Kora Options

You can then add any of the following to our koras All prices include fitting. We have made some suggestions at the bottom of this page, eg. a Professional Kora but you are free to add any components you like.

Bubinga Neck and Handles. This wood has a beautiful rich colour, but is considerably heavier than Sapele. £125 (£50 deposit)

STRUCTURAL OPTIONS

Extra String (includes a treble machine head and string) £20 (£10 deposit)

Treated calabash interior (strengthens, brightens the

tone and increases volume) £25 (£10 deposit)

Bass chrome machine head replacing a treble (enables more tension and thicker or twisted strings to be used) Price per machine head £10 (£5 deposit) Black or Gold are also available at extra cost.

Fluorocarbon (KF) strings (only recommended for experienced players) £50 (£20 deposit) NB. We sometimes use nylon for the higher pitch strings .

AMPLIFICATION OPTIONS

Our kora amplification systems use our own Piezo Pad. This is a Piezo transducer actually built into the pad that fits under the bridge.

Piezo Pad with Shadow EC22 which has a second mic (condenser) that sits in the soundhole, along with the volume/blend controls. Chrome 1/4” jack connection £280 (£150 deposit)

Piezo Pad with Artec preamp endpin. Chrome 1/4” jack connection £110 (£50 deposit)

Piezo Pad with Fishman Powerjack preamp (chrome 1/4” jack connection) £150

(£60 deposit)

Professional Kora

Treated Calabash
Red Deer Skin
Piezo Pad with Artec Endpin preamp
Decorated Calabash
5 Bass Machine Heads
Fluorocarbon Strings

£760 (£230 deposit)

DECORATION & FINISH OPTIONS

Patterned neck band inlay. Choice of bandings available. £95 (£35 deposit)

Diamond-shaped abalone shell inlaid (each) Can be inlaid into the bridge or the neck £20 each

Gold-coloured treble machine heads instead of Chrome Includes matching eyelets £20 (£10 deposit)

Decoration of the kora body. Extra tacks in silver, black or gold colour can be added in a variety of designs from £25 (£10 deposit)

Stained Neck, Bridge, Handles and Cross bar Gives a very rich and dark co-ordinated effect £30 (£10 deposit)

Personalised initialed plaque (up to three initials). £15

Personalised initialed bridge (up to three initials). £30

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Black machine treble heads instead of Chrome. Includes matching eyelets. £20 (£10 deposit)

Maple Neck. This wood is traditionally used in guitar making and is strong but lighter than Bubinga. £35 (£15 deposit)

Casamance Kora

Extra bass string
Treated Calabash
Decorated Calabash
3 Bass Machine Heads

£550 (£150 deposit)

SUGGESTIONS

Ebonised Bubinga neck, handles plus an Ebony bridge. The neck, handles and crossbar are treated using a traditional process which turns it a deep black. Finely sanded and finished, with large brass harp eyelets. £210 (£100 deposit)

Ebonised Kora

Decorated Calabash
Ebonised Bubinga neck, handles and crossbar with an Ebony bridge
Gold-plated Schallers
Bronze eyebolt

£1075 (£400 deposit)

Marquetry Kora

Inlay Banding
Gold coloured machine heads
Bronze Eyebolt
Decorated Calabash
Personalised Plaque
Abalone inlay on bridge point

£680 (£300 deposit)

Schalller Gold-plated machine heads instead of Chrome. Includes harp eyelets £340

Hand-cast Polished Bronze Eyebolt (replaced Stainless steel one) Price to be confirmed - estimate £50

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UK made kora body using Red Deer skin. We have discovered it gives a wonderful tone and volume. £50 to £100 depending on availability. (£20 deposit)

In addition to PayPal we accept bank transfer, cash or cheque

Please do contact us if you want any advice or help. We provide a very personal service and most koras are made to order.