles. The strings are horse tail, the same hair used for bows. You can get it easily from online.

[@magnusnordic1648]

Please help me! Sadly, the string leg (bridge) is cracked along its lenght on my own tagelharpa. ☹️ Can you help me where I can order spare parts (new bridge)? I don't know anyone who can make them. ☹️

[@Dunholmpiper]

If you can’t contact the maker, try a standard fiddle ( violin / viola) bridge from any music shop.

[@bigchungus6260]

Does anyone know how to tune a Tagelharpa? I just got one and I need to correctly tune it. Thanks

[@Iranianjunkie]

depends entirely on your string length and thickness. Your instrument probably came with strings made for a particular optimal tuning.i would ask the seller. Or get some extras and experiment yourself.

[@bigchungus6260]

​@@Iranianjunkie What type of string do you suggest and where to buy them? I play guitar so I don't know much about this instrument. It would be great if someone could make a video of simply tuning the string with sound (preferably steel strings)

[@barefootarts737]

@@bigchungus6260 I buy bulk horsehair online. a violin shop might have some locally. theres 1 video on YT of someone twisting strings as they go on. Good idea for a video. You’ll have to experiment by making a string and seeing what you can tune it to. if its too high or low adjust thickness accordingly. Always keep notes on the number of hairs, the length and the tuning. I believe there is a balance of the three for a good quality sound. Michael J King has the vid of twisting horsehair for strings. I found it helpful.

[@bigchungus6260]

@@barefootarts737 ​ Someone told me to tune the steel strings DAD and I am confused... Do I tune the 1st and 3rd string the exact same? they are different width strings since they are steel. Thanks

[@barefootarts737]

@@bigchungus6260 to just get playing, dont do separate octaves. Just get in tune and play. If the string diameters are different for the two d’s then yes two octaves. However, most players I’ve seen don’t tune that far apart on a tagleharpa. Often, two strings are the same octave.

[@k0alaAssasin]

I'm having issues with my tagelharpa. When I even touch a string while playing, it either won't play a sound or play a very muted sound. What am I doing wrong? Like I said. I barely even touch the string but it won't play a sound

[@Dunholmpiper]

I’d check your string tension firstly, will it play an audible note if you pluck it?

[@Udoch]

Do you have a link to your store?

[@Dunholmpiper]

Hi, thanks for your interest, I don’t have a store and only occasionally make tagelharpas. When I make another for sale I’ll make a video and post it here.

[@ramonresta5009]

Ciao ti posso chiedere dove posso acquistare questo strumento??

[@nachtschatten5790]

Hello I am Lefthanded. Did I have to switch the Strings like a Guitar?

[@Dunholmpiper]

Yes probably, if you want the higher tuned string closest to you as I have it in the video.

[@axelord5410]

Hi there! Do you rosin the bow for this instrument? My nephew just got one so looking for best practices on care and maintenance. Appreciate any insight you can provide. Thanks!

[@Dunholmpiper]

Yes, roisin the bow a fair bit if it’s new.

[@TheWaldi75]

Hello dunholmpiper, i' ve got a question. Is it difficult to learn the taglharp for a bloody Rookie? ( sorry for my Bad english :-) ) many greetings from Bavaria / germany

[@Dunholmpiper]

A little practice every day and it’ll be no problem for you. Thanks for your comment 😊

[@dacarly1330]

I would like to buy a tagelharpa but I play guitar. How difficult is the instrument?

[@Dunholmpiper]

The main difference is that it is a bowed string instrument, but you will be fine with a well set up tagelharpa and regular practice.

[@Blocean7381]

what about third string? can you play melody like other string?

[@Dunholmpiper]

It’s really just a drone in this example.

[@Blocean7381]

@@Dunholmpiper Thanks ✨

[@maxguzman4223]

Hello friend, I have a question. Does this instrument use harp strings?

[@Dunholmpiper]

The strings are made from horse tail.

[@drbeandog4209]

what did you use for strings

[@Dunholmpiper]

Horsehair

[@patrykgasior229]

Hello, I have a problem. When I touch a string on my ( homemade ) tagelharpa i get a mute instead of modulating the sound. I tried various pressures on both fingers and bow. Tons of resin ( i think ), even tried plucking. When plucked on the open string it sounds nice, but when I touch the string to get eg. A sound I get something similar to palm mute on guitar. Any ideas what could be wrong? I think my instrument does not work properly but I don't know personally anyone that knows anything about the topic ;/ String and bow material are ofc horsehair, I have soundpost inside, +- 6mm behind the bridge under the melody ( thinnest ) string

[@Dunholmpiper]

It would be worth checking how your strings sit on the bridge, and the bridge on the instrument. I’ve experienced this muting once or twice and managed to get rid of it by moving the bridge about. Hope this helps.

[@patrykgasior229]

@@Dunholmpiper Yes I figured this out yesterday, the problem was bridge position as well as the neverending thirst for rosin :D I think I need to tinker around the bridge some more but it sound nice now :) Thank you very much for help

[@metlhed010]

@@patrykgasior229 Can you elaborate on how you moved the bridge? I’m having this problem and I’m really itching to figure it out so I can play!

[@theoleadventurer1199]

what are the strings made of?

[@Dunholmpiper]

Horsetail

[@clawhammer704]

What is the string length from bridge to tuners.? Cello strings?

[@Dunholmpiper]

I don’t have that instrument any more, but it’s probably around 17”, they’re made from horse tail.

[@MercurialAscent]

Over that tuning of CGG, what scale is it that you use ? Thanks !

[@Dunholmpiper]

It varies, you can choose whatever scale or mode you like.

[@squitten.]

Do you still make these and do you have a link to a shop?

[@Dunholmpiper]

I haven’t made one for a while, but hope to in the future. If I do , I’ll post a video on here. Thanks for the interest.

[@azeriustv]

I have a Guitar with only 3 Strings left. Maybe i can make it Sound Like that

[@azzes20101]

Should i tune it after guitar or bass? Ive spent hours trying to get it right x)

[@Dunholmpiper]

Any tuning that sounds good and suits the string tension and scale length.

[@tenacdi1376]

Hi, what king of strings you use? I had one taglharpa and i use horse hair but i want to try to put violin/rabec strings

[@Dunholmpiper]

Hi, mine are horsehair but other people use fishing line and get a very good sound.

[@brionfranks478]

What, please are the strings made of here ? And the bow, what kind of wood, Yew ? T Y

[@Dunholmpiper]

The strings are horse hair, the bow is made from pine I stained a darker colour.

[@juppzuka563]

Hello :), could you tell me, the all strings need to be the same size?

[@Dunholmpiper]

They differ depending on the note tuned to. Thinner for higher notes, thicker for lower.

[@SlippyCyppy]

Hi! I've been practicing on my tagelharpa for a while and can play a few basics tunes now, but i've had a consistent problem I don't know how to deal with. Whenever i play, the bow rubbing against the strings always makes a really grainy sound. Would you by any chance know what could be the issue or how i could deal with it? Thanks!

[@Dunholmpiper]

It could be that you have too much rosin on the bow or indeed on the strings, it could also be the pressure of the bow on the string. Too little pressure will make a whispering sound, too much a grating sound. String tension is also a factor......

[@WiccanPedigree]

What type of bow are you using? I'm trying to fi d one that had that palm part.

[@Dunholmpiper]

Hi, it’s just a shape I came up with myself, it does help the bow to sit nicely for my style of playing.

[@Bullski123]

Do you have the setup with the string with the most hairs in the middle or the far right?

[@Dunholmpiper]

Bullski123 Both G strings are the same and a few less in the C, about 25 -30 hairs ( allowing for a few breaking).

[@giulioscaramuzza6318]

I'm curious to know more about the tune. Do you use a specific number of horse hair for each string? If yes what if you want to change the tune? Do you need to change the string entirely?

[@barefootarts737]

I find horsehair to have a poor range for different tunings. A difference of about 1 step (up or down) is what I can change w horsehair before I notice a dramatic change in sound quality, or the sting breaking. Yes the hairs are counted.

[@bjornerikssongalin9570]

Where can I buy new stings????

[@Dunholmpiper]

I made mine from horsehair, but fishing line works very well too.

[@Cineastre]

Hey, how much do you take for one and where could I buy them?

[@Dunholmpiper]

I’ll probably make a couple this Winter.

[@sandrosarunic9486]

How much does it cost?

[@Dunholmpiper]

It depends on the maker and specification.

[@edkircbj643]

How can I tune mine to this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6a1o2uNpteIapo in the description it says D (D in same as bass) -D - A (octave higher)

[@amandacoman6778]

Recently traced my maternal side down to one Viking female (Scandinavian) And stumbled upon this instrument online. Now I’m dying to learn more about it. I find the sound intriguing. Any tips for a beginner?

[@Dunholmpiper]

Find a decent, well set up instrument, then regular practice, little and often 😊

[@jakedyer2674]

Oh! Also are these gut strings or nylon? Neat little instrument for sure!

[@Dunholmpiper]

Thanks 😊, the strings are made from horse hair. The name, of which it has a few, means "Tail Harp".