Kit Dulcimer?

[deadedith]

I'd never seen a dulcimer played, and ran across a bunch of youtube vids - gads! Finger picking, strumming, thrashing, claw-hammering by some great players.
And the attention to wood choices, finishes - all the things kit guitar makers do and think about.

A lot of very nice sounds can come out of these things.

Anyone built one? Was it a kit?

[tippie53]

I don;t know if Stew Mac or LMI has one. They are a neat instrument

[kencierp]

This is the style we sold mail order and through the "Country Sampler" about ten or so years ago. Its a hybrid of the plans from LMII and Sloane -- the key to good tone and volume is the hollow finger-board. Also a stand that keeps the back from being mufflered/muted adds 50% to the volume. The Ebony violin peg tuners, in my view, are a must -- very classy!

[deadedith]

That is a fine looking instrument. Ken, do you know of anyone who sells a quality kit? Or someone who used to and has a few hanging around the dark corners of the shop?? :-)

And John - yeah, I had no idea there could be virtuosos of the dulcimer, but in addition to the oldies like 'Wildwood Flower' - a lovely tune - there are some some players doing intricate and interesting arrangements as well.
Though I probably will never play with a wild turkey quill...

[kencierp]

Different simple instrument but the late Professor King was equally amazing! Check it out

http://wn.com/Carol_of_the_Bells_John_King_ukulele

Dave I sold the entire dulicimer portion of the business, tools, fixtures, bending machine, designs and parts several years ago -- I'll will look around to see if there are any remnants that would be helpful to you.

[deadedith]

That is SOME kinda uke player!! Amazing.

I had an uncle John who claimed he could play 'God Save the Queen" under his arm on a hot sweaty night, but alas I never got to hear it.

Ken- yes if you could poke around sometime and see what - if anything - you've got. Thanks

[Woody OKeefe]

Hi Dave,

Yes StewMac has 2 kits hourglass and tear drop shape. I was thinking about making one since I perform mostly Folk music. Right now the Ditson has priority.

[kencierp]

After looking at the Stew mac instructions and when you stop laughing I think you'll want an alternative -- I dealt with this outfit 20 years ago -- based on the fact that they are still in business would indicate their products are well received.

http://www.harpkit.com/mm5/merchant.mvc ... _Code=mdul

[deadedith]

Thanks Ken.

Woody: I've got the Ditson kit, just clearing up a few odds and ends so I can give it my full attention. Let me know how yours is coming along!

[deadedith]

Ken - I've actually done a little business with those people and they've treated me well. A kit for $139.00 sounds reasonable. Solid mahogany top, cherry sides, laminated cherry back, cherry neck.

Maybe give it a try at some point. Kinda busy with KMG's right now...