This is an instrument used mainly for music therapy, meditation and soundbaths. It has 15 steel strings, all tuned to the same note, and five tuned to the lower octave. It produces a calming wash of sound.

It is often called a "monochord", but since that term is patently ridiculous for a 20-string instrument, I prefer "polychord", which makes more sense, and eliminates confusion with the the original 17th century monochord, as described by Praetorius.

The instrument shown has a main frame and legs in maple, with a soundboard in Douglas fir, and bridges in walnut - but many other woods can be used, according to your preference.

The legs can easily be removed for more compact storage. A tuning key is included.

Price

To order or enquire, pleasecontact me

Delivery - the price depends on where you live. Please enquire.

I hate it when websites say "Phone for a quote", so to give you some idea - getting a baroque guitar in its case to America, including insurance, is currently about £170. Getting one to Kent is about half that.

Waiting time, from placing an order to clutching your new baby, is currently about 16 months. It's very approximate, because the schedule often contains items that are somewhat experimental, and they may take more or less time to complete than anticipated. Usually more.

Deposit- I usually ask for £150 (non-returnable unless I'm dead, insane, incapacitated or incarcerated) to secure an order and cover materials. Once that's paid, your order is entered into my Magic Book. Nothing happens for several months, then you receive an email to tell you I've started construction. A few weeks later, a big parcel arrives, and you squeal with delight.

Anote on HUMIDITY - delicate wooden instruments are remarkably resilient, but they can have major problems with both high and low atmospheric humidity levels. I keep my workshop at the recommended humidity level, between 45% and 50%, and I strongly recommend that instruments are kept as close to that range as possible. Electronic humidity meters are available cheaply on the Internet. They're small enough to keep in your instrument's case.
Low humidity can shrink wood, resulting in cracks and distortion. Case humidifiers, again available quite cheaply, should prevent this.
The main risk with high humidity is the formation of water droplets, either from condensation or perspiration while playing. These can damage varnish and slowly dissolve glue joints. A silica gel sachet can be kept in the case, but use a humidity meter as well. Take care it doesn't reduce the case humidity too far.