N'goni are West African harps, sometimes called 'hunters harps.' They are rhythm harps that are similar to the well known Kora, only having less strings and being slightly different in construction. Most often, N'goni have six or ten strings. The base section is made from a large calabash (gourd) with a goat skin stretched over an opening in the top and fastened with brass taks on the sides. The bridge sits on top of the goat skin and connects the strings from the base of the N'goni to the neck where they are tuned. Click on the image for more pictures.
The calabash section of these N'goni have been made in Bobo Dialasso in Burkina Faso and are purchased in support part of the 'La Roue Tourne' orphanage project. As a complete instrument, N'goni are fairly fragile, and to avoid transit damage, the rest of the instrument (the neck, handles etc) are made in Aotearoa (New Zealand) by Jeremy Cloake. They are then shipped in kitset form with detailed instructions and online support (email and video) regarding how to assemble and tune them. Assembly is straightfoward and once tuned they require little maintenance other than the occasional tuning adjustments, like any string instrument. They can also be sent as fully made and tuned instruments, however this can be expensive because of the amount of packaging required to ensure safe transit.
Most often the N'goni here are made specifically to order. Upon request, they can be customised with top quality Gotoh machine heads (for tuning). Different types of wood can be used for the neck, handles and bridge, however this is subject to availability. The way that they are made ensures that the sound is clean and they are well suited for professional recording use, or simply enjoyed as a musical instrument. Pick-ups for recording and performance can also be supplied.
They are made with 10 strings (pentatonic tuning), unless specified otherwise. Because of the tuning, all of the strings sound good together, so it is impossible to play a 'bad note.' This makes it easy for anybody to play and enjoy. The N'goni is held with both hands and the strings are plucked with the thumbs and index fingers. The hand positioning feels very natural and most often people comment on how easy it is to get a good sound and how enjoyable it is. They are rhythm harps and are typically played by repeating cycles and adding improvisations within the timing of the cycle.
Also included with each N'goni is a secure instrument stand so they look good in your home and are protected from falling over. For further information click on the links below, or send us an email to discuss any questions you might have.
