# Supplier RFQ Drafts

## Hardwood Supplier

Hello,

I am sourcing material for a prototype stringed instrument with a segmented wooden resonator bowl and a long through-neck/spine. Please quote suitable straight-grained hardwood stock for:

- segmented bowl strips, enough for 168 small mitered segments plus scrap/testing
- one straight neck blank at least 52.5 x 2.25 x 1.0 in before milling
- one dense bridge blank at least 7.0 x 3.0 x 1.0 in
- optional hardwood dowel or turning stock for two hand posts

Important requirements: dry stable stock, minimal runout for the neck, no cracks/checks in load-bearing pieces, and clear species identification. Please include unit price, board-foot price, lead time, shipping estimate, and any recommended substitute species.

## Head Material Supplier

Hello,

I am building a private prototype of a kora-inspired 21-string instrument and need a head membrane for a 20.3 in diameter resonator, with additional wrap/tension allowance. Please quote ethically sourced hide options and any synthetic alternatives suitable for a plucked-string bridge load.

Please include material origin or traceability where available, thickness range, recommended mounting method, humidity sensitivity, lead time, and care instructions. I am not presenting this as an authentic traditional build; this is a documented engineering prototype.

## String Supplier

Hello,

I need help developing a safe prototype string schedule for a 21-string kora-inspired instrument. Current vibrating lengths range from 8.7 to 31.1 in. The preliminary target tension range is 8 to 14 lbf, but the current model indicates the treble schedule may be too close to nylon break strength.

Can you quote nylon and wound strings with manufacturer unit weight or tension data for the following note/length study? I am looking for a safe prototype set and am open to lowering tension or changing pitch targets.

Please include unit weight, recommended tension range, breaking/tensile data if available, diameter, price per string, lead time, and substitution recommendations.

## Metal Hardware Supplier

Hello,

I am sourcing a rounded steel or brass tail anchor ring/bar for a 21-string prototype. The hardware must have no cutting edges and should be load-rated well above the expected total string load. Please quote suitable rings, bars, or custom-bent options, including material, finish, rated load, dimensions, price, lead time, and shipping.

## Electronics Supplier

Hello,

I am sourcing optional removable piezo pickup parts for an acoustic prototype. Please quote piezo disk or film elements, shielded lead wire, 1/4 in output jack hardware, and any low-noise mounting recommendations. This is optional and will be installed only after acoustic load testing.