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String instruments from Siberia

There are two types of stringed instruments in Siberian musical tradition: played by plucking and by bow. Instruments played by plucking may have 2 or 3 strings. They are close by outward appearance and playing principles, but have different names in different Siberian places: topshuur in Altai, dushtuur in Tuva, homyz in Khakassia. Instruments with bow are ikili in Altai, igil in Tyva and etc. Archaic tradition of playing on such instruments in Siberia is combining of two playing principles with one instrument. It means that on the same instrument they can play by bow and also by plucking. In khakass tradition there is a chadhan musical instrument, a sort of china citra.
The best musical masters of Altai and Khakassia may make all types of stringed instruments by your order. Cost depend on type.
Also in our internet market you can buy strings suitable for Siberian instruments. All strings are from Martin Guitar Company. More information about strings see on page other.

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Topshuur

Topshuur is a double- or  thirdstringed instrument sacred in Altai. It is an instrument of shaman-narrators kaichy, thay traveled by it in words of heroic eposes and baatyrs.  All Altaic eposes begin from well-being wish to topshuur. It may be made with leather or only of wood.
On the photo al left (smaller) is topshuur made by Altaian master Udanov. It's made of cedar with leather front. Authentic instrument, sound is not loud, soft.
Second instrument of the photo is made by khakass master Charkov, front is made of wood, as soon as all instrument. Sort of wooden: spruce, beech. Sound is loud, bright. The best instrument for concerts.
Costs is about $270-385
Make only by order, are not in stock.

The ikili is a traditional double-stringed instrument from Altai with bow, without frets. The finger-board is made of beech, top is decorated with bull head, ears are made of leather. Front of the body is made of natural leather, it makes sound deep and alive. Pegs are wooden. Every string consists of lots of thin nylon strings, bow is nylon too, simple and authentic - willow branch.
Width of body - 20 cm
Height - 95 cm
Weight - 1 kg

Hand made
Cost is $400 without shipping
To order

Topshuur from Altai

Professional instrument from Mountain Altai. It is with frets, made of wood, 7 different sorts. On the front of the body there is an image of racing horse, on the back - national patterns.

Hand made
Цена $ 425 without shipping
To order