How to Choose the Right Kantele for You

Your Guide to buying the best Kantele

Overview

The Kantele is an ancient stringed instrument that has been around for centuries. In modern times, the instrument is available in various sizes and styles. This buying guide will provide an overview of the different types of Kantele that are available, as well as tips for finding the best option for your musical needs. We will discuss the different features to consider, such as size, strings, sound quality, and price, in order to help you find an instrument that will bring joy to your music-making. We will also cover the basics of playing the Kantele, so you can be sure to get the most out of your purchase.

Key features

  1. Size & Weight – Look for a Kantele that is comfortable and easy to hold and play. Consider the weight, size, and type of strings when choosing a Kantele.
  2. Tuning – Make sure that the Kantele you choose is tuned to the notes you want or is capable of being tuned to the notes you want.
  3. Materials – Check the materials used to make the Kantele. Look for quality materials such as birch, spruce, pine, or other hardwoods that will provide a good tone.
  4. String Types – Look for a Kantele with the type of strings that will provide the sound you are looking for.
  5. Number of Strings – Consider how many strings you want on your Kantele. Generally, the more strings you have, the more complex the sounds you can create.
  6. Finish – Choose a finish that is easy to clean and maintain.
  7. Price – Compare prices of different models to find a Kantele that meets your needs and fits your budget.

See the most popular Kantele on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Portability: Kantele are relatively small and lightweight instruments that can be easily transported from place to place
  • Versatility: Kantele can be used to play a wide variety of musical styles from folk and classical to jazz and rock
  • Durability: Kantele are typically made of solid wood, making them quite durable and long-lasting
  • Sound Quality: Kantele produce a bright, unique sound that is often compared to a harp or a piano
  • Easy to Learn: Kantele are relatively easy to learn to play, even for beginners

Cons

  • Size of Kantele: The size of the kantele can be an issue for some potential buyers, as the instrument can range from small lap sizes to large floor sizes. This can be a potential limitation if the buyer does not have the space to accommodate a larger version of the instrument.
  • Cost: Kantele can be relatively expensive, especially if the buyer chooses to invest in higher quality materials and construction.
  • Learning Curve: Learning to play the kantele can require dedication and practice, as the instrument can take time to master.
  • Availability: Kantele may not be available in all regions, so potential buyers may be limited in their selection.

Best alternatives

  1. Angklung - A bamboo instrument from Indonesia similar to the kantele.
  2. Hammered Dulcimer - A stringed instrument from Western and Central Europe that is similar to the kantele.
  3. Guzheng - A Chinese instrument with a soundboard and strings that is similar to the kantele.
  4. Kokle - A Baltic psaltery with a trapezoid-shaped soundboard and many strings that is similar to the kantele.
  5. Kraviklye - A Swedish and Norwegian instrument that is similar to the kantele but is played with a bow.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Kantele Strings - strings used to make the sound of a kantele Kantele Hammer - a curved hammer used to pluck the strings of the kantele Kantele Pick - a flat metal pick used to pick the strings of the kantele Kantele Tuner - a device used to tune the strings of the kantele Kantele Stand - a stand used to hold the kantele while it is being played Kantele Case - a protective case for a kantele

Common questions

  1. What is a Kantele? A Kantele is a traditional Finnish zither-like stringed instrument used to play folk music.
  2. What are the various sizes of Kantele? Kantele come in a few different sizes. There are small 5-string kanteles, 10-string kanteles, 15-string kanteles, and larger 21-string and 36-string kanteles.
  3. What are the differences between the various sizes of Kantele? The number of strings in different sizes of Kantele will affect the range of notes and the pitch. A 5-string Kantele will have a limited range of notes compared to a 36-string Kantele. The larger the Kantele, the more notes and the wider range of notes it will have.
  4. What materials are used to make a Kantele? Kanteles are commonly made of birch, spruce, and pine wood. Some Kanteles may also be made of other materials such as metal or other types of wood.
  5. What type of strings are used for Kantele? Kanteles are usually strung with metal strings, although other types of strings such as nylon or gut may be used.
  6. What accessories are needed for a Kantele? In addition to the Kantele itself, a tuning key is needed for tuning the strings. Other accessories such as a carrying case, a stand, or a strap may also be useful for playing and transporting the Kantele.

Trivia

Kantele is one of the oldest known musical instruments, with records of them being used in Finland dating back to the 10th century. During this time, they were thought to be magical instruments with healing properties and were used to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The kantele has since become an iconic symbol of Finland, with several variations existing today. The most popular is the 25-stringed chromatic kantele, which is the instrument most commonly used in Finnish folk music. Even the Finnish currency carries the image of the kantele, with the Finnish 5-euro note featuring a picture of the instrument.Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.