I knew Ron, he not only built a few instruments for me, but we met for lunch and often corresponded regarding  number of topics including his time as Chet Hines’ apprentice.  He was always kind and generous and great conversationalist.  I’m saddened that he has passed.  

I never met Ron, but I do know that he was a tremendous asset to the dulcimer community. He will be sorely missed as a builder, player, and innovator. RIP, Ron.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Last summer I had the honor of being invited to Dulcimer Week in the Wallowas.  At the faculty concert, I played one or two tunes on the dulcimette before switching to a full-size dulcimer.  People in the back could not see the little instrument, so I was asked to hold it up for them, and happily, someone snapped a pic:

Sad news indeed. The Aorell I own has the most wonderful tone and sound.

Sad news. He contributed so much to the mountain dulcimer community. I contemplated many times ordering a dulcimette. I kinda wish I had. RIP Ron. 😔 

I played one of Ron's baritone dulcimettes when I won the National Dulcimer Contest at Winfield in 2016.  I was introduced to Ron by Sandy and Caroline Paton.  I bought my first dulcimer from him in the early 1980's, and we became friends and especially enjoyed playing French tunes together.  I don't think anyone made better small instruments than Ron.  Intonation and tone quality were always spot on.  He was a great innovator and a fine musician and will be sorely missed.  

Oh that is awful news! Ron was such a nice guy! His dulcimettes are wonderful instruments x

There are a couple of Facebook discussions about this, so some of you may know, but the great luthier Ron Ewing died a few days ago. 

Ron had been a central participant in the dulcimer community since at least the early 1970s.  His baritone dulcimers were especially appreciated, as were his smaller dulcimers, which he called "dulcimettes."  In fact, I own two of them, one an octave dulcimette and one that he called the baritone dulcimette, meaning it was tuned an octave above a baritone dulcimer or a fourth or fifth above a standard dulcimer.  Rumor has it that Ron also invented the dulcimer capo.  I doubt that's true, but he did develop the capo design that has become the standard.  Ron's website is still up at the moment, in case you would like to peruse his offerings.

Here is a short portrait of Ron and his dulcimers that Bing Futch offered many years ago on one of the early Dulcimerica videos .

I have not found an official obituary yet, only a couple of conversations on Facebook.  If anyone has more information, please share it here.

And perhaps we can share memories of Ron or even just examples of people playing his dulcimers.