Mountain Dulcimer Anyone?

[rgogo65]

Wondering if anyone has built a Dulcimer either Chromatic or Diatonic?

My Grandson what's us to build one when I get up and around...any input would be appreciated.

There are a LOT of sources and choices of materials and kits.

Thanks, Ray (:0)>}

[kencierp]

This is a Mountain Dulcimer we (KMG) produced and sold a while back -- What sets it apart from the others is the hollow fingerboard and very cool peghead design. Rather then metal tuning machines we used Ebony violin pegs. These instrument are very loud and musical. I believe LMII sells a print for a similar Dulcimer. It will take a little more work to complete but it is worth the effort.

[rgogo65]

Ken, Thanks a lot for your reply!
Your dulcimer is beautiful! I assume there just wasn't enough call for them for you to continue?

It seem interest comes in cycles of sorts, new generational interest for a bit and then off again!

I have seen a couple of those with hollow necks and they certainly ARE different. Much more volume and character. I think a Luthier named David Beede out of Florida if I'm not mistaken, is one who makes those with hollow necks.

I don't understand how that's done, there must be a caul or mold of some sort involved, but it's very interesting indeed.

Did you use a mold with your builds? I assume so..what was your most popular wood choices? the one you posted appears to have a spruce top and maybe some sort of rosewood back and sides?

Anyway, enough questions...I don't wish to impose on you...just thank you again for the information..I'll check out the plans.

Ray (:0)>}

[kencierp]

Yeah, so happens some Asian outfit started selling a plywood model very,very, strangely similar -- solid FB/neck metal tuners, here in the USA -- $79 at Walmart!! Ours started at $250 -- I ended up selling the patterns, tools, bending forms etc. complete to a guy from I think Kansas? He did the art show circuit. The neck/peghead/fingerboard is an assembly of five seperate pieces.

[kencierp]

Oh --- this one is Black Walnut, Red Spuce, Maple and Rosewood.

[kencierp]

Note the stringed instrument hobby can be a great journey -- I started with Dulcimers then, before I knew it ----

[deadedith]

Beautiful harps, Ken. My wife has always wanted one.
Do you have any didgeridoo kits? There must be Something you haven't yet tried..:-)
DaveB

[rgogo65]

WOW! Talk about an ambitious project...sheeesh...beautiful though....learn to play it? THAT's another deal too...

Ray

[rgogo65]

Yeah, so happens some Asian outfit started selling a plywood model very,very, strangely similar -- solid FB/neck metal tuners, here in the USA -- $79 at Walmart!! Ours started at $250 -- I ended up selling the patterns, tools, bending forms etc. complete to a guy from I think Kansas? He did the art show circuit. The neck/peghead/fingerboard is an assembly of five seperate pieces.

Aggghhhh...SOB'S! $250 was not a bad price at all for a quality instrument like that...
Too bad...thanks Ken.

Ray

[kencierp]

A "digeridoo" with strings -- I like it!!!

Actually I do have plans for a "hurdy gurty" -- strickly a non-commercial retirement project. And I'd like to build a lute.