Builders (a sample – not a complete listing)
I do not list any builder whose work I have not heard and played. There are many excellent builders around. I don’t want to overlook anyone. But I will not endorse an instrument I have never played.
David Lindsey - David's Dulcimers
No one builds dulcimers in a more exacting fashion than David Lindsey. His instruments are fine examples of precision craftsmanship. A Lindsey dulcimer has a big, rich sound with great volume. They have among the best dynamic ranges possible in a dulcimer and the punchy sound is wonderful. I find David’s instrument fun to play. They seem to play you while you play them! I like David’s instrument for dance music, jigs, rags, Celtic and any style in which dynamic range and attack are important. I own two Lindsey Dulcimers – a Grand and a Bill Spence Edition. David offers a wide range of sizes at very reasonable prices. David's entry level package includes a 15/16 dulcimer, case, stand, tuning wrench and electronic tuner. The $600 price is simply unbeatable for such a quality instrument.
David's Dulcimers
580-847-2822
654 Acorn Lane
Bennington, OK 74723.
http://www.davidsdulcimers.com/
Michael Allen - Cloud Nine Dulcimers
Mike builds floating soundboard instruments with great, big, wonderful and punchy voices. Years ago I asked him to build an extended range instrument for me. He did and this 20/19/8 dulcimer has become one of his most important models. Mike also builds marimbulas and guitars. Great instruments at affordable prices.
Michael C. Allen
Cloud Nine Dulcimers
5701 Stover Road Ostrander,
Ohio 43061 (
740)-666-4253
http://www.cloudninemusical.com/
Jerry Read Smith - Song of the Wood
Jerry is one of America’s premier builders, players and composers. His store is located in Black Mountain, N.C. not far from Asheville. A beautiful region to visit and a great dulcimer store. Jerry’s instruments range from about $1,000 to about $3,000 (depends on options and woods selected). The instrument I use for elaborate chordal and “dreamy” arrangements is a Jerry Read Smith Grande Concert Master. If you are serious about dampers on your dulcimer, look at Jerry's dampers. He took years to develop the system. It's the best you can buy.
Song of the Wood
828-669-7675
203 West State Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711
http://www.songofthewood.com/
Rick Thum
Rick builds a really terrific 16-16 instrument that has great volume, great stability, wonderful dynamic range and really hot rise time. It is also very light. A splendid instrument for old time, fiddle tune, and Celtic music. I really love Rick’s work. I owned one of Rick’s instruments, until very recently, when I sold it to a student. A new one is on my to-buy list! Rick Thum Dulcimers - 6710 Twin River Road - Eureka, MO 63025.
http://www.rthum.com/
Russell Cook – Masterworks Dulcimers
Russell is a former National Hammer Dulcimer Champion and great builder. His work is quite beautiful. Russell Cook is widely renowned for his recordings of spiritual music. http://www.woodnstrings.com/
Dusty Strings
Dusty Strings made the first, production line instruments. They still make among the best dulcimers you can buy. Prices range from about $400 for a beginner's instrument to about $2,300 for a chromatic instrument. My first dulcimer was a Dusty Strings instrument. http://www.dustystrings.com/
