Paragon Heartwood Mali Pro Kora - 20 String - Peg Tuned

This Paragon Heartwood Mali Pro Kora - 20 String - Peg Tuned (CORE-uh) is among the best traditional, imported available anywhere in the US, with superior craftsmanship and materials. The kora is a Mande stringed instrument, like a combination between the lute and the harp, with a classical guitar-like sound quality, played throughout western Africa. Main components are large half-gourd, notched floating bridge, full-length neck, decorated hand posts, and key-tuned tensioning. It is played by holding the instrument facing you, holding hand posts with both hands, and plucking the strings with thumbs and fingers.

Features:

• Built to professional musician standards by expert artisans in Mali using traditional methods
• Thick calabash half-gourd body, 20-22" wide, 10-11" deep, with large bass hole
• Goatskin covering, attached with decorative tacks and additional tack designs
• 6" notched floating hardwood bridge with carved decoration
• 21 fish-line strings of variable thicknesses attached with metal base ring and guitar-like tuning keys
• Carved solid hardwood neck extending 32-34" out from gourd
• Being a stringed instrument, this kora will require tuning after shipping
• Hand crafted in Africa by village cultural artisans supported by the non-profit Africa Heartwood Project.