Built by Sigurd Wallen • From the Ulf Stadig Family Collection • Svärdsjö, Sweden • 1980

Status: Available Price: €1,400 / $1,650 Shipping Worldwide

This charming Juniorharpa comes from the family collection of Ulf Stadig. Built in Svärdsjö in 1980, this instrument represents a thoughtful approach to making the nyckelharpa accessible to younger players and musicians with a smaller physical build. Rather than simply reducing the dimensions of a standard instrument, the maker carefully balanced size, weight and playability while preserving the unmistakable sound and spirit of the Swedish nyckelharpa.

At only 1.5 kg, this Juniorharpa is noticeably lighter than a standard chromatic nyckelharpa, making it comfortable to hold and play for extended periods.

Its smaller body, shorter scale length and reduced keyboard make it an excellent first instrument for children, teenagers and adults who prefer a lighter, more manageable nyckelharpa.

A rare opportunity to acquire a genuine Swedish Juniorharpa with documented provenance and authentic Scandinavian character.

This Juniorharpa features a shorter 34.5 cm scale length and a compact keyboard layout of 7–9–19 keys, allowing players with smaller hands to comfortably reach notes and develop proper technique.

Despite its reduced size, the instrument retains a full set of 12 sympathetic strings, creating the rich resonance and shimmering overtones that define the traditional Swedish nyckelharpa sound.

Its sound character combines:

• warm Scandinavian resonance,
• quick response under the bow,
• excellent note clarity,
• comfortable playability,
• and a surprisingly mature tonal presence for a compact instrument.

The instrument is particularly suitable for:

• children beginning their nyckelharpa journey,
• young musicians progressing from violin or fiddle,
• adults with a smaller body frame,
• folk music education,
• music schools and workshops,
• players seeking a lightweight travel instrument.

This instrument originates from the family collection of Ulf Stadig and represents a less common branch of Swedish nyckelharpa development focused on accessibility and education.

Juniorharpas of this quality are rarely encountered on the international market and are highly valued by teachers introducing young musicians to the instrument.

Its combination of authentic Swedish craftsmanship, practical dimensions and excellent condition makes it both a musical tool and an interesting piece of nyckelharpa history.

The gallery below presents detailed photographs of the instrument, including its compact body design, keyboard construction, traditional Swedish craftsmanship and decorative details.

If you would like additional information, sound recordings, videos or international shipping details, feel free to contact us.

More restored Scandinavian folk instruments and vintage nyckelharpas can be found at NH Polska.

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