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FAQ

How to Choose and Maintain Your Instrument:

Answers to Key Questions

0. Introduction

An instrument’s sound and longevity depend not only on playing skill but also on carefully selected materials and proper maintenance. Wood, finish, and strings can shape the tone, while good care helps preserve their qualities for years to come.

We’ve gathered recommendations on material selection to help you find your ideal sound, along with maintenance tips to keep your instrument beautiful, reliable, and sounding just the way you want.


Material Selection

1. How to Choose the Right Wood?


We primarily use alder, cherry, ash, and maple, each wood type shapes the instrument’s voice in a unique way, allowing you to find the perfect sound. However, if you have a specific wood preference, we can accommodate custom requests.

Soft woods (alder and cherry) - give a softer, velvety sound

Hard woods (ash and maple) - give a slightly more contrast and concentrated sound


Between themselves, alder and cherry sound about the same, but if alder is just cool, then cherry already shows its own character of sound (softness and sonority)


Maple and ash sound more the same to each other, but just as if maple sounds like a nobleman, then ash like an ordinary hard worker peasant

2. How to Choose the Right Finish?


The choice of finish not only affects the instrument’s appearance but also influences its sound and durability. We offer two carefully selected, natural, and hypoallergenic finishes: wax and shellac, which enhance the natural beauty of the wood while preserving its acoustic qualities.

Wax Finish – A natural coating that enhances the wood’s resonance and preserves its organic feel. It provides minimal moisture protection but allows the instrument to breathe freely.

Shellac Finish – A traditional varnish that forms a protective layer against moisture and dirt. It slightly enhances volume and highlights the natural beauty of the wood.


You can find a comparison of the instrument's sound with different finishes at the following link:


3. How to Choose the Right Strings?

Strings play a crucial role in shaping an instrument’s tone, responsiveness, and overall character. Whether you seek a warm, traditional sound or a brighter, more powerful resonance, choosing the right material can make all the difference. Below, you'll find an overview of string options to help you achieve the perfect sound for your instrument.

Lyre Strings

Fluorocarbon – a standard option that delivers clear and balanced sound, similar in tone to nylon strings on a classical guitar.

Nylgut – premium strings by Aquila, designed for historical instruments. They fully unlock the lyre’s potential, enhancing depth, richness, and authenticity.


Strings for Talharpas and Jouhikkos

Horsehair – the traditional choice, giving the instrument an ancient, archaic character. The tone is slightly rough yet deeply atmospheric and expressive.

Gut – significantly louder and purer than horsehair, offering a well-balanced blend of depth and brightness.

Metal – the loudest and brightest option, producing a sound reminiscent of a viola, adding power and clarity to the instrument’s voice

A comparison of strings for lyres is available at the following link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DArGbnDtiep/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

A comparison of strings for talharpas/jouhikkos is available at the following link: [link]

This will help you choose the perfect option for your instrument and sound.

Instrument Care

1. General Recommendations

Temperature and Humidity: Store the instrument in a room with 45-60% humidity and a temperature of 18-25°C (64-77°F). Sudden changes can cause the wood to crack.


Sunlight: Do not expose the instrument to direct sunlight, as it can cause fading and deformation.


Cleaning: After playing, wipe the instrument with a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat and dust.


Strings: Replace the strings only when their sound no longer satisfies you.

2. Care Depending on the Finish Type

Wax Finish:

  • Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning. If necessary, you can lightly moisten the cloth with natural oil (such as linseed or lemon).
  • Periodically (every 6-12 months), renew the protective wax layer. We use antique wax by Borma, which can be gently applied with a soft cloth.
  • Avoid aggressive cleaning agents and water, as they can damage the protective layer.


Lacquer Finish

  • Wipe the instrument with a soft, dry cloth or a special polish cloth for lacquered surfaces.
  • If necessary, use a natural-based polish designed for musical instruments.
  • Do not use alcohol-based liquids, as they can dissolve the lacquer.

3. Bow Care

If your instrument comes with a bow, please follow these care recommendations:


The bow has fixed tension, so no adjustment is needed. Protect it from impacts and deformation.


The wooden bow is wax-coated, so it should be maintained like wax-finished instruments—wipe it with a soft, dry cloth and renew the wax layer if necessary.


The bow hair should be regularly cleaned with a soft, dry cloth to remove old rosin. Apply new rosin as needed.


Avoid touching the bow hair with your fingers, as oils from the skin can reduce its grip on the strings.

4. Additional Tips

Storage: Ideally, store the instrument in a case to protect it from dust and moisture. If no case is available, the best storage option is to hang it on the wall to prevent pressure on the body and possible deformations.


Bridge and Pegs: Regularly check their condition to prevent misalignment and loss of tension.


By following these recommendations, your instrument and bow will retain their beauty, sound quality, and longevity for many years!

Delivery and Service

1. Delivery

International shipments are handled by Ukrposhta, which cooperates with national postal operators in other countries. This means that once the package arrives in the destination country, it is transferred to your country's official postal service for further delivery. This service is responsible for customs clearance, sorting, and final delivery. You can collect your package at the nearest post office or receive it via courier, depending on the postal service conditions in your country.

During international shipping, the package may undergo customs inspection in the recipient's country. Depending on local laws, import taxes, duties, or additional fees may apply, which are the responsibility of the recipient. We recommend checking your country's customs regulations in advance to avoid unexpected costs or delivery delays.

2. Returns and Exchanges

We accept returns and exchanges within 14 days of delivery. If you wish to return an item, please ensure it is in its original condition and properly packaged to prevent damage during return shipping.


Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs, and if the item is returned in a condition different from how it was received, the buyer may be charged for any loss in value. If you have any questions regarding returns, feel free to contact us— we’re happy to assist you.

3. Warranty and Repairs

Our workshop takes great care in crafting high-quality instruments, but once the instrument is delivered, its storage, transportation, use, and safety become the full responsibility of the buyer. We are not liable for any loss, theft, damage, or other circumstances that may affect its condition after purchase.


If an issue arises despite proper storage and maintenance, our craftsmen will conduct an examination to determine the cause. Based on this assessment, we will offer possible repair solutions. If you have any concerns about your instrument’s condition, feel free to reach out to us.