Following up on John's reply (again), you might join the UK and European Dulcimers Group, and ask if anyone is looking for a dulcimer. John and Paul Crocker are active in the British dulcimer community. John is a member here as John Henry. Paul is also a member here as Paul Crocker. I'm sure there are some folks in Great Britain who would enjoy having an older FolkRoots dulcimer. Best wishes on finding it a. new home.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Jonnyd....Sorry to have digressed on your initial post...But I hope it gives you a small glimpse into this community that is FOTMD. This site is filled with folks like Ken that are passionate and more than willing to help you in all things Dulcimer. [and quite a bit more if you ask...]
I just happened to notice that you and your D50-S are located across the pond. This brings your sale to a whole new level, as I have absolutely no idea as to the supply/demand in the UK. I DO know that the shipping of a Dulcimer [or Aeolian harp] to the UK from these hallowed shores is easily in the $100 range, and then there are the VAT and customs fees. Seems like we Americans always focus on English taxes....
I have only been part of FOTMD for a year [happy anniversary to me]... But perhaps Ken or some of the Veterans know how to find or join groups in the UK? To perhaps find what your market is?
john
No time like today to get a youngster involved!
I agree, John. The two used FolkRoots dulcimers I bought are doing just that. I look for inexpensive dulcimers that I can rehabilitate which our dulcimer group can put the hands or on the laps of folks who want to learn to play the mountain dulcimer. After a few months of playing those folks usually ask if they can buy the dulcimer they've been playing. As the lending instruments are purchased by students, I start looking to restock the herd.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
I may be just a bit cynical..[well maybe more than I should be...] But a New d-series at Folkcraft will set you back a thousand dollars. Is there something more than 2 frets I'm missing? Or is the workmanship 10x better now?
The used market is an interesting place...The "older" players I engage with seem to lean towards more frets, newer builders, and tend to be more afflicted with DAS. Effectively hoarding the used instrument market....
The "newer" college age players, are leaning towards fewer frets, and traditional "revival" instruments. Perhaps there will yet be a new resurgence in the "old ways" that were new to us so many years ago...
I foresee a HUGE tidal wave of used instruments hitting the market in the next 10 years or so, as the heirs of the DAS folks wonder what to do with closets full of "somedays"....that need to be cleaned out.
No time like today to get a youngster involved!
If Howard Rugg sees this post he can help tell you about the dulcimer. From the information you provide it was completed on July, 26, 1988 and was the first one completed that day. The top is spruce and the body is walnut. It is in very good shape. Without a 6 1/2 fret is not as desirable to dulcimer players today. I would put it at the lower end of John's estimate. I've recently purchased a couple of similar D50s for $125 and $15O.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Hello Jonnyd,
If you give a quick web search for D 50 Dulcimer [I use duck duck go..] You'll find several old listings on the "REVERB" sale pages, and a bit of history of these instruments. Yours has a spruce top, and what I would consider a very nicely figured black walnut back, sides and headstock. The fret board top "may" be of some other wood, as I can't really tell from the picture. If not walnut, could be mahogany, rosewood or?
Sale prices looked to be in the area of 3-500 [ish], But again, this depends on finding the right buyer, case, shipping etc. I would suggest that you take some time and peruse this site and the multiple forums....perhaps the best "buyer" could be some one that has never discovered in over 30 years just how much joy a dulcimer and the "community" around it can bring......
Best wishes for your New Year....
Hi,
I got myself a dulcimer more than 30 years ago and have finally decided to let it go, as i never gave it my full attention. I just want to make sure it goes to someone who will take good care of it. So I'd really like to know what woods it's made of and any other details about it so I can give any buyers honest information.
Here are the details of my dulcimer.
There’s a label inside: Rugg and Jackel Fok Roots Dulcimer
D-50 S 726881
Approximate measurements are:
Length: 37”
Height: 3”
Width at widest point: 7¾”
