How I made my first Pontian lyra ( kemenche )

This is a stringed bowed musical instrument coming from the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly Greece, Iran, Turkey, Armenia, and regions of the Black Sea. I made mine out of spruce mostly. This is not a traditional build, it's just the way I made it.
Tools and materials I propose:
Router: amzn.to/2pJoDEA
Carving gouge: amzn.to/2A5DaQH
Bandsaw: amzn.to/2pHj49v
Flat rasp: amzn.to/2ITVDm0
Round rasp: amzn.to/2A5EpPS
Flat file: amzn.to/2RHIMHH
Round file: amzn.to/2RHJ80Z
Spoke shave: amzn.to/2E74p1w
Mandolin tuning pegs:amzn.to/2A5V9GX
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, that at no cost to you, I get a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
For more information about his project, go here:
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[@carlosalerno98]

Ωραία δουλειά και ωραία ποντιακή λύρα! 🇬🇷💛🦅🖤
Ένα υπέροχο βράδυ από την Σικελία 🇮🇹🌃

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ

[@billxanthgr]

Πολύ όμορφη για πρώτη σου! Έκανες καλή δουλειά!!

[@user11000]

Τελειο Δημητρη, μπραβο σου!!!!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Ευχαριστώ Δημήτρη

[@repeataftermerestoration4179]

Im always amazed when you build a musical instrument , and even more amazed when you know how to play them all ... As always great work

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thanks. I can't really play this bowed one, but thanks!

[@danielmiskoidea]

Awesome work and great build guide!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you very much

[@That_One_Guy_In_A_Band]

I must say, I'm surprised you're from Greece. For someone from a foreign country, you speak English very well, or at least type in English very well. I've been subscribed for a while now, and I absolutely love the musical instruments you make, especially the guitars. In fact, you've inspired me to build my own travel guitar, so thank you for being an inspiration to me and I'm sure hundreds of other musicians who want to have their own unique instruments.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you very much for the nice words. Good luck on your build. Always awesome to hear that my builds inspired someone else to make something! :)

[@BrassLock]

That was a really interesting project, especially the extent of carving required and design of tailpiece. Quite amazing intonation and volume during the demonstration. I think you present a light-hearted approach to your work, inspiring others to have an enjoyable time experimenting and trying out unusual or historic instruments from different cultures.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you very much for the nice words

[@mechwarrior5727]

definitely thinking of making something like this, thanks for the ideas!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thanks for watching my friend

[@ricardodiaz524]

Greetings from Trabzon ♥️💙

[@nelsonw2096]

That's pretty sweet! The tailpiece design is pretty cool too!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thanks, they used for hundreds of years like that!

[@jolox.]

What a fun project! Cool video and beautiful instrument!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you

[@HeathKnuckles_Tasty_Timber]

Cool project SWC! Enjoyed the ending as well. 👌

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thanks man

[@johnkelley9877]

It looks great and I am really impressed by what you make with just basic tools.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you very much, glad you liked it

[@ZvikaDror]

I really loved the show! Thank you for sharing, will make sure to stay a fan!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you very much

[@davidpotter2245]

As a piano technician and luthier i say you did a very good job:) very nice woodworking!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you, I just try my best and learn along the way

[@BiggerFatterBlog]

Nicely done both the build and the video!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you

[@chrismead1464]

I have no idea how to work with wood like this, it turned out beautifully.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you

[@neopoulpa]

Λελέβω σε ! Άριστος τεχνίτης !

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Σε ευχαριστώ αδερφέ, να'σαι καλά! Υ’ εία , ευλογία και κατενόν καρδίαν.

[@materiagrezza9331]

I saw a similar instrument being played by members of the Greek community in Calabria (Italy). Obviously the shape was different and it was played with a radically different technique, but it still was a wonderful instrument. Anyway, that's a wonderful build.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Awesome! Certain regions in Italy have deep connection with Greek culture since ancient times! So it sounds normal to me to come across similarities in music!

[@valantistsiros1957]

Scrap wood City It's the Calabrian lyre that is used by the Greko people of Calabria that speak the Greko language.

[@user-oy4gf6ck5u]

Κάθε φορά σε θαυμάζω πιο πολύ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Εξαιρετικό !!!!!!!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ για τα καλά λόγια

[@amirjones7728]

Magnificent work!

[@matthieupaolucci9311]

i'm very impressed by how fast you work

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@stormmotions7612]

matthieu paolucci ... I can't tell if you're being serious or joking

[@NOLAMarathon2010]

Very impressive. And thanks for taking the time to set up each of your video shots.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@strumstrummer]

Fantastic work.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@antoineparant7197]

Whaou you are such a good artist !! I love your videos ! Great job man ! Keep up this very good work :)

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you very much

[@SuperAlbalawi]

amazing! I enjoyed this video .
My greetings to you from Saudi Arabia

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you very much, greetings from Greece

[@mustafakinik1519]

talal albalawi. son of a bitch arabc

[@thedarknights1856]

Turkey / karadeniz

[@kemenchebasics]

Interesting method you use for making the soundboard. It's usually made from a thin piece of spruce which is soaked in hot water then bent and dried. I think you've used the violin soundboard making method. Interesting nonetheless.

[@theopapadopoulos6152]

Was wondering if you could share the plans? Amazing build would love to learn how to make a lyra

[@CraftAndu]

Another awesome project!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you very much

[@olgapapadopoulou1580]

Φοβερή δουλειά, μπράβο!! 😊

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Ευχαριστώ πολύ

[@CowboyX1000]

Fantastic job!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@ANASTASIA-gq2cp]

Μπράβο!!!Καλή δουλειά!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Ευχαριστώ

[@zarahnator7764]

really nice instrument and video. Keep up the good work my friend!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@johndoe1765]

GREAT WORK I LOVE IT MAN KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you very much

[@georgesisterhen5702]

Great job, so creative, thanks

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@GPWoodworks]

I didn't realize that the music was gone until I read the comments. That's a really cool instrument.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you very much

[@KarwanShkur]

beautiful work done

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@BATMAN-sk2pq]

You have made it with a nice finishing

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thanks it's actually Nitro! I think the best choice would be shellac

[@74dartman13]

Really cool unusual instrument. Nice job! I really like how you do a lot of the work by hand and like all the nice planes and chisels that you use. Don't see that much anymore.👍😀

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you very much

[@74dartman13]

Scrap wood City yep!☺

[@Cactusworkshopchannel]

Beautiful instrument!! sounds really cool! I enjoyed peacefully the sounds of the tools without music. Very good sound quality btw! Did you use the mic in the final shot for all the video?

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thanks. No the mic was used only for the last scene, all the other sounds are from my camera's mic!

[@mihumus]

LOVE IT! Very interesting instrument and cool build as always. I need listen more, please. Great work friend. :)

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you my friend. It still needs a few fine turnings (lower the action a little bit ) and I also must learn how to play it! :))

[@SebastiaanMollema]

Well done! its impressive to make your own instruments from scratch!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@GenTal1969]

Wow that was the best ever, and you have done some amazing things in the past Groovy

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you very much

[@jacques8762]

Wonderful.
I'm a woodworker and double bassist.
Would you be willing to share the plans?

[@ArtStreet52]

Μπράβο ρε φίλε!!! Για άλλη μια φορά ένα εκπληκτικό όργανο!!! Peace and love! Sakis.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ, να'σαι καλά, Δημήτρης

[@KostasAnnikasDeftereos]

ρε τρελα εισαι απιστευτος !!!! βαλε καμια φωτο να δουμε ολα τα οργανα που εχεις φτιαξει μαζι !!!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Χαχα, έχω φωτό στο blog μου, τσέκαρε link στο description του video. Επίσης μόλις έφτιαξα και playlist στο you tube με όλα τα video που αφορούν κατασκευή οργάνων. Ευχαριστώ για τα καλά λόγια φίλε!

[@MarkMcCluney]

absolutely terrific vid mate, just knocked out by that! particularly liked the tailpiece. I've been thinking of making an Appalachian dulcimer for quite a while, I think you've just inspired me to get my backside in gear and just get on with it. thanks for sharing.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Awesome, it would be really interesting to watch your instrument build

[@MarkMcCluney]

Forgot also to say how impressed I was with the carving of the top. Those are super carving tools.
I've been threatening to start on some novelty musical instruments for ages now so I guess it's time to get it started - thanks for your encouragement mate. Okay, off to the workshop right now.

[@darkangle2753]

I am turkish I love it kemenche so great music and so great work wood so good

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you very much, greetings from Greece

[@monkeybuilds161]

amazing job! well done bro!!!!!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you my friend

[@MrHandwerk]

Are you a musician ? Find these projects totally great :)

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thanks. I play the guitar for many years but I am not a professional!

[@carlbowden4712]

Files sound so cool sped up.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

lol, Indeed

[@beratyalcn6668]

It's fascinating !!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@beratyalcn6668]

@@ScrapwoodCity what is the size of the wood you use ?

[@eddyyu7091]

So elegant !

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@Eric-lw4ih]

Great job! I like the lack of music. Much more relaxing to watch.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@davewilliams355]

Mate, you are seriously good.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you very much for the nice words my friend

[@darlingwood]

That's Work so great^^

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you

[@cobberpete1]

Of course there was no music ;0 We were waiting for the theme tune on the Pontian Lyra. Thanks SWC :D

[@ScrapwoodCity]

lol, thank you

[@kevinengland8209]

I would give 2 thumbs up for that,if I could.
Very Nice !!!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you very much

[@shenshenani5913]

That could be a very good dulcimer with a couple of modifications

[@user-sc6nm7tu4l]

Professional job! Great!!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you very much

[@ahmetalkan3296]

Very nice

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you

[@nikossof]

Είσαι φοβερός!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Ευχαριστώ πολύ για τα καλά λόγια

[@eddiegiraldo785]

FELICITACIONES MUY BUEN TRABAJO DESDE PALMIRA COLOMBIA

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@Mauroiltornitore]

Great!! You're a modern Stradivari!!! Ciao. Mauro

[@ScrapwoodCity]

lol, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Mukundanghri]

Impressive!

[@mustafakinik1519]

very nice

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@gayburrito5353]

Hey could you try and make a swedish "Träskofiol"? I think it would be fantastic

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thanks to your comment I learned about a new instrument. It's a pretty cool one. So thank you. Perhaps in future I will incorporate some of it's features on a new instrument. Or even make one!

[@gayburrito5353]

Thank you!!! It is made with a wooden clog that is sawed in half!

[@user-or4ng1wj3z]

bravo very good work

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ

[@markfisher9159]

Interesting musical instrument. I like your video :)
Mark

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you very much

[@jollyroger7624]

a work of art is pleasure for the heart !?

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Indeed

[@aymenhamdi8387]

Good work my frand 💜 💪😉

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@sapphodesigns2377]

Bravo..that's brilliant...I'd love to see it made with olive wood too...i have potianian roots so I love this project.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ, μακάρι να είχα τόση ελιά ξερή! Ποιος ξέρει, ίσως στο μέλλον!

[@sapphodesigns2377]

Your welcome ..

[@guillermoandrada6197]

Wowww, amazing!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you very much

[@guillermoandrada6197]

Excellent work. Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Awesome, greetings from Greece!

[@muzikkraftstudio6402]

Wow salute you sir

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@mitchwoodwork]

Nice!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thank you

[@margaritistakiskailos]

εξαιρετική δουλειά μπραβο σου! Είσαι ωραίος γιατί καταπιάνεσαι με διάφορα δίνεις κίνητρο κ σε μας τους ερασιτέχνες να δοκιμασουμε διάφορα!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Ευχαριστώ πολύ, κι εγώ ερασιτέχνης είμαι.

[@djentlike]

Great job, greetings from the United States

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you very much, greetings from Greece!

[@MarkMcCluney]

oh and I meant to say - I hope your theme tune is just taking a little New Year break and will be back soon!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

lol

[@richardsargent6997]

Sometimes called the Cretan Lyra, the Kermenche can be seen and heard in a recorded concert by Loreena McKennitt, filmed at the Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain. The concert is on You Tube.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Cretan lyra is differnent it's shape is more like a pear and it is played on the side of the player's nails. Kemenche is played by pressing the finger on the string like the violin. But you can also find the name kemenche to some other instruments. In the eastern Mediterranean and the black sea region this is the kemenche we know.

[@assisjaimedeoliveira5042]

Parabéns pelo trabalho! Tanks for had sharing it! Grettings!

[@huanrodriguez6884]

Μπράβο! Πολύ ωραίο βίντεο

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Ευχαριστώ πολύ

[@harkelan]

Amazing :00

[@sandymoonstone855]

ty

[@EmiLia-us4cz]

Amazing!! Hi from Australia

[@nickdienis5079]

SYGXARITIRIA EXEIS MEGALO TALENTO OTI BAZEI O NOUS SOU TO PETIXENEIS.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ αδερφέ, να σαι καλά

[@MoparMilan]

pretty good playing

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thanks, I can't really play bowed instruments, but thanks for the nice comment! :)

[@eddyyu7091]

Another good instrument, sir. The sound is a bit like the Chinese instrument Erhu. Good job !

[@denizbluemusic]

It also sounds like the Indian instrument Sarangi

[@Efthimiadis19]

Μπράβο που έφτιαξες τον κεμεντζε

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Ευχαριστώ αδερφέ, μην ξεχνάμε και τις ρίζες! ;)

[@theliftarmandbeam2121]

Have you thought of working in hardwoods at all? You've clearly got mad skills.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Actually hard woods are pretty hard to find in Greece where I am located. But just recently I found a hard wood dealer, so expect more nice woods on upcoming projects!

[@theliftarmandbeam2121]

I look forward to it!

[@alanfbrookes9771]

Looks good. Sounds good.
Now make one without using power tools.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

lol. Thank you

[@keefykeef]

I'm so glad that music has gone!!! Great video

[@ScrapwoodCity]

lol, thanks

[@zacterzo8986]

Μπράβο ωραία δουλειά!!! Πρέπει να είσαι επηρεασμένος από Κρητική λύρα 😝

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Ευχαριστώ. Η αλήθεια είναι ότι έχω πολλά περισσότερα κρητικά ακούσματα

[@EsfandiarNokhodaki]

Kemanche is Persian Word Which Means Little Bow!!!
In Iran We also have Kemanche Musical Instrument but completely is different!!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thank you for the info. I will do my research. The Persian kemanche is also a very beautiful instrument.

[@Hochjo]

What a beautiful lyra you found hiding in that ordinary piece of spruce! But, but... it just doesn't feel like Scrap Wood City without that sweet blues groove in the background. :-) Is that music (the usual blues you have in the background) an original composition, by the way?

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Thanks. My background music is my creation. For now I will keep the videos silent and see how it goes!

[@UntamedNight]

These sounds remind me of howtobasic so much hahaha :D

[@FSWoodworking]

Κομπλε το οργανακι. Μπραβο

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ αδερφέ

[@TheGxpana]

Είσαι μεγάλος. Τεμέτερον!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

χαχα, ευχαριστώ πολύ αδερφέ

[@RaVirrTheTrader]

Hell yeah! This was awesome!

[@robabnawaz]

fantastic

[@ScrapwoodCity]

thanl you

[@nikoskaravas903]

fovero!!!!👍👍👍

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Ευχαριστώ πολύ