Kumbengo Koras

Accessories & Parts

Strings, Pickups, Bridges, Necks

Note: to purchase any of the items below please contact us,

Tel.: 719 588 4973

email: info@kumbengokoras.com

In response to numerous requests we decided to offer sets of Kora Strings as well as individual replacement strings. This is the same strings we use on our custom built koras, made from high quality, instrument grade, monofilament nylon.

We put together five different sets, extra light to heavy. Each set contains 11 gauges of string, carefully balanced to provide even temper over the entire range of the kora. The sets are comprised of solid strings ranging from .020 through .060 as well as custom wound bass strings from .071 through .096. The strings are packaged by gauge and numbered to allow for easy installation.

We mainly use the heavy gauge set on our koras when they are tuned to G or F, lighter sets as we go higher, up to the light set which we use for koras in C. However, we advise players to choose lighter sets unless all doubt about the structural integrity of the individual instrument may be safely dismissed. In general, heavier strings provide a warmer, mellower sound but require greater tension to achieve maximum volume, lighter gauges tend to be brighter but require less tension.

We also offer a universal set for players who wish to experiment with different string gauges. This set includes all 11 gauges of solid string plus 4 different gauges of wound string.

We are happy to assist in the selection of the proper string gauge for your instrument.

Extra Light Gauge Set (.020-.060 solid): 35.-

Light Gauge Set (.020-.055 solid, .071 wound): 42.-

Medium/Light Gauge Set (.022-.060 solid, .080 wound): 47.-

Medium/Heavy Gauge Set (.025- .060 solid, .071 & .091 wound): 60.-

Heavy Gauge Set (.028-.060 solid, .071, .080 & .096 wound): 70.-

Universal Set (.020-.060 solid, .071, .080, .091, .096 wound): 85.-

Individual String Gauges, (.020 through .045), 120 inches: 3.50.- each

Individual String Gauges, (.050 through .060), 60 inches: 2.50 each

Wound Strings, 60 inches: 12- each

Kora Pickups:

We have found a company that makes some nice pre-amps along with some great sounding film-transducers and condenser mics which make very elegant active systems for koras.

Installation is easy, no soldering, everything plugs together, after-market installs are no problem. Controlls are mounted inside the soundhole, only one hole required for the jack (if you want to run the cable through the soundhole, you don't even need that). The entire system is housed inside the body of the instrument. Very good installation instructions included.

Pickups can be mounted under the bridge for a clear, bright sound or on the body of the instrument for a warm, mellow sound. The dual input pre-amps let you blend both signals together.

We are currently using these three models of pre-amps:

A1.2N: single input, uses transducer pickup, with volume control

85.-

A2: dual input, uses 2 transducers or transducer and condenser mic, stereo output (you can connect a stereo cable and split the signal at the amp for two inputs, one from each pickup)

130.-

A2.2 XOM: dual input, uses two transducers, volume and crossover control(signals are blended onboard), mono output

130.-

Available Pickups:

AST 1470: good general purpose pickup, good highs, good low

47.-

DST: bigger, good low end, we use it with A2.2XOM pre-amp in combination with AST 1470

57.-

AG-Mic: clip-on condenser mic, can be used w. A2 pre-amp in combination w. AST 1470 or DST

67.-

Kora Bridges:

Kora Bridge, Maple, finished: 100.-

Bridge-Plate, Maple, finished: 40.-

Bridge Blank (not sanded, not varnished), Maple: 75.-

Bridge-Plate Blank (rough cut, not shaped, sanded or varnished), Maple: 15.-

Replacement Kora Necks:

contact us