Kantele Making Plans Paperback – September 25, 2025

This is the plans-only edition, a replacement for the old posters available with the Kantele Making CD-ROM or download edition or for people without a printer themselves, available anywhere in the world books are available, Print on Demand. This book has full-size plans split into a multi-page format for you to cut out and paste together. Discover the art of kantele making with the comprehensive KANTELE MAKING Plans Book by Michael J. KingIncluded Plans: ◦ 5-String Kantele: The oldest version of the instrument and an excellent starting point for new builders. ◦ 11-String Kantele: One of the author’s most popular instruments, with detailed cutting lists and plans.◦ 15-String Drone Kantele: A large instrument known for its distinct resonant sound, sympathetic drones, and ability to create a “wave of sound.” It serves as a great alternative to the drone monochord for meditation or ensemble playing.Each of these plans includes a cutting list, stringing guides with plans in a multi-page format to cut out and paste/tape together, or trace or photocopy. Also included in the back of the book: The Piccolo Kantele: A redesigned 2025 model, travel instrument with a clear octave pitch from the standard model, a 10-String Kantele pattern from the author’s old model, favoured by some for chordal playing, in outline form and a front plan for a short-scale Bronze-Strung 10-String Kantele: a custom instrument with a unique “bell-like, warmer metallic tone”.164 Pages 8.5 x 11” white paper5, 11, 15-string Kantele Full-size plans multi-page formatCutting lists and stringing charts for each instrumentPiccolo Kantele plansFront plans/patterns for 10-string Kanteles, Bronze and Steel strung versionsThe second book, The Construction Manual for 5-String Kanteles, and this plan book were released simultaneously. A third book, focusing on the 11-string kantele, will be out in mid-2026.Michael J King, a designer and maker of musical instruments with over 20 years of experience, shares his passion for folk and early music traditions, inspiring a global audience through his work. This book reflects his commitment to inspiring the next generation of makers, ensuring a successful and fulfilling building experience. Read more