Why buy from this site rather than Etsy, eBuy, etc.?
When you buy from this official ‘KORA manding harps’ store, you are buying directly from the artisanal manufacturer of these instruments (me). Without intermediaries (sales platforms such as: Etsy, eBuy, etc.), without additional commissions.
Sales platforms (third parties) charge commissions that the seller ultimately has to collect from the buyer (or accept them, losing profit margin, which makes no sense). They also falsify the information to convince the consumer that you are buying cheaper, thinking that you have interesting benefits, such as: you will see that many times they say “free shipping” when that is false because the seller transfers the shipping price into the price of the item (happens especially on Etsy).
So when you buy on this website (my website) you directly support my work as an artisan without others (third parties) taking advantage of both parties, so you also benefit from a cheaper price.
If you purchase directly from this official website, the breakdown price will be explained to you in detail before making your purchasing decision.
It is a 100% secure purchase with direct support during the process and unlimited after-sales support. Any eventuality will be resolved positively in the interest of the buyer (you).
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me without obligation.
How to proceed to buy a Kora
0. After having a fisrt look around the website for having first informations…
1. You contact me by email (my name is Carles) to define what you are looking for: the kora model and also any instrument specifications that you desire. I will resolve any question you have (as many you need) and also I will be making you suggestions according to your needs.
2. We will check together the grand total (instrument, shipping cost, additional items…).
3. Once you are happy and you confirm (all okay!) I will send you a paying link to transfer.
4. I will proceed with the shipping (if it was a kora in stock) or I will proceed to built your kora if it is not from the stock.
I will be sending photos of the building process of your instrument till it is ready for the shipping.
5. As soon the shipping expedition has been programmed by me you will receive an email with the tracking info and a PDF document: “Kora Starting Guide”.
6. You can contact me anytime as lifetime after-sales support.
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So the buying porcess is always personalized and I will be solving your questions and needs step by step.
"How much is the Kora?"
Nowadays I am building Koras from 700 euros up to 1300 euros.
In the shop page Koras KMH you will find the different kora models and prices.
Can I hear the sound of your koras?
You can hear the sound demonstrations of the koras I built in the page Sound Demos. There you will have a general idea of the quality but not all the records of each of the koras I built as it would be too much work for me.
How much is the shipping cost?
As far my experience sending Koras shipping cost can be from 30 up to 400 euros approximately.
The final price depends on these variables: shipping box (dimensions + weight), distance from origin to destiny, being your location inside or not of most frequently flow circuits of the courier companies were they can offer lower prices, and finally depends also on the global economy market events (pandemics, wars… etc) that affects petrol, gas so then the prices of the shipping industry services.
Can you tell me the shipping cost to my place?
You can send me the minimum data needed of (1+2):
1. Postal code number (*) + 2. Name of the city, town or village of destination.
(*) If there is more than one neighbourhood related to your postal code then inform me with your specific neighbourhood name to be sure the estimated price is based on the right destiny.
How to proceed with the payment?
The preferred transfer method is Paypal (easy and low tax for transferring overall relation) but any other method can be used, let me know your needs.
Can I pay the kora in split payments?
Yes, if you need you can pay the kora in installments and I will not add any taxt for it. Ask me to know your needs.
How much is the electro-acoustic kora?
Any kora can be updated to electro-acoustic version for +160 euros. Feel free to email me for further details.
Do you have koras for beginners?
I don’t do any difference in my koras between beginners or professionals. All my koras are built matching a “perfect zone” where professionals and beginners can feel the best feedback.
How much time do you need to build my kora?
To build any of the kora models I need about a month… and I will need one month an a half for a ‘Semitones’ model.
This being said any model can be built in less time if i am not too busy with other koras or other non kora business and if all “stars get aligned”.
Do you have any 'Semitones' kora model in stock?
No, I only built these type of koras under customer’s order. Feel free to ask any further questions you have about it.
KORA manding harps
Koras maker (West African Harps) · Contact : kora.manding.harps@gmail.com