The Moraharpa is the predecessor of the more well-known Nycklharpa, and is an early type of keyed fiddle. One was found in Mora, Sweden, hence the name of the instrument. Although it looks similar, there are key differences with the Nycklharpa. It has no resonating strings, only 2 rows of keys and a drone, giving it a sound of its own! 

The ancient Greek pandoura was a long-necked lute with a small resonating chamber. It commonly had three strings. The instrument is found on several ancient Greek artworks, such as bass-reliefs and murals, dating back to the 3rd century BC. 

The lyre has its origins in ancient history. They were known to be played in the Mesopotamian culture as well as ancient Egypt. 

Among the lyres we own are two different replicas of Anglo Saxon lyres; a Sutton Hoo model and a Taplow model. 

The talharpa or tagelharpa is a bowed lyre, with origins dating back to around the 11th century. Ours is a 3-stringed talharpa equipped with gut-strings. The bow is strung with horsehair. 

The original Kravik lyre (picture on the right) was found in 1864 in Norway, and its wood carbondated to around 1300 AD. You can find it on display at the Norsk Folkesmuseum in Oslo.

The nyckelharpa (or key-fiddle) is another bowed instrument stemming from Sweden.  It developed from the lesser known Moraharpa into a popular folk instrument. With origins in the 15th century, the instrument as it is now, become popular in the 19th century. 

A 4 stringed resonator guitar, which has a striking twangy sound, almost like a banjo! Very lightweight and easy to play. It is a popular choice for bluegrass and blues music.