A mystery thrift shop find that was broken and stringless. I cut and slotted a bone nut and bridge and restrung, now I'd like to find out who made it if I can.
I believe that is a Korean-made instrument from the 19760s. The binding and center strip on the back are very guitar-like. It's quite pretty, isn't it!
Thanks John, it is a pretty instrument. Did you meant to date it from the 70s? Were these common from Korea during that time period?
Forgive my early morning typing. Yes, I meant the 1970s. During the dulcimer boom of the time there were some instruments imported from Asia, mostly Korean guitar factories. They weren't available for very long. Although it is laminated wood, the sides and back look like rosewood to me, nicely book-matched. A label wouldn't be very meaningful. It seems to me (forgive a less-than-perfect memory) that some were marketed as from Hondo 2.
I believe that is a Korean-made instrument from the 19760s. The binding and center strip on the back are very guitar-like. It's quite pretty, isn't it!
Thanks John, it is a pretty instrument. Did you meant to date it from the 70s? Were these common from Korea during that time period?
I tend to agree with the others who think it is Korean instrument. The peg head, tuners, and shape are indicative of those instruments. Can you tell if the wood sides and back are stained or solid wood? It would be unusual for a Korean instrument to be made of this wood.
I believe that is a Korean-made instrument from the 19760s. The binding and center strip on the back are very guitar-like. It's quite pretty, isn't it!
Here's the blog post for the instrument in the video. Looks like the labeling was exterior as stickers so it's not surprising that mine have been removed or fell off: https://jakewildwood.blogspot.com/2020/10/1970s-korean-made-appalachian-mountain.html
I believe that is a Korean-made instrument from the 19760s. The binding and center strip on the back are very guitar-like. It's quite pretty, isn't it!
Thanks John, it is a pretty instrument. Did you meant to date it from the 70s? Were these common from Korea during that time period?
Forgive my early morning typing. Yes, I meant the 1970s. During the dulcimer boom of the time there were some instruments imported from Asia, mostly Korean guitar factories. They weren't available for very long. Although it is laminated wood, the sides and back look like rosewood to me, nicely book-matched. A label wouldn't be very meaningful. It seems to me (forgive a less-than-perfect memory) that some were marketed as from Hondo 2.
Well this Korean 70s MD looks very much like a simpler version of mine, so sure seems you guys are putting me on the right track!
I believe that is a Korean-made instrument from the 19760s. The binding and center strip on the back are very guitar-like. It's quite pretty, isn't it!
Thanks John, it is a pretty instrument. Did you meant to date it from the 70s? Were these common from Korea during that time period?
Thanks, all -- didn't occur to me that it might have been made overseas.
I've uploaded a few more images showing the wood -- lacking any deep scratches in the finish, how would one tell if a wood had been stained?
I tend to agree with the others who think it is Korean instrument. The peg head, tuners, and shape are indicative of those instruments. Can you tell if the wood sides and back are stained or solid wood? It would be unusual for a Korean instrument to be made of this wood.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
I agree with (the other) John. Looks Korean and inexpensive despite the binding. The wood is likely stained a darker color.
I believe that is a Korean-made instrument from the 19760s. The binding and center strip on the back are very guitar-like. It's quite pretty, isn't it!