About this Product
This instrument joins deep red padauk, figured cherry, and creamy aspen into an ensemble whose look and sound win hearts wherever it goes. Pick it up, and let the supple finish caress your hand. Give a strum and savor the sound of crisp mountain air.
Dulcimer simplicity rewards even new players with pleasing sound. Most can play simple melodies in the first hour. Experienced players quickly appreciate the musical potential of this traditional instrument.
With just three strings and simplified fingering, the stick dulcimer is much quicker to learn and easier to play than a guitar or ukulele. Tunes and chords can be played with just one finger on the strings, although advanced players can also play complex chords using the included charts. The scale length is shorter than a guitar's (just 21 inches vs. 24-25), so notes are easier to reach for smaller or less experienced hands. The internet is rich in videos to help new players. See https://stringsonwood.com/lessons for some sample videos.
FEATURES
- Grover H97N lifetime guaranteed tuners
- Inlaid white fret markers add playability
- Frets spaced for "do-re-mi" scale - makes finding the right note easy
- Headless string anchors (for easy changes)
- Open D tuning (D3-A3-D4) for effortless chords
- Piezoelectric pickup for faithful acoustic sound
- Steel guitar strings - readily available
- Chrome strap button
Moderate string tension and low action (string height) make it a pleasure to play.
DIMENSIONS
- Overall Length 29.9 inches (75.9 cm)
- Neck Width 1.07 inches (2.7 cm)
- Box Width 4.9 inches (12.4 cm)
- Box Inside Depth 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
- Weight 1 pound (454 g)
Light and compact, it's equally at home next to a campfire or in the family room. Played with a pick, it's loud enough to accompany small groups, but it won't disturb neighbors. To rock the house, connect to any standard guitar amplifier using the included jack.
COMES WITH
- Instructions for new players
- Chord charts
- Signed builder's certificate
- Picks
- Pick wallet
The instrument pictured is my number 508, first strummed on January 15, 2025. It's in stock and ready to ship, usually within two days.
Strings on Wood
Meet the Maker
"So," the TV host asked, "as a woodworker you could make anything. Why dulcimers?"
"Ah," I replied, "but when I make an instrument, the wood sings to me."
My first instrument sang out in 2015, and the experience changed my life. More than 500 instruments later I still love hearing that first song--the voice of a newborn instrument. Yes, I enjoy designing and building and finishing and tuneup; but it's still the song, the new voice that makes the work meaningful.
That first dulcimer was so easy to play that even I, a 71-year-old non-musician, could play a few songs right away. Success is addictive, and I realized that anyone could learn to make music. So I signed up for some craft fairs and met lots of people who want to play their own songs.
Nowadays I make guitars and the occasional ukulele as well as dulcimers, but the focus hasn't changed. It's still the song.
How it’s Made
All my instruments start from boards, which I slice and cut to size using a band saw and table saw. The pieces are glued together, sanded, and shaped, and then linseed oil finish is applied by hand. Frets are installed and meticulously dressed. Finally the instrument is strung, the action and intonation carefully set, and its first strums are played.
Some snippets of the process can be viewed at https://youtu.be/7ilUIvtGIV8
Shop Policies
Returns and exchanges are welcome within 30 days. Buyer is responsible for return shipping costs and any loss in value if an item isn't returned in original condition.
Digital items are not returnable.
