Daniel Bingamon's Biblical Lyre [Pictures] - created 04-16-2005
Bingamon, Daniel - 04/16/2005.23:15:15
This is my second attempt to make a Nevel Asor (10 String Lyre) based on various historical data and a little artistic license.
The front is made of mylar (had no skin on hand to use) and it's painted brown for better looks.
I tuned this one in Ahava Rabba mode key of D: C D Eb F# G A Bb C D Eb, it plays pretty well.
That's pretty cool. How are the strings tuned? Friction pegs?
Very nice Daniel,
I see there is some life beyond whistle-building after all.
Are you familiar with the Krar? It is a lyre from Africa, Ethiopia if I am right. I saw some lady playing it on Dutch television, first time I did see or hear a lyre, and I loved it..
I did some research on the web, and there is one site that even gives dimensions , construction methods, tunings and playing style. It very much resembles your kind of biblical lyre so google for it, if you don't know it yet
I've always thought David would go for a 12 string acoustic if they'd been available at the time
I think David of the Psalms was a trendsetter, he'd probably use the 12 string when sheep herding and electric at the tabernacle.
The strings on this one are tuned using standard zither pins on top like that on hammer dulcimers. The bottom are hitch pins. I took two sets of acoustic guitar string (the 5 largest strings) and paired them up. I then ran the end of the string through the little eyelet and put the loop around the hitch pin on the bottom and then connected the other end to the zither pin.
the nut on top is aspen wood and the bridge is oak.
The bridge is bowing a little and the mylar "skin" is a little tight in where the bridge presses against it.
The bridge also has a step on the ends to keep it from force the mylar skin down too hard.
Daniel, I've been looking around for mylar suitable for banjo heads - just out of curiosity, do you know what thickness you used? Where did you get it and how did you stretch it tight?
I have taken .003 mylar (drafting film) and glued it to Tyvek (from a large mailing envelope) with 3M Super 90 spray adhesive. I believe this is close to how "fiberskyn" is made, though I'm not sure what adhesive they use. It looks like it will be a fine head but I'll let y'all know when I get it installed, which I don't want to do until the neck is done.
I bought the mylar material at the Jo-anne Fabric store. It was thicker than your 0.003 stuff but I can't remember exactly how much. It also makes good artificial woodwind material. I'll have to measure it at my shop and see how thick it was.
The way I stretched it was by not stretching it. First I laid out the mounting holes and predrilled them. Then I laid the material in place. The bridge has a downward arch in the middle that presses on the mylar and keeps it tight. However, it is not a perfect system as the brige has the weight of 10 strings across it and it changes stress on the mylar with humidity.
In order to help the bridge out, I'm looking into making an "under-bridge" that will keep the bridge supported but hopefully help it in stability.
I'm looking of material to make the nut out of. Guitar "nut" material is too short. Any recommendations?
Corian?
Ok, here it a picture of my original Nevel. This earlier design has a round body and I used a snare drum head for the skin.
The bridge on the newer one overlaps with the frame and has "hangers" to keep it from oversinking.
Hi Daniel.
Though the one I did see has a square body with a wooden sound board (not a vellum). You know how it is with the real folk instruments, they make them with everything that is around , as long as it gives a sound. I would not be surprised if you ever find one made out of a petrol can. I love that attitude!!
Check out the website of "Bragod", a Welsh medieval duo (obvious URL). There is an interesting video of Bob Evans playing a Sudanese lyre made he says from a food can. Watch the 3rd one too, "North European Lyre: Form and Techniques" for some impressive playing.
So David WAS a banjo player! Psalms will never seem the same.