The Hardanger d'Amore is a 10-string instrument with 5 playing strings and 5 resonating understrings (often referred to as sympathetic strings) inspired by the hardanger fiddle of Norway. The instrument was conceived by Dan Trueman who commissioned Salve Håkedal to build one in 2010. Since then, many players have fallen in love with the instrument's magical, sonorous sound aided by the understrings and the addition of the 5th playing string—a low C—as well as the use of silver wound gut core strings, which add scope for beautiful cross tunings.

Our Hardanger d'Amores possess a rich lower register and unique, expressive sound with ethereal resonance from the understrings. Our instruments often feature hand drawn ink motifs that pay homage to the Norwegian tradition of applying rosing—floral motifs drawn in black ink—to Hardanger fiddles. Our Hardanger d'Amores are also highly customizable depending on player preferences. We can customize the following elements:

• Body size (ranging from hardanger to small viola size)

• Inclusion of low C playing string (e.g. 9- or 10-string instrument)

• String spacing and neck width (to accommodate hand size)

• Arch of the bridge & fingerboard (flat hardanger or standard curve)

• f-hole design (hardanger- or classic-style)

• Tone woods (see MATERIALS below)