Traditional Norwegian wind instruments
Handcrafted in Norway
What I offer:
Instruments
Buy or order handmade wind instruments such as bukkehorn, flishorn and Meråker clarinet.
Sheet Music Archive
Browse or search the collection of sheet music that can be played on the instruments I make - freely available!
Resources
Information about the various Norwegian wind instruments: history, maintenance and other interesting reading.
Blåsebanken
Try out an instrument at your own pace. Blåsebanken allows everyone to access traditional instruments – and it's free for those under 26!
Launch coming
About the craftsman
Karstein Grønnesby
My name is Karstein Grønnesby – blåsemakerA maker of wind instruments. The word is composed of «blåse(instrument)» (wind instrument) and «-makar» (maker). From Steinkjer, now living in Oslo. Since 2021, I've been making traditional Norwegian wind instruments such as bukkehorn, lur, flishorn, and the Meråker clarinet, and working to promote and teach this craft.
Every instrument is shaped from natural Norwegian materials and tailored to the musician’s needs – with consideration for both historical authenticity and modern playability.
Instruments for sale
Handcrafted instruments made to order, with a waiting list.
Read more about each instrument for further information, and contact me for current delivery times and possibilities for custom orders.
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Bukkehorn$ 600.00 -
Flishorn$ 650.00 -
Meråker clarinet$ 450.00 -
Cow horn$ 270.00
All instruments are handcrafted and made to order. Custom orders and adaptations are welcome – contact me for pricing and delivery times.
Reviews
In the media
Articles and reviews of my craft
Awarded the Norwegian Arts Grant
Karstein Grønnesby awarded the Norwegian Arts Grant in the folk artist category, for his work as an instrument maker.
Read the announcement →
Breathing life into dying instruments
Karstein Grønnesby never planned to become an instrument maker, but a trip to Southeast Africa opened his eyes. Now he sits in Grünerløkka making instruments — and plans to save them.
Print edition, pp. 30–31
"Nils passed on the craft: – Want to carry on the wind instrument traditions we have"
Nils Underhaug learned to make the Meråker clarinet from Harald Gilland, and has now passed the craft on to instrument maker Karstein Grønnesby.
Read the article →True to Tradition
The instruments are rooted in tradition and craftsmanship passed down through generations – learned from some of Norway's foremost tradition bearers.
Traceable and locally sourced
The materials are Norwegian and traceable – both wood and horn from Norwegian nature. You know where your instrument comes from.
Quality and expertise
Every instrument is made with regard to both historical authenticity and modern playability – in close dialogue with each customer.
News
Latest news and updates from the workshop
New US rules: Why shipping suddenly got more expensive (and what it means for you)
The U.S. has changed import rules for goods shipments. Here’s why shipping can cost more, what’s included in the postage price, and what U.S. customers can expect.
From summer farm tradition to contemporary music
An exciting collaboration with composer and musician Timoteo Carbone Hansson on specially tuned Meråker clarinet
Meråker clarinets are ready to order
Now you can finally order the Meråker clarinet from Blåsemaker Grønnesby. After the first batch in January, the instrument is now ready for sale.
Get in Touch
Whether you are a professional musician, a folk music enthusiast or just curious, I can help you find an instrument that suits you.
Contact me for questions or orders!
Typical response time: 1–2 days
Workshop open by appointment