New Dulcimer Day

[TaylorGirl]

I'm taking a break from talking about Taylor Guitars to show you my new Folkcraft Custom Baritone Dulcimer. This is my 4th dulcimer (that I currently own, I have had others over the years). In the dulcimer world, baritone dulcimers are tuned 4 steps below the standard dulcimer. They have a beautiful lower tone that really gives the songs a whole new sound.

The baritone is Cherry with an East Indian Rosewood fingerboard and accents. It has a Galax back (second back to help with volume and resonance). The cherry wood pairs nicely with the lower tones of the baritone.

This was made by Folkcraft Instruments in Woodburn, Indiana. I also own a Folkcraft Custom Standard Dulcimer (see 3rd picture....that is butternut/walnut, with a wenge fingerboard).

[Strumming Fool]

Beautiful craftsmanship on both these lovely instruments - play on!

[shorty]

Congratulations TaylorGirl!! Beautiful instruments!! You are very talented...play in good health!!!

[Markob]

Those are stunning TaylorGirl. I can hear them now.

[mgap]

Congratulations TaylorGirl.  That is truly a beautiful instrument.  The F holes (if that is what you call them) have a very unique design that I like.  I always appreciate cherry wood, it is a favorite of mine.     

[zeebow]

very cool! congrats!

[TaylorGirl]

Beautiful craftsmanship on both these lovely instruments - play on!

Yes, they do awesome work. They are a wonderful company to work with, just like Taylor in that regard (but very small in comparison).

Congratulations TaylorGirl!! Beautiful instruments!! You are very talented...play in good health!!!

Thanks Shorty, I really love playing dulcimer.

Those are stunning TaylorGirl. I can hear them now.

Thanks, they are a beautiful instrument.

Congratulations TaylorGirl.  That is truly a beautiful instrument.  The F holes (if that is what you call them) have a very unique design that I like.  I always appreciate cherry wood, it is a favorite of mine.     

Folkcraft does many different tone hole designs, and will even do custom ones. My standard dulcimer has dolphins, then I had them do a dolphin inlay at the 5th fret, if you can see it in the picture. The tone holes on the baritione are called Seahorse F tone holes. Kinda looks like a seahorse shape.

very cool! congrats!

Thanks zee!

[TaylorGirl]

Just a short note to add.

I had my standard dulcimer made 4 years ago. Shortly after it was made, the luthier who did most of the work died suddenly of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. He was only in his 40's (his brother owns the company). Quite sad. I really appreciate the work he did on that dulcimer. The music lives on through his instruments.

[kitesurfer2]

I had a dulcimore 30 years, mostly hanging on the wall.  it was hand made with wooden tuning pegs and a very beautiful instrument , like yours.  x wife bought it for Christmas present and complained for many years how expensive it was.   I gave it away this year to a cousin who is learning to play it.

[TaylorGirl]

I had a dulcimore 30 years, mostly hanging on the wall.  it was hand made with wooden tuning pegs and a very beautiful instrument , like yours.  x wife bought it for Christmas present and complained for many years how expensive it was.   I gave it away this year to a cousin who is learning to play it.

The traditional dulcimers with wooden tuning pegs (friction) have some faithful followers. They also have the true diatonic fretboards. The traditional method of playing is drone style, where the melody is only played on the first (melody) string.

The dulcimer world has really opened up with less traditional instruments and methods of play. I'm a chord/melody player (chords are played and the melody continues where it is needed on all 3 strings) and I LOVE my geared tuners. 

Thanks for sharing.

[donlyn]

Congratulations Susie,

Those are 'sweet' looking instruments. I'm too old for a new obsession, but they sure are tempting.

Enjoy,
Don

[TaylorGirl]

Congratulations Susie,

Those are 'sweet' looking instruments. I'm too old for a new obsession, but they sure are tempting.

Enjoy,
Don

Thanks Don. I always tell people that dulcimer is the easiest difficult instrument to learn. In its most basic form, it is quite easy to learn, especially with its diatonic fretboard. Then, it gets harder from there. But, the player can decide the level and style they wish to play. Most people learn it quickly and have fun with their steady progress. But, if you want to become really involved with additional frets (even up to chromatic), alternate tunings, various music styles, etc., you can progress into some quite complicated stuff. Music theory always helps. I've really enjoyed it so far (I started in 2007). I don't give it nearly the attention it deserves at times, but hey, it's all about having fun. Plus, the dulcimer festivals across the country are a joy to take in.

[cc7]

What tuning do you use for each?

[TaylorGirl]

What tuning do you use for each?

I primarily use DAD for the standard and AEA for the baritone.

[JTC111]

Very cool! I own a few mountain dulcimers. Two were made by Edsel Martin and another was made for David Massengill by Scott MacDonald. Those dulcimers are great fun!