Stick Dulcimers 2017 model
(scroll down for new pricing, pictures and videos )
Cedar&Sapele models available 3-4 months from etsy
These instruments are simply called Stick Dulcimers as its a copyright/trademark free Generic name that anyone can use that can be used to group together an array of different makers instruments that follow the same fingerboard and tunings. with no branding issues.
Each of these Instruments are constructed in the same way as a fine mandolin with internal linings and A-style bracing. New models have increased headstock angle, thicker fingerboards, one piece body/necks, zero fret, bone nut, heavy brass tailpiece made in Nottingham UK, Complete with handmade shell case lined with Velvet.
I pride myself on my hand carved neck the that have the profile of a violin, comfortable and familiar with the feel of a guitar with tone beyond the size of the instrument. Warmer sounding Yellow cedar and Sapele mahogany is now standard on these, (Maple and spruce or cedar and walnut still available as a custom order)
My new Standard models do not have binding, Still an option to have it on the top for custom models,
I have switched fingerboard woods to chacate preto on these from plantation Rosewood in line with CITES changes.
Other woods may be dependent on what is legally available to export. Native US woods or native European woods usually are fine.
From 2017 my Model 1's will be created from one piece of Sapele wood, with the sides bent on a bending iron making a seamless transition from neck to body. These 22" scale models come with a handmade rounded end case as shown. Longer models will have a rectangular case.
Sapele has amazing tap tone, its density being closer to older brazilian mahogany and sound in tap tone.
Yellow Alaskan Cedar is my Soundboard wood now of choice for these instruments, its harder and stiffer than red cedar with a nice mellow sound that matures well with playing.
New model, 560mm (22") scale in D or G tuning
easier to play, shorter stretches.
Position markers can be fitted if required.
My standard scale length is 560mm (22") for D (or G : ( No binding) made to order, usually 3-4 months most of the year.
Model 2017 Yellow Cedar Soundboard, Sapele top back and sides and neck, dark Chacote Preto fingerboard, brass tailpiece £750
If you order through my etsy shop message me what colour lining fabric for the case you would like made.
New shell rounded cases for standard models, available with antique paint, textured paint finish. (Bookcloth an option too but less rugged)
Extras: Electric K&K pickup and custom brass jack socket tailpiece £100
Binding to soundboard, add £100
If you dont need a case then you can subtract £250 from the prices
Longer scale length 650mm D, A tuning available to order +£100
Delivery/Shipping USA/Worldwide £50
Custom tonewood, incl Local fruitwood(apple, cherry) African Olive, Ebony, Ziracote, and others £POA Non CITES timbers for export reasons
Other wood choices are available.
The electric acoustic option now has a K&K pickup inside
Small numbers made each year, email if you are interested in commissioning one!
Custom made Brass tailpieces +£50
alternative sapele- mahogany
Custom Primavera wood
Custom Mango wood
Custom baritone model in Cherry
Short Scale "Dad" Custom
Owen Niblock
Owen has been playing one of my stick Dulcimers since the spring of 2003, probably the most travelled Dulcimer I have made!
He has a MYSPACE.com site which has tune samples of the famous
"Frog Song" You can access ithere:
"The first interval of the night was upon us. Yes, we had two intervals tonight. Then it was the open mic spot, which tonight was filled by the wonderfully named Owen Niblock. Owen came on stage carrying a very odd instrument, which after much research I have discovered is called a dulcimer. Owen performed a song about frog skimming and told us some laidback anecdotes. Truth be told, it wasn't particularly amusing but the dulcimer kept us entertained, if only as most people were wondering what on earth it was."
Quote taken from here
Owens instrument in its case (It has a pau rosa fingerboard BTW)
Alternative Sound samples in gdg tuning:
Steel string 1 / Steel string 2
Nylon Strung 1/ Nylon Strung 2
Old pictures from 2003-2005
