Joy of Sound JOS 6 STRINGS KRAR Instructions for use

JOS 6 STRINGS KRAR
CONSTRUCTION INSTRUCTIONS
TOOLS REQUIRED
Drill, Drill bits: 6mm (fixings) , 2mm (tuning machines), 1mm (string holes)
Fine File, M6 Hex wrench, Screwdriver, Chisel, Saw, Sanding drum, Sandpaper
Varnish or paint as preferred
MAIN COMPONENTS
1 –DRUM (can be fixed or tuneable, preferably
synthetic head, 10” on the images but can be of
any size)
2 –CONNECTORS (4 wooden dowels of any
suitable shape: this tutorial based on the same
diameter round dowels)
3 –POSTS (2 wooden dowels 22-25mm diam and
600mm length) Hard wood (ash, oak, etc) is
preferred for construction due to its superior
structural properties. (Though a broom handle
would work as well)
4 –TUNING MACHINE HEAD (wood, approx
15mm thick, 9” wide)
5 –TUNING MACHINES (6 rail guitar machine
heads but single machine heads can be used)

FIXINGS
6 –M6 PENNY WASHERS 20-25 OD
7 –M6x16 CROSS DOWEL BARREL NUTS
8 –M6x30 SOCKET CUP BOLTS (though any
other suitable head type can be used)

CLEARANCES
The connector blocks
which support the posts are
fitted to the shell of the
drum, and must clear the
protruding hoop of the
drumskin.
This may be achieved in two ways:
1. Cut the blocks from the dowelling used for the
posts Clearance can then achieved by spacers,
such as saddle or plain washers (6)
2. Cut an ‘L’ shaped block from the piece of wood
used for the tuning machine head.
Height of the blocks (2) is determined by the
height of the drum (1) plus 1-3MM extra to provide
clearance between the drum's head and posts (3).
Holes for M6 bolts can be drilled at 7-8MM for
liberating tolerances .)
For tuned drums, where the diameter of the head is larger then the diameter of the
body,
additional spacers required between connectors and the drum body.
Nylon saddle washers is a smooth way connecting all components together
Half section view
of the connector

25 mm
STRING SPACING
When connecting head (4) to posts (3) make
sure that distances (A & B) from outer strings to
the posts are the same.
Its easier to have the head to be of an
excessive length (i.e. 11+”) and the excesses to
be cut off once the correct distances had been
established, drilled and bolted.
The head can be positioned below or above the
bars
The spacing of the tuning machine posts, and therefore the holes to accommodate
them, is preset if a single strip of 6 machine heads is used. Otherwise space the
holes 25mm apart.
Ideally bottom blocks (2) should be positioned slightly below the bottom of the drum
in order to act as “feet” for the instrument, allowing it to be positioned upright on the
horizontal surfaces.

ALIGNMENT OF POSTS
Bottom blocks to be installed first in order to align the posts
symmetrically
STRING FITTING
6 holes of 1mm diam and spaced approx 4-5mm
apart to be drilled to accommodate strings.
Strings are terminated inside of the drum with a
“figure eight” or any other suitable end knot

BRIDGES
The bridge has a triangular profile, with one steep side
and one shallow. It features a wide bass to prevent
‘flipping’.
The shallow side may optionally be shaped into a curve
by removing material with a chisel and sanding (to reduce
the mass of the bridge)
It should be positioned around 60 –70mm from the base
of the instrument, with the steep side towards the base of
the instrument.
Then double sided sticky tape may be used to fix the
bridge in place on the drum head surface
It should have slots to accommodate the strings cut on
the top edge made with a fine file, with the depth such
that around 2/3 of the sting is still protruding.
HEALTH & SAFETY, NOTES
Always use adequate personal protection equipment (PPI), such us protective eyewear and dust masks (if working with
hardwoods).
Woodworking drilling bits are highly recommended as they do not lift drilled material up as twist drills do and deliver better
precision.
When drilling recesses to accommodate bolt heads proceed with a larger diameter woodworking drilling bit first to the depth
required to flush the head, then a smaller diameter through.
When drilling through holes use scrap wood as a pad for a better finish of exit hole.
Utilizing a vise capable of securing round dowels is also recommended for cutting and drilling.

PARTS and SUPPLIERS
Drums: There are many options for drums, both tuneable and fixed head. We have used 8 inch drums for convenience –
larger 10 or 12 inch options are viable. Generally higher quality = higher price! It is also possible to buy a cheaper tuneable
drum and replace the skin with a more expensive better quality type)
Tuning Machines: these are generally available from local music shops in standard guitar configuration (2 x strips of three).
They are cheaper on line, and may also be purchased as individual items (which means you can vary the spacing) and as 2 x
strips of 6-in-a-row (meant for 12-string guitars). These have the advantage of being easy to fit and easy to line up for hole
drilling etc. (Note –suppliers from China are much cheaper, but have long delivery times)
Woods: oak planking and pine dowelling are commonly available at local timber merchants. Hardwood dowelling is available
on-line.
Hardware: components are standard B&Q, Screwfix or local hardware shop items.
Strings: Nylon filament such as Fishing line are easily available in a variety of thicknesses. They are cheap, but usually come
in lengths of 10 –40 metre spools, so wasteful if you are only making one or two instruments. Alternatively Harp strings can
be purchased on-line –these are available as nylon or gut if preferred, they are expensive but you can try variations to suit. Or
you could use a set of Classical Guitar strings (though these will include wound bass strings which give a different character to
the instrument).
Part
Example
Supplier
Cost
Drum
Stagg Tuneable HAW-008
Rockmusicshop, & various on ebay
£16.99
Stagg 14884 Pre-tuned (fixed)
Amazon
£8.97
Remo Frame Drum (fixed)
Knock on Wood
£14.99
Meinl NINO43 (fixed)
Gear-4-music
£23.00
Tuning Machines
6R6L 12 String Machines Chrome
From China via ebay
£8.49
12 String Western Machine Heads
Instruments-4-music
£17.90
Woods
Ash Dowel 22.5 mm 1 metre
G&S Specialist Timber
£3.15 ea
Oak offcuts
Local timber yard
£10 - £20
Strings
200, 150, 100 lb x 10 metres
Local fishing shop
£2.49 ea
40,50,60 lb, 40 metres
Local fishing shop
£3.50 ea
Harp strings 4th octave C, E
3rd octave G, D, F
2nd octave E
Bow Brand from camacharps.co.uk
£5.00 ea
£ 4.25 ea
£3.75
Guitar set