My Wounded Nyckelharpa Is Home Again

Back in November, I got one of my “white whale” instruments, a Nyckelharpa. In mid-January, I noticed the top seemed to be coming off, and then I noticed a large crack in the top. Then I noticed that the body was bending because of the top coming off. It was going downhill fast.

I tried to find a luthier or violin shop around Atlanta, but most wouldn’t even talk to me. I had one who looked at it, and wanted to help, but couldn’t because they lacked the experience. I understood. I ended up sending it to Earl Holzman, in Wisconsin, who was recommended by many people as “the best”. I shopped it to him a few weeks ago, and I just got it back today, with a brand new top, new resonant strings, and in overall great shape. I’ve already tuned it up and played a bit, and it sounds good.