Standard folk bandura
22 strings, with 5 basses and 17 trebles. My current stringing is built around D major.
Starosvitska / folk banduras
Custom folk banduras, repairs, and parts.
I build Starosvitska, or folk, banduras with 5 bass strings and 17 trebles. Each instrument is quoted individually around the player's tuning, wood choices, ornamentation, and intended use.
22 strings
5 bass
17 treble
D major
Why this instrument
The bandura found me in Lebedyn.
I first learned about the bandura while living in Ukraine as a Peace Corps volunteer in Lebedyn, Sumy Oblast. The instrument stayed with me: part voice, part harp, part carved object, and very much tied to the stories people carry with them.
My focus is the smaller folk tradition, not the modern concert or Poltava styles. I like the directness of the older form: a practical instrument, built by hand, with room for the musician's personality.
Custom builds
Folk banduras, made one at a time.
A standard build is based on a 22-string Starosvitska layout. From there, details can change: woods, finish, decoration, bridge work, pegs, string plan, and setup.
Custom decoration
Wood selection, etched designs, inlay, finish, and small details can be shaped around the player.
Kobza inquiries
I may be willing to attempt a kobza build as a commissioned project if the right person wants to explore it.
Featured custom work
A jazz musician's bandura with frettable bass strings.
This build pushed the folk-bandura format in a more experimental direction: frettable bass strings, bottom tuning pins, secondary bridges, custom wood inlay, and etched ornamentation.
- Frettable bass-string area
- Bottom-mounted tuning pins
- Secondary bridge design
- Custom inlay and etched soundboard work
Repairs and parts
Keeping older folk banduras playable.
I can repair older Starosvitska / folk banduras, depending on condition and the work needed. I do not currently repair concert or Poltava-style banduras.
Pricing is difficult because these requests are rare, but I know people like to see a starting point. The prices below are starting prices and may change depending on need, wood, design, and shipping.
Strings and tuning
My baseline setup is D major.
My gauge choices are based on metal strings and my usual D major tuning. I am open to other tunings if you can provide direction, preferred gauges, or enough detail for us to reason through the setup.
D
bass
G
bass
A
bass
Bass Strings
My bass reference is D-G-A.
| Note | Frequency | Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| D3 | 146.83 Hz | 52/50, depending |
| G3 | 196.00 Hz | 48 |
| A3 | 220.00 Hz | 40 |
Mid / Treble Strings
The middle voice of the D major setup.
| Note | Frequency | Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| D4 | 293.66 Hz | 34 |
| G4 | 392.00 Hz | 30 |
| A4 | 440.00 Hz | 28 |
| D5 | 587.33 Hz | 26 |
| E5 | 659.25 Hz | 22 |
| F#5 | 739.99 Hz | 20 |
| G5 | 783.99 Hz | 20 |
| A5 | 880.00 Hz | 18 |
| B5 | 987.77 Hz | 28 |
Upper Treble Strings
The higher register of the metal-string setup.
| Note | Frequency | Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| C#6 | 1108.73 Hz | 16 |
| D6 | 1174.66 Hz | 16 |
| E6 | 1318.51 Hz | 14 |
| F#6 | 1479.98 Hz | 14 |
| G6 | 1567.98 Hz | 12 |
| A6 | 1760.00 Hz | 12 |
| B6 | 1975.53 Hz | 12 |
| C#7 | 2217.46 Hz | 12 |
| D7 | 2349.32 Hz | 12 |
| E7 | 2637.02 Hz | 10 |
Finished Banduras
Completed folk banduras.
A closer look at finished Starosvitska / folk banduras. Open the section to inspect the full set.
Finished Banduras Completed Starosvitska / folk banduras 17 photos
Beyond banduras
I have been a lifelong historical reenactor. If you want to see the other things I have made, visit my Instagram page.
More Work
Jazz bandura details, in process work, and other instruments.
Jazz Bandura Details Custom modifications, inlay, etched work, bridges, and string layout 6 photos
In Process Work Build photos and short shop videos 5 photos, 3 videos
Other Instruments Other handmade string instruments and related bench work 8 photos
Questions
Common commission questions.
Do you only build folk banduras?
At this time, yes. I focus on Starosvitska folk banduras. I may be willing to attempt a kobza as a commissioned project. I do not build concert or Poltava-style banduras.
Can you repair older instruments?
I can repair older Starosvitska / folk banduras depending on condition. I do not currently repair concert or Poltava-style banduras.
Can you build for alternate tunings?
Possibly. My standard setup is based around D major, with bass strings tuned D-G-A. Other tunings depend on customer guidance and string-gauge direction.
Do you ship?
Yes. Shipping is paid by the customer and is separate from the quoted price. Continental U.S. shipping is usually around $80, though final cost can vary.
How long does a build take?
It depends on the build and customization. A standard folk bandura usually takes about three months.
Do you keep banduras in stock?
Usually, no. Most work is custom, but you are welcome to ask. I may be in the middle of a build or have started one that can be finished more quickly.
Start the conversation
Tell me what you want to build, repair, or explore.
For custom work, the best first step is a short note with the kind of project, desired tuning, design preferences, timeline, and any photos you already have.
Fill out the form or email me directly at james.etherton@gmail.com.
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