Nyckelharpa | Violin | Hardingfele | Säckpipa & Spelpipa

Hardingfele is the Norwegian national instrument. It has the body of a violin, usually with a dragon head at the top, ornamentation on the body, and resonant strings that sit underneath the playing strings.

This particular instrument was built by A. Heldahl (Bergen) in 1883, and brought to America by a Norwegian emmigrant. The trademark of this instrument builder is the bridge, which has two metal saw-like strips that hold the understrings. It was taken to a violin maker for repairs before I acquired it, where numerous parts of the instrument were altered, including the bridge.

More Information: American Hardingfele Assocation