Viking and other Early Musical Instruments by Mark Shiner
Mark Shiner lives and works in the old Norse settlement of Hamnavoe – now known as Stromness – in the Orkney Islands.
He is a harpmaker as well as a general luthier making authentic Viking panpipes, Sutton Hoo lyres, bowed psaltries, combalins, mandolins and carrying out instrument repairs and violin restoration.
He hopes to gradually expand the range available through these pages so watch this space.
Jorvik 5 Hole Pipes
Like the original set found at Jorvik this set plays five notes, A,B,C,D,E - all naturals.
Information leaflet and instructions included.
Decoration is taken from a bone comb found at Snusgar in Orkney in 2007. The original Jorvik set is very plain. Please ask if you wish the decoration omitted.Price £17.00 +£1.50p&p
Jorvik 7 Hole Pipes
Single octave set plays A,B,C,D,E,F,G – all naturals.
This versatile set allows for a wide range of authentic, period musical expression.
Information leaflet and instructions included.
Decoration is taken from a bone comb found at Snusgar in Orkney in 2007. The original Jorvik set is very plain. Please ask if you wish the decoration omitted.Price £17.00 +£1.50p&p
The vIPOD
Based on the 5 Hole Pipe, this is a great gift idea for the authenticity obsessive in your life, or perhaps the teenager!
We think it probably stores an infinite number of tunes if linked to a compatible musical brain.
Perfect for film work as it will not be spotted until long after the film is released, giving movie trivia buffs something to do.Price £17.00 +£1.50p&p
Sutton-Hoo Lyre
Mark has set out to make an affordable Sutton Hoo Lyre which plays well and sounds good. This instrument is slightly smaller than the original and more closely matches an early 8th Century example. Body is Scottish Ash with a Sycamore or Maple soundboard.
Length 20 1/8“
Width 7 1/8”Pricing
Maple with rosewood pegs and nylon strings £170
Maple with boxwood pegs and gut strings £250
This instrument can be discreetly electrified, please add £75.
Carriage is by overnight special delivery at £19 including packaging.
Jorvik Viking Pan-Pipes
In the mid 1970’s at Jorvik (York U.K.), a set of wooden panpipes was excavated in an area known as the Coppergate.
The original Jorvik set had five holes when found and although it was broken, still played when the mud had been cleared out! Arguably it may have played seven notes, but some scholars believe it only ever played five.
Mark has reproduced three models based on this find, hand made from a variety of hardwoods recycled from his harp making and the local Orcadian Bodhran maker Eoin Leonard.
Individually tuned, these are serious instruments for the re-enactor, bard, skald or early musician but also great fun for children; perhaps the harmonica of its day.
Basic sets begin at A and rise in a natural minor scale. Alternative tunings are available by special order at extra cost.
Jorvik 5 Hole Pipes
Jorvik 7 Hole Pipes
The vIPODSutton-Hoo Lyre
Sutton-Hoo LyrePlease Email Mark for ordering and further information.
