Home

To most modern Americans, the hammered dulcimer is a new and unfamiliar instrument. Even people who know much about American music often confuse the hammered dulcimer with the three- or four-stringed “mountain” or “plucked” dulcimer. The two instruments are very dissimilar despite sharing a name. Surprisingly, the hammered dulcimer, which is an ancient ancestor of the piano, at one time enjoyed widespread popularity throughout this country.

The hammered dulcimer probably originated in the Middle East about 900 A.D. and is related to the much older psaltery. It spread from there across North Africa and was brought into Europe by the Spanish Moors during the 12th century A.D. It is possible that hammered dulcimers were played even earlier than this in Ireland, where they were called “tympanons.”

Throughout the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the dulcimer remained a popular instrument in both eastern and western Europe. It was known by different names in different countries. For example, the dulcimer was called a “tympanon” in France, a “hackbrett” in Germany, and a “cymbalon” in Hungary. In England, it was so popular during the late 16th century that the translators of the King James Version of the Bible used the term “dulcimer” as the English translation for the Greek “symphonia.” This term was actually a mistranslation for a type of Greek bagpipe that gave rise to the often quoted, but incorrect, belief that the dulcimer is as old as the Bible.

It is unclear when the first hammered dulcimer was brought to America, but the earliest reference to its use in this country comes from Judge Samuel Sewall who wrote of seeing one played in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1717. Hammered dulcimers are particularly interesting because, unlike the piano, dulcimers were often built at home, or in small shops and factories, and hence tended to reflect differing regional and personal folk styles. During the 19th century, these small shops, which usually employed less than a half-dozen craftsmen, operated in places like Norwich, Connecticut, Chautauqua County, New York, and Brooklyn, New York. Mail-order companies (e.g., Montgomery Ward) also sold dulcimers.

Why the dulcimer virtually disappeared during the first half of the 20th century is something of a mystery, but possibly it was due to competition from the more fashionable piano. Fortunately, this beautiful instrument is now enjoying a revival. For the first time in many years, new dulcimers are being built, and there is an increasing number of new players.

*Smithsonian. Retrieved from http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/dulcimer.htm

New Dulcimers

A note about my inventory. You would have to travel hundreds of miles from here to find any store that stocks more hammered dulcimers than I do or carries more variety. Although I am a very small business operating out of my home, I am able to do this because I specialize in this remarkable instrument, and I am committed to helping each person find the instrument that is just right for them. 

Due to some health issues, I am closing my shop. Instruments listed on this site are my remaining inventory. Once they are gone, they’re gone…

All instruments must be picked up at my home shop in Gladstone, Missouri. The best method of contact is by phone. 816.896.8889

Songbird Phoebe

The Phoebe is a 16/15 dulcimer made by Chris and Melanie Foss. Top and back are baltic birch laminate. Bridges are walnut and end rails are cherry. It sells for just $449. Case adds $75. Complete package price is $574, and includes dulcimer, stand, tuning wrench, case, hammers and a beginner book. For additional information, see the builder’s web page

Songbird Phoebe Chromatic

The Phoebe Chromatic has an extended range on the low end, and is fully chromatic for 3 full octaves. With the brown stain, it sells for $699. Case add $75. Complete package price is $824, and includes dulcimer, stand, tuning wrench, case, hammers and a beginner book. For additional information, see the builder’s web page

Master Works Bantam Weight Chromatic

I love the tonal quality and play-ability of the Bantam Weight. 16/15 fully chromatic with cherry end rails. $1599. Case adds $189.

Master Works Pioneer Package

The Pioneer Package includes, a 16/15  instrument with a solid wood top (Sapo), light weight case, sit-down x-brace stand, student hammers, electronic tuner, tuning wrench, and an Understanding and Fine Tuning Booklet. This is a newly redesigned instrument.

  • Sapelli soundboard & laminated birch back
  • 16 treble & 15 bass courses
  • Over 3 octave range; 1 3/4 octave fully chromatic
  • Harrison Rose inlays standard
  • Approximately 11 1/2 to 12 lbs.
  • Maple bridges standard
  • Ash endrails standard
  • Tapered soundboard and open bracing system similar to our finest instrument models and found only in a MasterWorks

Dusty Strings D-45 With Dampers Package

D45 Damper Package: $1835 Includes dampers installed, C45 case, double-sided oval hammers, gooseneck tuning wrench, note guide strips, owner’s manual.

 The Dusty Strings instruments have a unique and beautiful tonal quality. These instruments especially carry a rich resonance in the lower bass notes that is (in my opinion) unmatched by any other builder.

Used Dulcimers

Every used dulcimer has been professionally evaluated, and repaired if needed. I won’t offer one for sale unless it is able to be well tuned, and will hold the tuning. There are some hammered dulcimers on the market that simply cannot be made to play well because of poor initial design or construction, or because of irreparable damage from abuse. I avoid taking one of those in trade. If I accidentally pick one up due to careless or hurried review, I throw it out. I won’t resell one like that. If one of my instruments has an issue, but is still tunable and playable, it is offered at a reduced price, and I disclose the issue. 

Due to some health issues, I am closing my shop. Instruments listed on this site are my remaining inventory. Once they are gone, they’re gone…

All instruments must be picked up at my home shop in Gladstone, Missouri. The best method of contact is by phone. 816.896.8889.

Cloud9 16/16 With Nice Coon Hollow Case $995

This instrument is just like new, and it is a beautiful sounding dulcimer. The case is included, along with hammers, and tuning wrench, and a 6 month dealer warranty.

Demo Model – Dusty Strings D-670 with dampers

This is one of my two personal instruments. You can try it out in person, and if you like it, we can custom order one to your specifications. Retail price $5625. You can by my demo in like new condition for $4450.

Contact

My preferred method of contact is by phone. 816.896.8889

If you prefer to send a message, you can do so below: