Phorminx (7 or 9 strings) – ancient string instrument with vibrato
1,480.00 € – 1,640.00 €
This is a replica of a phorminx, an advanced and sophisticated string instrument of ancient Greece. At first glance, it might look like a lyre. Look closer though and you will realize that it is enhanced with a simple but very thoughtful mechanism able to produce vibrato (also known as tremolo) and portamento, giving to ancient and modern phorminx players a lot of abilities: to add expression to their music, to add a lot of sharps and flats, to allow every version of the diatonic scale to start at any point on the chromatic scale, etc.
The phorminx (in ancient Greek φόρμιγξ) was one of the oldest ancient Greek string instruments and in many senses a forerunner of the more elaborated ancient Kithara, as it was the first ancient instrument that ancient Greeks introduce a basic spring mechanism for a richer sound and a “sweet” vibrato effect. Visually, it was recognizable due to its crescent-shaped soundbox. It almost probably originated from Mesopotamia.
LUTHIEROS Phorminx has 7 strings, and it is a compact and very light musical instrument, making it the obvious choice for anyone (academic, musician, storyteller, etc.) willing to carry it with them, exhibiting how advanced the ancient instruments were, and cause awe to their audience, no matter how big or small. A 9-strings version is also available, giving a chromatic range of a full octave. With the use of harmonics and other advanced playing techniques, a 7-strings or 9-strings phorminx can produce three to four full octaves, including sharps and flats!
1,480.00 € – 1,640.00 €
Endorsed by the Best
Great performers using LUTHIEROS Phorminx
Historic Accuracy & Playability
It's not a battle. It's about finding the right balance.
^ A muse playing the phorminx. Muses were the inspirational goddesses of literature, science, and the arts. The rock on which she is seated bears the inscription ΗΛΙΚΟΝ / Hēlikon. Attic White-Ground Lekythos, Achilles Painter, 440–430 BC.
< A muse playing the phorminx. Muses were the inspirational goddesses of literature, science, and the arts. The rock on which she is seated bears the inscription ΗΛΙΚΟΝ / Hēlikon. Attic White-Ground Lekythos, Achilles Painter, 440–430 BC.
Bringing Ancient Artifacts Back to Life
To handcraft premium ancient-replicas with a focus to the modern musician, you have to research a lot, analyze hundreds of ancient depictions, build a lot of prototypes, test them with great musicians, etc.
And all of these, to conclude to meaningful compromises that have to be made, that are both deeply justified and make sense in terms of usability/playability. All in all, our ultimate goal is to serve the modern musician, and to bring ancient artifacts back to life as fully functional musical instruments.
Manufactured at the premises of the ancient Europos (Northern Greece) by a family of musicians and luthiers, the LUTHIEROS Phorminx is made exclusively using natural materials available during the antiquity. All parts are made of quality wood with great musicality, the tuning pegs are made by ebony and mulberry wood, while the plectrum is manufactured by wood.
This ancient artifact was evolved to become a modern musical instrument ready to be used by both amateur and professional musicians. For all the minor (but very important) alterations, top-notch technologies were used during the prototyping phase (such as 3d Modeling and rapid prototyping) as part of University-based research by members of LUTHIEROS family. Key collaborations include the International Hellenic University and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
References
Koumartzis et al. (2015). A New Music Instrument from Ancient Times: Modern Reconstruction of the Greek Lyre of Hermes using 3D Laser Scanning, Advanced Computer Aided Design and Audio Analysis. Journal of New Music Research. 44. 324-346.
Maas, M. & McIntosh Snyder, J. (1989). Stringed Instruments of Ancient Greece, New Haven.
Sachs, C. (1940). The History of Musical Instruments, New York.
Various authors (2012). Greek Musical Instruments: Research in visual and written sources (2000 B.C. - 2000 A.D.), Teloglion Foundation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Our research is featured in major media:
With Each Order You Will Receive
Delivery
Lifetime guarantee
Tuning and maintenance guide
Instrument report
Superior strings
Every instrument handcrafted by LUTHIEROS is shipped with sugarcane strings, mindfully sanctioned to match the needs of our ancient-inspired musical instruments by the world-renowned “Aquila Corde Armoniche.” We choose sugarcane strings as a default due to their soothing sound, and durability.
Additionally, you can order our Premium Gut Strings here, explicitly produced for LUTHIEROS musical instruments in collaboration with top string manufacturers around Europe.
A pack of extras
Including a wooden plectrum, along with extra small gifts to say "thank you" for making our family's dream possible!
All You Need to Know
An exclusive book featuring ancient & modern melodies, all you need to know about the ancient Greek modes, a glimpse into ancient Greek music theory with Aristoxenus, information about the role of the lyre in Classical Greece, how it came to be a universal symbol of music and much more about the ancient lyre by professors and scholars! A premium publication and a must-have introduction to the lyre world.
Ancient music album
A music album featuring some of the most talented performers around the world, with authentic ancient melodies and modern compositions.
Someone you can trust
We love what we do, and we deeply care about our musicians.
It's about time to experience our top-notch customer care.
"All of these beautiful lyres, lovingly hand-crafted by Luthieros are indeed, divine artifacts, reintroduced into the modern world… " - Michael Levy, a world-renowned lyre player. Read his extended review here.
"Electric guitars are very often provided with vibrato, tremolo or whammy bars. That concept was in fact invented by the ancient Greeks twenty four hundred years ago. Kithara was a musical instrument very popular during the Golden Age of Ancient Greece. This is a reproduction that was made by the Greek master luthier Anastasios Koumartizis of Luthieros Music Instruments." - Peter Pringle, a professional Canadian musician, and well-known ancient instruments player. Watch his extended video review here.
"Can't be happier with my lyre! Learning how to play this amazing piece of art! The lyre has amazing finishes and you can feel it's made with love and skilfull hands." - Jaume Gual Bennàssar, Balearic Islands, Spain (verified review through Etsy.com).
Our family is world-renowned for its dedication, love and care. Here are some amazing reviews concerning our whole product range!
"It’s handcrafted with such care and the materials are fine and well chosen. It arrived to us safely all the way from Greece and we were able to track it all the way so we always knew what was happening." - Rachel Loeb, Los Angeles, U.S.A. (verified review through Etsy.com).
"Amazing company! I was very skeptical about ordering an instrument online but it was packaged very safely and arrived in such a timely manner! Luthieros also has some of the best communication skills I've ever encountered with a company, I had many questions that were all answered with great detail shortly after I asked them." - Batherus Batherus, New York, U.S.A. (verified review through Etsy.com).
"The Koumartzis familia have been making replicas of ancient Greek instruments for many years, used by famous lyre players. They also contribute to their musical passions through research and collaborations." - Ancient History Encyclopedia. Read the extended tribute here.
"My ancient Kithara, handcrafted by Luthieros Music Instruments, is for me a very interesting challenge. As an instrument is both old and new. It carries a history of many centuries and at the same time_ it is a very modern challenge that requires a creative approach to musical archetypes. After many experiments […] I discover that this instrument has but many extensions and features that are not noticeable at first glance. The construction is both sturdy and thin, and made of quality woods, which are eclectic, stylish and durable." - Ross Daly, a professional world musician of Irish descent.
"Absolutely fantastic! A truly wonderfully crafted instrument. I can’t put it down. It feels wonderful to play and is transporting me back in time." - Sarah Tilsley, West Sussex, U.K. (verified review through Etsy.com).
Add a Premium Gigbag
Multi-purpose protection
Water-resistant, dust-proof, and shock-absorbing thanks to its extra reinforced power-padding!
Beautifully designed to the detail
An impressive black / deep red color with many small details that add up to a premium product: color-coordinated features, ancient-inspired embroidery, top-quality zippers, and clippers, breathable back, extra reinforced straps, water-resistant and dust-proof materials.
Ergonomic design
Extra-thick
No extra shipping cost
Phorminx (7 or 9 strings) – ancient string instrument with vibrato
1,480.00 € – 1,640.00 €
