Mountain Dulcimer

Sorry about the tone deafness. Its a beautiful piece.
Welcome to LJ

-- Bill - "Freedon flies in your heart like an Eagle" Audie Murphy

stunning

-- "Good artists borrow, great artists steal”…..Picasso

I’ve been thinking of making one of these. Did you use a plan?

-- John, UP of Michigan

I heard someone playing the instrument on a video and then searched for a picture to go by. I did a lot of talking to experienced dulicimer craftsmen to help with mistakes. The only hard part is getting the frets spaced correctly. I also made some edge clamps that helped with gluing the dulcimer (got that tip from Mcspadden dulcimers, helpful people there). I’m sorry I sold it, but a girl from Smith college used to play one when she was younger and was impressed enough to buy it. It went to a good home.

-- Flaws are only in the eye of the artisan!

Very nice looking instrument, Don. What type finish did you use? It almost looks like you used some type of oil or something. Very smooth looking and doesn’t have that plastic look to it like several coats of gloss poly does.

I know exactly what you mean about being tone deaf. I’ve played guitar for many years. Lots of people can listen to a song and then play it. Not me, I have never been able to do it, except on very simple tunes (like Louie – Louie LOL). You should try playing again. You’d be surprised what you can do with a little practice.

- JJ

For the finish I got the scoop from my friends at MCspadden dulcimers. It is a shellac flake finish. It is the prefered finish for instruments, because it does change the acoustic properties of the wood.

-- Flaws are only in the eye of the artisan!

Don,

Your instruments are gorgeous. I don’t know how you could give one up!

And that’s a very nice quilt!

L/W

-- Jesus is the ONLY reason for ANY season.

very nice work

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/