Finished and Kit 5 string Appalachian Dulcimer

Appalachian Dulcimer = Mountain Dulcimer = Lap Dulcimer

The Appalachian dulcimer is a variety of the Celtic zithers, in Québec it is also named "Table Dulcimer".

The origine of this instrument is in fact a real puzzle, The name ''dulcimer'' seems to be from the french doulce mel ,but we can found related instruments in various European countries.

Its origins date from between the XIIth and the XIIIth centuries AD . It was named Doulce-de-mer and doulcemelle (French for Softness of the sea). In France.

The Appalachian Dulcimer is an instrument that was derived from the family of the épinettes des Vosges or German scheithot. The Appalachian Dulcimer also call Thew Mountain Dulcimer is the american zither The latter is also part of the zithers family.

In the seventies, the dulcimer made a came on appearance in Bluegrass music and in more recent times is gaining acceptance in the traditional music circles of Western Europe.

The Appalachian Dulcimer is a versatile instrument that belongs to the psaltery or zither class of instruments and has been a popular folk instrument of the Appalachian mountain area of America since the first pioneers settled there and now enjoying a well deserved increase in popularity.

Its popularity lays in its simplicity in playing and its versatility in tuning to different modes. It is usually played with a plectrum with the instrument across the lap.

[more about the Appalachian Dulcimer]

	Finished and Kit 5 string Appalachian Dulcimer

RWC Appalachian Dulcimer
Our Appalachian Dulcimers are available in two qualities.

The 5 string hourglass Appalachian Dulcimer is a traditional hourglass shape instrument with 5 strings tuned as two pairs and a single. We use figured English sycamore for the back and ribs, Swiss pine for the soundboard and plain sycamore for the fingerboard which is fretted by CNC machine for accuracy.

Hand made in our own workshops, the Appalachian Dulcimer comes with a 12 months guarantee and free access to our 'Helpline'. A soft or a hard carrying case is available as an optional extra.

The 4 string hourglass Appalachian Dulcimer belongs to a series of instruments which have been designed for practicality and economy. The materials are chosen for their tonal qualities (English sycamore, beech or laminated birch).
This 4 string Dulcimer is tuned as a pair and two single courses.

Each instrument is hand built to special order in our own workshops in Toledo (Spain) and comes with 12 months warranty.

A soft padded bag or fitted hard case are available as optional extras if required.

	Finished and Kit 5 string Appalachian Dulcimer

Appalachian Dulcimer Kit
The same range of Appalachian Dulcimers are offered in kit form for home assembly. The price includes the license to build one instrument for private use.

A fully dimensioned plan and instruction manual take the builder through the construction of the instrument in a clear and concise manner, with 'step by step' photographs further illustrating each stage.

All the kits Include free access to our customer 'Helpline' should you need any advice on construction, setting-up or playing.

Our 5 string Appalachian Dulcimer kit comes with the ribs pre-formed around a MDF mould so that assembly can begin immediately. Swiss pine for the soundboard and top quality English sycamore for the back are sanded to thickness to ensure a full tone from the finished instrument. The fingerboard is accurately slotted ready to accept the frets. All the hardware necessary to complete a quality instrument are supplied including machine pegs and a set of strings.

The 4 string Appalachian Dulcimer belongs to a series of kits which have been designed for ease of assembly, practicality and economy. Most importantly they are enjoyable to build and can be finished, as the name implies, in a weekend or two. The parts supplied are made from the best quality materials chosen for their ease of use and tonal qualities.

The 'Weekender' Appalachian Dulcimer kit builds into a 4 string instrument tuned as a pair and two single courses. All the parts supplied are cut to size from English sycamore, beech or laminated birch, ready for final assembly. The kit contains every screw, pin, string or reed you need plus a concise 'step by step' guide to construction and free access to our 'Helpline'.

	Finished and Kit 5 string Appalachian Dulcimer

Appalachian Dulcimer Plan
You can make the same range of instruments from scratch, following detailed step-by-step instructions through the construction process in a clear and concise manner. A fully dimensioned plan and a set of photographs illustrates each stage.

The price includes the license to build one instrument for private use.

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