Kostya LaPasha
calfor@ncsu.edu
Kavals
I have been making Macedonian kavals from composite materials (a
paper reinforced phenolic thermoset plastic composite) since
1990. The composite is stronger and less moisture sensitive
than the traditional ash wood, but is still light and
responsive. I still prefer playing a fine wood kaval, but the
composite kavals are more durable, less fragile, less expensive, and
still play nicely. I make these kavals in a range of sizes -
Eb, D, C#, C, Bb, and A - (designating the note played in the
fundamental register with all fingers down). Traditional
Macedonian kavals are typically in C#. Bore diameter is
15.9mm. Wall thickness is either 1.5mm or 0.7mm. The
thicker walled kavals are more durable, and the outside diameter is
more similar to what you find in wood kavals (so feels more like the
size of a wood kaval under your fingers). The thiner walled
kavals are less massive, and you feel the notes in your fingers more
like what you experience with a good wood kaval - they have a
livelier feel under the fingers.
These kavals are great to learn on (inexpensive, durable, less
fragile than wood). They are also great if you want low
maintainance, or less sensitivity to environmental
conditions. Since they're low in cost, buy several and stash
them in stratigic locations - in the car (great in traffic jams) -
in the office (waiting for those downloads) - by the phone (for
those eternal on-hold calls) - you can never have too many kavals
;-).
Cost is $50 US per kaval -- packing/shipping is $5 US for
locations in the US.
examples of C# kavals
examples of kavals in diferent sizes
[back]
Kostya LaPasha
calfor@ncsu.edu