Tupans

Tupans
I have been building small, lightweight tupans in Macedonian, Bulgarian and "hybrid" styles for several years. These are 16 inch diameter, and range from 10-13 inches between heads. Heads are either goatskin (Macedonian style only) or synthetic Fyberskin (Bulgarian and hybrid).
more info on tupans

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#.
more info on kavals

Kostya LaPasha
calfor@ncsu.edu