Folk Instruments
Everything published on Viyolens under Folk Instruments — reviews, buying advice and how-tos written for players and producers in the UK.
Dulcimer: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Two instruments share the name, several tunings and a lot of jargon. Here is what genuinely matters before you buy one.
The Best Dulcimers for the Money
There's no single best dulcimer, only the right tier for the player you are now. Here's how to find yours.
Ocarina: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Before you buy an ocarina, know what actually matters: tuning, hole count, material and fingering — and the warning signs worth walking away from.
Harp: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Lever or pedal, new or used, nylon or gut — a patient, unhurried walk through everything worth checking before you commit to your first harp.
The Ultimate Guide to Banjo
The banjo's true history, the difference between five-string and tenor, open-back and resonator, and how to choose your first instrument by the music you want to play.
Harp Explained: Features, Types and Tips
From the chordophone basics to Sébastien Érard's 1810 pedal mechanism, here's what actually separates a lever harp from a pedal harp — and where each one turns up in music.
Dulcimer Explained: Features, Types and Tips
One name, two instruments. Here is what actually separates the mountain dulcimer from the hammered dulcimer, and how each one works.
Ocarina Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A pocket-sized clay egg that sings a full melody — here's how the ocarina actually works, the types worth knowing, and the history behind it.
Harp for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Nervous about starting the harp? Here's the reassuring, unhurried truth about your first instrument, your first lessons and your first shaky months.
The Best Ocarinas for the Money
There's no single best ocarina — just the right one for your budget and how far you want to take it. Here's how the price tiers actually break down.
Ocarina for Beginners: A Complete Guide
You can get a clear note out of an ocarina in your first sitting. A patient, step-by-step guide to your first tune and your first fortnight of practice.
Common Ocarina Mistakes to Avoid
From overblowing to skipping the tuner, here are the ocarina mistakes almost every player makes early on — and the simple fixes for each one.
Dulcimer for Beginners: A Complete Guide
You can get a real tune out of this instrument in your first week. Here is exactly how to start, without wasting money or getting discouraged.
