Ken, thanks for the testimonial, i still can not play, but love to build them, i can say Bobby's design is a very solid build, should handle the rougher treatment a travel dulcimer may recieve very well, thanks, -Ben
I purchased this as a kit from Slate Creek, they do not offer a travel dulcimer "kit" but made this for me at my request!
It is Sassafrass soundboard and Walnut sides and back, music wire staple frets, has a fairly big voice for travel small size. Diamond shaped sound holes, Virginia mountain style. Moving Sale, most of my toys need to go.
Asking $99 plus actual shipping cost.
I purchased this as a kit from Bobby Ratliff of Slate Creek dulcimores.
I am not a pro builder, but it came out nice, i am moving to a tiny house so most of my toys must go. I can only play Mary had a little lamb, so this should go to someone who can actually play. I believe this is called a noter drone dulcimer, built in the mountains of Virginia style.
Details:
-Butternut soundboard
-Catalpa sides and back
-Walnut fretboard with music wire staple frets
-Diamond sound holes and inlets
Ask any questions you may have?
Asking $160 plus actual shipping cost.
Hello all, I am brand new to dulcimer playing but managed to strum out "Mary had a little lamb" on my cardboard dulcimer kit last week!...I plan to try to upgrade the kit as I learn and grow with it (I love to modify things) and at the low price point of this kit it seems I can only do minimal damage with my tinkering.
The first mod I wanted to try was bone bridge and Nut to see if I could hear a difference from the black Delrin Bridge and Nut provided in the kit...sadly the Delrin parts where lost in the construction process, so it's tough to know if my bone parts made any sound improvement...it "seems" a bit brighter and a bit more sustain than the other cardboard dulcimers I have heard on youtube, but I can Not be sure if this is from the recording vs hear mine first hand. I hope to make some Delrin replacements to compare first hand soon.
My next mod will be to construct an all wood soundbox from some Sitka spruce and Spanish Cedar I have in my shop...this will go on a second fretboard so I can compare it to my cardboard model...So far my ears really like the cardboard sound, it's a bit warmer and less "Tangy" than some, obviously this is personal preference, some would say the more Tang the better!? Lol
I would welcome any thoughts or advice, in particular what effect different bridge and nut materials will have on my dulcimer sound and what material might be considered the ultimate bridge and nut material? Also favorite sounding wood would be of interest as well...thanks!
