The nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish instrument that has been played, in one form or another as it evolved, for more than 600 years. At least four different versions of the nyckelharpa are still played today, an uncommon situation for most folk instruments.

The modern chromatic nyckelharpa has 16 strings: 3 melody strings, one drone string, and 12 sympathetic vibration (or resonance) strings. It has about 37 wooden keys arranged to slide under the strings. Each key has a tangent that reaches up and stops (frets) a string to make a particular note. The player uses a short bow with the right hand, and pushes on the keys with the left. It has a 3 octave range (from the same low "G" as a fiddle's 4th string) and sounds something like a fiddle, only with lots more resonance. Earlier forms of the nyckelharpa had fewer keys, fewer (or no) sympathetic strings, and fewer melody strings, but often made more use of drone strings.

The tradition of the Swedish Nyckelharpa lives on at Peterson's Swedish Trading Company. Don is one of a few craftsman
in the United States that is still crafting these amazing instruments. Don's Nyckelharpas are known for the excellent
craftsmanship and their amazing sound. The instrument that Don plays is one of his own personal creations
and he can be heard playing it on the Dänsnödu CD.

If you are interested in having Don build a custom Nyckelharpa
for you or if you are looking to purchase one for a gift, please
stop in to Peterson's Swedish Trading Company in downtown Paxton
or give us a call at 217-379-4683.