This is the first dulcimer my father built back in 1982. His only guides were a few photographs, Foxfire Vol. 3, and an article from Popular Science.

I remember him working on it out on our back porch. I did not know much about woodworking at the time, so it was fascinating to watch. I can still picture the moment he pulled out a blow torch to bend the sides.

This instrument has a very soft, quiet voice. He used balsa wood for the kerfling. I am not sure why he chose that, but I suspect it contributes to the softer sound it has.

I learned to play on this dulcimer as a kid using noter style. Since my dad passed, it has been in my care, and I have been slowly spending time with it and getting to know it all over again.

The strings are ancient. They were definitely put on before the pandemic, though I am not sure how long before.

Since taking possession of it, I have experimented with different tunings. He was never fully satisfied with where he placed the fourth fret and I understand why. At the same time, that imperfection gives it an authentic sound, like many of the much older dulcimers. Of all the tunings I have tried, it seems to come alive most in bagpipe tuning. Every time I play it in bagpipe, “Bonaparte’s Retreat” just seems to fall out naturally.

So here it is, played on this dulcimer.

#folk #dulcimer #mountaindulcimer #noter