Originating from eastern France, the Epinette du Val d'Ajol is more compact than most European fretted folk zithers, with a bright and lively tone. The frets are arranged in a diatonic pattern, like an Appalachian dulcimer, making it a very easy instrument to play. Several tunings are possible with the supplied strings for playing in various modal scales (some favourites being gdg' f'f' for g minor, raise the melody course to g'g' for g major, then drop the middle drone to c for c major. I could go on...)

These are handmade by myself and the standard model is as follows:

Sitka spruce top with African mahogany body and fretboard, or all lime (linden) body with yellow poplar or sycamore end blocks and cherry fretboard;
Nut & bridge of hornbeam or hard maple;
5 strings - double melody course with 3 drones;
530mm scale length;
Zither pins for tuning (wrench included) & stainless steel hitch pins for loop or ball end strings;
Length 675mm, width 75mm, body depth 45mm;
Natural finish (shellac and wax);
Left handed models at no extra cost.

Deluxe version has western red cedar top, walnut body/fretboard, and 2 extra frets for playing in more modes - mellower than the standard model, but still with plenty of volume.

Special order options are available (please enquire for details and prices), e.g. alternative woods, geared tuners, different scale lengths/fretting/stringing, built-in pickup.

Please read additional terms under 'Returns & shipping policy'

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