Swedish Nyckelharpa keyed fiddle folk instrument chromatic sympathetic strings world 20 stops on top

I’m selling a real, original Swedish Nyckelharpa made in Sweden - a wonderful world music instrument, kind of rare (in countries other than Sweden). I tell people it’s a cross between a cello, a sitar and a piano - it is a keyed ancient fiddle. This one has three rows of melody keys (some only have one) and 12 sympathetic strings underneath, tuned in half steps to resonate any melody frequencies and overtones. Pretty incredible sound, similar to a Hurdy-Gurdy, but with the sympathetic strings humming underneath creating this beautiful reverb sound, and bowed not cranked. I got this one from an east coast Monestary via Sheboygan around 15 years ago and have recorded with it, played a couple weddings, and demonstrated it to many students. I even made some Apple loops with it that users of Logic and Garageband may have heard and used. Well, it’s time for it to fly. More on the instrument in general here:   and   

I have discovered that to get a decent one, they are 2k with bow but without a case, so this one is priced to sell! I guess the case is worth another 200-300. Also, the keys on this one are cradled in a felt suspension system, making the overall sound less "clacky" than some - melodies are smooth, with not much of the "clack" sound.

Inside, in light pencil it is inscribed: Anders Hellstrand, LIOING8, 1987. This maker was known as one of the best creators of quality harpas in the 1980's, and likely created the nice fitting (and smelling) cedar case, and short bow. The bow has a neat little fabric case of its own. All kinds of weird history on this instrument - evidently, legend holds that a Swedish village was saved from Vikings by following the sound of it to safety in a snowstorm. I have never changed the strings on this one, they are likely original. And I haven't played it in a snowstorm. I'm told this is a tall tale.

Here's a little more info, thanks to Andy for uncovering it:

# The instrument was made in 1987 by Anders Hellstrand.
# The instrument won a competition in the year it was made.
# There is a matching bow made for the instrument with appropriate
wood and hair. The bow has it's own sewn case which in turn fits in a specific place in the
instrument case.
# There are four bass strings on wood pegs about 3/8 inch in diameter.
# Four Fine tuners in black.
# One wound bass w/ no stops.
# One wound bass with 7 stops.
# One wound with 10 stops.
# One wound with 20 stops - the high string. I'm told many only have 17 stops, this one goes to 20!
# The interior of the case is totally lined in green felt.
# The upper surface of the instrument is fitted with removeable sewn felt to protect the entire mechanism.
# The casewood I don't recognize as American. It's a burnt red-brown with figurations. It's appropriate for the North Country.
# Every corner of the case is completely protected with brass bumpers.
# Two machined brass toggle clip case locks fore and aft in perfect balance.
# The center case grip is of some DuPont concoction; comfortable but without charm. The good news is that the grip is set such that the entire outfit is perfectly balanced in all dimensions. A brisk trot to the train is accomplished with aplomb.
# The complete outfit should easily survive train porters and airline baggage gorillas.

I can understand why it may have won a competition - it has a beautiful singing voice and the sympathetics ring loudly when in good tune. Very cool chance for you to get one - haven’t seen many for sale on the internet. This one plays nicely, works well and sounds pretty amazing.

I’ll pack it great and ship it with insured tracking to your door.