Shipping Small – The Kora Workshop

Tuner

This clip-on tuner is chromatic which means it has every note available, unlike a guitar tuner. We have looked at many tuners, and this simple one is a good price and does the job well. It is easy to use, with a back light that is white but turns green when the note is right. It clips on to either the calabash at the sound hole, the neck or the bridge.

Although it does use contact with the kora to determine the pitch rather than a microphone (a piezo type), it is not really suitable for performers trying to tune in a noisy environment.

NOTE: Posting this item to the EU may mean customs charges and VAT are due as there is no longer a lower limit on import value. This may make the tuner disproportionately expensive for some customers. Please do check with your postal service what any charges are likley to be before ordering! Such payments are completely outside of our control and you accept responsibility for them by ordering.
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Partial Set Standard Nylon Strings

A set of the lightest nylon strings, with 4 different gauges, for use with the highest top 10 strings. These are the strings most likely to break. They come with a comprehensive guide. The sets we provide are for a kora tuned to F.

All strings are clear nylon and are provided as one length, this enables you to cut each string to the correct length for your kora and often leaves an extra spare.

Delivery and Payment

Standard Nylon Strings

A set of nylon strings, with 9 different gauges. They come with a comprehensive guide. The sets we provide are for a kora tuned to F.

All strings are clear nylon and are provided as one length, this enables you to cut each string to the correct length for your kora and often leaves an extra spare.

If opting for 22 strings, the extra one is for the note below the first C on the left. This string is a B flat in Silaba tuning and is normally placed at the front of the bridge on the right (in the notch).

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Bridge

A handmade bridge to replace an existing one.

Made from either Bubinga, Ebonised Bubinga or Ebony.

Many bridges can be uneven which often makes it quite difficult to play; a new, well made one can give a kora a new lease of life. We now have a standard size that suits many people, though the gap between the handles of the kora will affect how suitable this is.

You can opt for a Custom Bridge – see below.

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Specialist Strings

A full set of strings using hard nylon (and fluorocarbon for the top two bass) that come in clearly labelled envelopes. These strings have considerably more volume and sustain.

They create a more harp-like sound but this can make it difficult for anyone who prefers to play the ‘old-school’ Gambian and Casamance music that is very rhythmic.

n.b. For beginners, we would suggest you start with Standard strings.

– All strings are clear nylon and are provided as one length, enabling you to cut to the correct length and often leave an extra spare.

If opting for 22 strings, the extra string we supply is for the note below the first (bass) C. So it would be a B flat in Silaba tuning with the tonic (first bass string) at F.

Twisted bass strings are offered as an option – this is a matter of personal taste as if you play more with your fingernails you may prefer straight strings. Twisted strings can give more volume and a richer sound, but this will vary on your playing style.

You will need to have bass guitar machine heads on your kora for each twisted string. We normally twist the first two bass strings (or three in a 22 string set) but can make more of them twisted if you wish, just get in touch. If you have particular requirements, e.g. want really heavy twisted strings, again just get in touch and we can make you a customised set.

We make the twisted strings up ourselves and generally make them to order and are subject to availability. If we think we cannot fulfil the order within 2 weeks, we will contact you.