Post-May 2006 McSpadden Dulcimers
Lynn McSpadden founded the company that bore his name in the late 60s and his signature, together with that of just 2 or 3 other craftsmen, appears on all the dulcimers built in the 80 and 90s. The standard dulcimers were therefore the product of an experienced and tight-knit team and by the 1990s, had reached a standard of excellence that made McSpadden the best-known and trusted dulcimer brand in the world. Lynn retired and sold the business in 2001. His brother, along with some of the original luthiers, continued in the workshop under the new owner, Jim Woods. Jim decided to revise the range (with new designations) from May 2006 and move to all-solid wood dulcimers, thus ushering in a new era of excellence.
All McSpaddens after May 2006 are solid wood. Previously, the solid, bookmatched back was available only on “Special” models. The new range had designations starting with 4 or 6, depending on the number of strings, e.g. 4FHWW (4 string Flat head, Hourglass shape, Walnut body, Walnut top).
2.297 2008 Model 4FHWS-E September 2008 #53318 £Sold
Usual Woods-era label with some handwritten elements: “Randy Sloan/ SEPT. 2008/4FHWS-E ….#53318”.
A rare higher-end dulcimer in immaculate condition. Bookmatched walnut body, with nicely figured back (small knot features) and close-grained sides. Good quality straight-grained spruce top. Walnut flat head with quality Gotoh chrome tuners. Ebony fretboard with mother of pearl position markers at frets 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17 (at least a $140 option). Cream composite ‘nut’/zero fret and bridge. Inset tail with vent to body and 4 mushroom-headed pins for loop strings. ‘McSpadden’ in script stamped on the strum hollow. Overall length 36”, upper bout 5½”, lower bout 6⅞”, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (long scale), weight 2lb 03oz (980g), strings 0.011/[0.011], 0.014, 0.023w. 6+ and 13+ present.
An immaculate dulcimer with one of the less common wood combinations. The spruce top gives it a noticeably more emphatic sound to complement the warmth of the walnut body. The ebony fingerboard feels buttery smooth and is far less likely to mark or pit than the standard McSpadden fingerboards. Only cosmetic flaw is a slight variation in colour across the far side of the spruce top where someone has sellotaped on a fret number chart or similar. This will, in time, age out uniformly.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.289 2016 McSpadden Hourglass 4FH26WW November 2016 #61088 £Sold
Handwritten on Woods-era oblong printed label: “Dewayne Jolly/ 4FH26WW Nov. 2016”. Standard all-walnut body, very nicely figured on the bookmatched back, but with Ginger-style smaller flat head with Gotoh tuners and extended box-section two part fingerboard. 6+ and 13+ frets, “McSpadden” in strum hollow, composite (?) ‘nut’ and zero fret (some distance from it) and bridge, the latter slanted heavily. Usual recessed tail end, mushroom-headed string anchors and vent into body. Strap buttons each end. Overall length 35”, upper bout 5¾”, lower bout 7″, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 26″ (short/medium scale), weight 2lb 5oz (1064g). Has a zero, 6+ and 13+ fret. Strings now as McSpadden recommend for short-scale dulcimer 0.012/[0.012], 0.016, 0.026w.
Easy playing, despite slightly heavier strings than the standard McSpadden. Quite warm and balanced, without losing much tone or volume, despite the shorter scale length. This slightly less common model is in excellent condition. The shorter scale length should be attractive for those who baulk at the full size McSpadden and don’t want the compromises inherent in the Ginger.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.286 2010 McSpadden 4FGWR #55031 £Sold
Usual Jim Woods-era label, signed by the individual craftsman Rickard Stoltze – one of the most experienced luthiers in the workshop’s long history – and dated “April 2010”.
A standard short-scale ‘Ginger’ model with a solid walnut body and redwood top. The back is bookmatched and shows good use of an interesting grain pattern. The top is a fine- and evenly-grained softwood. The standard flat headstock is made from highly-figured walnut and has good quality enclosed Gotoh tuners. The usual two-tiered, hollow walnut fingerboard spans two octaves and has both 6+ and 13+ frets. The string anchors are straight pins, useful for both ball- and loop-end strings. Overall length 30”, upper bout 5⅜”, lower bout 7⅛”, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 23¼” (very short scale), weight 2lb 0oz (894g), strings 12/[12], 16, 26w (as original). Zero fret, 6+ and 13+.
This was set up for a higher-pitched GDG tuning – but these days, Gingers are more commonly used as short-scale instruments in standard tuning. So, the strings have been changed to McSpadden-recommended gauges and minor intonation adjustments made to facilitate that. Not huge power, but a pleasant, soft, well-balanced sound and good accuracy. Good condition generally, with just a few marks on the far side lower bout and on the other side of the strum hollow. Comes with a free (removable) McSpadden wrist rest to facilitate finger-style play or support long periods of strumming.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.278 July 2021 4FHCR #63600 £Sold
Standard modern label signed by luthier Scott Blake.
Nicely figured solid wood cherry body, bookmatched on the back, with pink/ginger-coloured streaks. Broad-grained redwood top with a pink tinge which complements the cherry body beautifully. Usual two level McSpadden hollow fingerboard with 6+ and 13+ frets. Composite bridge and ‘nut’ with zero fret. Quality chrome Gotoh tuners and strap buttons. Usual mushroom-headed pins as string anchors with cross-grain tail cap to take the strain of the string tension. Has the usual heart soundholes, with tails pointing to the tail. Overall length 35¾”, upper bout 5¾”, lower bout 7⅛”, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (long/medium scale), weight 2lb 6oz (1079g). Has a zero, 6+ and 13+ fret. Strings now 0.010/0.010, 0.014, 0.023w phosphor bronze.
A near-pristine example of a modern McSpadden – still the standard by which other serious dulcimers are judged.
2.272 2011 McSpadden 4FHCC 4 String Flat Head Hourglass #55874 £Sold
Signed by Richard Stoltze, dated March 2011.
All cherry body, fully bookmatched, with really nice figuring on the back. Flat head also in cherry with chrome Gotohs. Hollow cherry fingerboard with 6+ and 13+ frets. Black composite ‘nut’ and bridge with zero fret. Routed tail with inset mushroom-headed chrome pins for string anchors and vent into body. Overall length 36”, upper bout 5⅝”, lower bout 6⅞”, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (long/medium scale), weight 2lb 5oz (1047g), strings 10/10, 14, 23w. Zero fret, 6+ and 13+ fret.
Built by one of the longest-serving luthiers in the McSpadden workshop, this has a very nice ring to it. Some volume and zest, which can be easily controlled. Decent balance of tone, exceptional intonation. In as-new condition with no marks, just the faintest shadow of fret wear on the melody string low down.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.242 2013 McSpadden 4FHCC #58362 £Sold
Usual late McSpadden label with luthier’s name “Brant Richardson/ #58362/ 4FHCC/ MAY 2013”.
Standard full-size cherry body, bookmatched on back with typical black flecks and glowing ginger colour. Bookmatched cherry top. Flat cherry head with chrome Gotoh tuners. Black wood (?) nut/zero fret and bridge. Cross-grain tail cap, acting as a string strainer, chrome mushroom-headed end pins.
Overall length 35¾”, upper bout 5½”, lower bout 7″, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28½” (long/medium scale), weight 2lb 4oz (1034g). Has a zero, 6+ and 13+ fret. Strings now 0.011/[0.011], 0.014, 0.023w phosphor bronze.
A lively sound as you would expect from an all-cherry instrument. Good action and intonation. Immaculate condition with no scratches at all. An excellent opportunity to buy an as-new McSpadden at a discount price.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.231 June 2012 McSpadden Ginger (short-scale) Model 4FGCR-E #57300 £Sold
Flat peghead Ginger hourglass, cherry body with redwood top. Usual oblong Woods-era label: “Brant Richardson…4FGCR-E …JUNE 2012…#57300”. Fully bookmatched ginger-hued cherry body with some typical darker flecks and very fine-grained reddy-brown redwood top. Head and hollow fingerboard made from cherry, former fitted with chrome Grover tuners. Fingerboard overlay is ebony with mother-of-pearl markers at 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 14 (double at the octaves) – an extra cost option. Black composite (?) ‘nut’/zero fret and bridge, latter compensated for DAD tuning. 6+ and 13+ frets. McSpadden stamped on cherry wood of strum hollow. Plain pin string anchors, with circular recesses to accommodate ball-end as well as loop-end strings. Chrome strap buttons fitted each end.
Comes with a home-made, but snug-fitting possum board (* see 2.230 below for detailed description of possum board). Overall length 29¾”, upper bout 5½”, lower bout 7⅛”, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 23¼” (very short scale), weight 1lb 15oz (876g), strings 12/[12], 16, 26w (as original). Zero fret, 6+ and 13+.
A warmer-looking appearance and an excellent warm sound to match, especially when using the possum board. Intonation and balance are good with a less brittle sound than some Gingers display. Small ding on far side top edge, otherwise immaculate. The ebony fingerboard, full sound and short scale make for a very playable instrument.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.216 McSpadden Ginger (short-scale) Model 4FGWR-M August 2017 #61538 £Sold
Standard Woods-era label signed by luthier Jon Jewell. Handsome small-bodied “Ginger” model with solid walnut body, bookmatched on both back and sides. Spectacular colours on the back, from black, to walnut brown, to lighter tan sapwood. Redwood top with smaller versions of the iconic McSpadden heart soundholes. Flat headstock fitted with good quality Gotoh enclosed tuners. Hollow walnut fingerboard with black micarta overlay, giving a flat, matt surface, and “McSpadden” etched into strum hollow. Two octaves (just) with 6+ and 13+ frets fitted; mother of pearl markers at frets 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14. Composite bridge (compensated for DAD) and “nut” with zero fret. Corss-grained block on top of tail, acting as a strainer for the strings; short pins, inset in tail to allow use of both loop- and ball-end strings. Chrome strap buttons, tail one with original shop label still attached! Overall length 30”, upper bout 5½”, lower bout 7⅛”, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 23¼” (very short scale), weight 1lb 14oz (846g), strings 12/12, 16, 26w (as original). Zero fret, 6+ and 13+.
A pristine and attractive example of this very popular dulcimer, with some attack and good intonation. Full sound, though tails off just a little toward the top end of the fingerboard. Easy to play, even with the heavy strings it needs, though action on bass is just about at the minimum.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.262 (formerly 2.230) December 2011 McSpadden Ginger (short-scale) Model 4FGC SYC-E #56804 £Sold
Flat peghead Ginger hourglass, cherry body with spalted sycamore top. Usual oblong Woods-era label: “George Looney…4FGC SYC-E …DECEMBER 2011…#56804”. Handsome bookmatched cherry body with good use of darker grain in a V towards the tail. Spectacular spalted sycamore bookmatched top and headstock veneer. Head and hollow fingerboard base made from cherry, former fitted with black Gotoh “mini-Schaller” tuners (extra cost option). Fingerboard overlay is ebony with mother-of-pearl markers at 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 14 (double at the octaves) – another expensive option. Black composite (?) ‘nut’/zero fret and bridge, latter compensated for DAD tuning. 6+ and 13+ frets. McSpadden stamped on cherry wood of strum hollow. Black strap buttons fitted each end.
* Comes with original McSpadden possum board. This comprises a light but thick, lacquered, hourglass-shaped base with high cherry supports at each end. The instrument rests firmly on black felt pads within the cherry ends, raised about ½ inch above the backplate. The board then becomes the main resting point on the knee/thigh and is held in place with a strap round the player’s waist. The assembly allows the instrument to vibrate freely, increasing volume and improving tone quality – particularly important with the small-bodied, short-scale length Ginger model. Its name derives from the flat boards used by Appalachian mountain people to stretch and dry possum skin. Overall length 29¾”, upper bout 5½”, lower bout 7¼”, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 23¼” (very short scale), weight 2lb 0oz (920g), strings 12/[12], 16, 26w (as original). Zero fret, 6+ and 13+.
The parchment-coloured sycamore top is very pretty, showing far more grain/spalting than current McSpadden sycamore instruments. The additional cost options and possum board would make this currently a $740 instrument, before shipping and import costs. Good balanced sound with plenty of punch, especially when played with the fitted possum board. The sycamore top gives a slightly harder edge to the tone.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.247 2007 Model 4FHCS August 2007 #51796 £Sold
Usual Woods-era label with some handwritten elements: “George Looney/ Aug. 2007/ #51796”. George, who died a few years back, was one of the longest-serving luthiers during Lynn McSpadden’s 40 year ownership of the firm he founded.
Lovely all-solid cherry body with bookmatched, mottled back and light spruce top, the latter still so white it can scarcely have been out of the case. The spruce has a few bear-claw markings in the grain. Usual McSpadden heart soundholes. All cherry flat guitar-style headstock with chrome Gotoh tuners; hollow cherry fingerboard with 6+ and 13+ frets. ‘McSpadden’ branded on the fingerboard, just in front of the white, composite bridge; similar composite ‘nut’/zero fret. Usual mushroom-headed stainless pins as string anchors, routed into the tail, with the strings running up over a harder, cross-grained block, to avoid marking the softer fingerboard.
Overall length 35¾”, upper bout 5½”, lower bout 7″, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (medium/long scale), weight 2lb 3oz (1000g), strings now 11/[11], 14, 23w. Has a 6+ and 13+ fret.
Immaculate condition with scarcely a mark on it. The combination of bright cherry and brighter spruce give it a forward sound – some volume and quite a punch if required. Should mellow a little over time and with a little more use than it’s had. Good sustain, accurate intonation and an easy action make for a very playable instrument.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.234 McSpadden 4FHCR Hourglass May 2013 #58419 £Sold inc. original padded bag/case
Signed by long-standing McSpadden luthier Richard Stoltze. Bookmatched cherry body with attractive figure on the back, and bookmatched, close-grained redwood top exhibiting different stripes of reddy-brown. Flat cherry head with top quality chrome Gotohs tuners. Cherry, hollow fingerboard with dark (composite?) bridge and false nut with zero fret. Inset chrome mushroom-headed pins at tail, acting as string anchors. Chrome strap buttons at each end. Overall length 35⅞”, upper bout 5⅝”, lower bout 6⅞”, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (long/medium scale), weight 2lb 3oz (984g). Has a zero, 6+ and 13+ fret. Strings now 0.011/[0.011], 0.014, 0.023w phosphor bronze.
Almost immaculate and little used, with just a small nick on the neck of the headstock. Attractive wood combination in shades of Autumn – red, orange and brown. The combination of cherry and redwood also makes for an excellent sound – perhaps the best of the standard McSpadden range – with the brightness of the cherry tempered by the softness of the redwood. Sounds lively, full and sweet, with good bass and some volume at the player’s disposal. Sold with original protective padded case.
2.229 May 2012 McSpadden Ginger Model 4FGW SYC-E #57192: £Sold
Flat peghead Ginger hourglass, walnut body with spalted sycamore top. Usual oblong Woods-era label: “Richard Stoltze…4FGW SYC-E …MAY 2012…#57192”. Handsome, slightly rippled/curly reddish-brown walnut back with walnut sides and attractive spalted sycamore bookmatched top and headstock veneer. Head and hollow fingerboard base made from walnut, former fitted with black Gotoh “mini-Schaller” tuners (extra cost option). Fingerboard overlay is ebony – an unusual mix of dark and light hues – with mother-of-pearl markers at 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 14 (double at the octaves) – another expensive option. Black composite (?) ‘nut’/zero fret and bridge, latter compensated for DAD tuning. 6+ and 13+ frets. McSpadden stamped on walnut wood of strum hollow. Plain pin string anchors, with circular recesses to accommodate ball-end as well as loop-end strings. Black strap buttons fitted each end.
Comes with original McSpadden possum board (* see section in description of 2.230 above). Overall length 29¾”, upper bout 5⅜”, lower bout 7⅛”, depth 1¾”, FBW 1½”, VSL 23¼” (very short scale), weight 2lb 1oz (952g), strings 12/[12], 16, 26w (as original). Zero fret, 6+ and 13+.
The sycamore top is attractive and the ebony fingerboard and black appointments suit the design. This is a high end instrument which, with the possum board, currently retails at over $700, before shipping and import costs. Clear sounding, with some of the sycamore’s natural hardness softened by the walnut body, especially when played with the fitted possum board.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.206 2011 Model 4FHCR August 2011 #56413 £Sold
Flat peghead, hourglass, cherry body with redwood top. Usual oblong modern label: “Richard Stoltze….4FHCR….August 2011…#56413”
Solid cherry body with nice, dark, curly sides and some interesting knot and shake figure on the lighter red (bookmatched) back. Redwood top with standard McSpadden heart soundholes, tails pointing to tail. Flat cherry headstock with good quality chrome Gotoh tuners. Two part, hollow cherry fingerboard with several additional frets – 0.5 and 1.5 – over the standard layout. Usual composite ‘nut’/zero fret and bridge. Mushroom-headed pins for the string anchors, recessed into the tail. Chrome strap buttons fitted. Overall length 35¾”, upper bout 5¾”, lower bout 7″, depth 1¾”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (long scale), weight 2lb 4oz (1014g), strings 11/[11], 14, 22w. Zero fret, 0.5, 1.5, 6.5 and 13.5 fret.
Originally built as a LH dulcimer, now converted. The additional frets are probably original – they look identical to the rest and are installed with as much care. Nice combination of woods – cherry for brightness and presence, with redwood to take the edge off. Body is near pristine.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.210 McSpadden Ginger 4FGWW-E May 2019 #62453 £Sold inc. original teal padded case.
Standard Woods-era label signed by luthier Duane Porterfield. As label indicates, this is the short-scale Ginger model McSpadden, with a solid (and handsome) walnut body and figured walnut top. Latter has a nice ‘eye’ feature in the grain near the lower bout soundholes. Wide hollow under 3 part fingerboard. Expensive ebony fingerboard overlay option makes playing the instrument so much more rewarding. …And adds mother of pearl markers, at frets 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 14. 6+ and 13+ frets. Shallow walnut centre strip inside, reinforcing the central join of the bookmatched back. McSpadden stamp in strum hollow. Composite ‘nut’ (with zero fret) and bridge, latter importantly compensated for DAD playing. Quality chrome Gotoh tuners on flat headstock; chrome strap buttons. Overall length 29⅝”, upper bout 5½”, lower bout 7½”, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 23¼” (very short scale), weight 2lb 0oz (902g), strings 12/12, 16, 26w (original). Zero fret, 6+ and 13+.
Absolutely as new and unmarked example of this well-made, popular model, with all the extras, including teal padded case. All the original paperwork, tune book and noter pack. Even has the original McSpadden shop tag on the tail. Easy action on a short scale length. Sounds mellow yet quite loud if pushed – a much clearer sound than some of the early Gingers.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.207 4FHWW June 2017 4 String Hourglass #61430 £Sold
Signed by Dewayne Jolly (?). Standard solid walnut body, bookmatched to back and side, with walnut top. The back has an unusual and attractive lighter sapwood colour to the middle of the board, and the top has some strong chocolatey-brown grain also. Has quality Gotoh chromed tuners, two-part hollow fingerboard with 6+ and 13+ frets, and black composite “nut” (zero fret) and bridge. Has the usual heart soundholes, with tails pointing to the right. Fitted with chrome strap buttons.
Overall length 35¾”, upper bout 5¾”, lower bout 7⅛”, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (long/medium scale), weight 2lb 6oz (1079g). Has a zero, 6+ and 13+ fret. Strings now 0.011/0.011, 0.014, 0.027w phosphor bronze.
An attractive example of the flat head all-walnut McSpadden, nearly-new and in pristine condition. The proceeds from this sale will go to charity and I am taking no commission on the sale.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.197 2007 McSpadden 6FHWW May 2007 #51500 £Sold
Usual 2nd Woods-era label signed by Larry McSpadden, brother of founder Lynn, who worked for the new company for a few transition years. Hourglass dulcimer made from rich, dark walnut, fully bookmatched on top, back and sides. Hollow walnut fingerboard in traditional McSpadden two layer design with 6+ and 13+ frets. Zero fret, composite “nut” and bridge, apparently compensated for 6 strings tuned to DAD. Rather different routed tail with inset, short string anchors clearly intended for ball-end strings. High quality chrome Gotoh tuners mounted on a flat walnut head, with two small patches of browny-red discolouration – apparently original since they seem to be under the lacquer. Chrome strap buttons on each end.
Overall length 36⅛”, upper bout 5⅝”, lower bout 6⅞”, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (long/medium scale) with zero fret, weight 2lb 6oz (1093g). Has 6+ and 13+ frets. Strings 0.010/0.010, 0.013/0.013, 0.022w/0.010 steel and bronze wound (original would have had 0.012s for the middle course and the wound string probably nickel).
Absolutely unmarked and as new (original invoice and label inside case). Comes with strap buttons and strap, together with original brown padded case. All courses ring clearly and are well-balanced, treble to bass. Has some of the delicious jangle of a typical 6 string (think 12 string guitar) and can be quite punchy! Of course it would be possible to make a very nice conventional 3 or 4 string dulcimer out of this, just by taking off a few strings….but what a sound you might be missing!
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.195 Model 4FTCC January 2008 #52303 £Sold
Printed oblong label with black line border. Usual Wood-era details, signed by newish craftsperson, Lawrence Chapman. All solid cherry teardrop with F-holes (not sculpted as in older teardrops), bookmatched back (slightly raised join near tail). Flat, cherry head with good quality chrome Gotoh tuners. Zero fret, composite nut and bridge, cross-grained cherry strainer, stainless pin anchors, routed tail with mushroom-headed pin string anchors. Cherry two level (hollow) fingerboard with both 6+ and 13+ frets.
Overall length 35¾”, lower bout 7″, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (medium/long scale), weight 2lb 2oz (979g), strings now 11/11, 14, 23w. Has a 6+ and 13+ fret.
Attractive appearance with gingery-coloured body, flecked with black, as so often in cherry. Entirely unmarked and as new – still with original label attached. A bright, clear sound with good volume. Has original TKL branded brown McSpadden padded case.
Click on images below to enlarge.
2.162 6FHCR B McSpadden 6 String Hourglass April 2012 #57122 £Sold
An unusual model from the post-McSpadden era but with the standard oblong printed label – “Richard Stoltze/ Model 6FHCR B/ April 2012”. Standard-size cherry body, bookmatched side and back, latter with striking lighter sapwood figure. Redwood top, which complements both the colour of the cherry body and the sound, warming slightly its brighter characteristics. Flat head with good quality Gotoh enclosed gear chrome tuners. Black composite (?) nut and bridge, zero fret with 1+, 6+, 13+ frets. Inset pins in routed tail, usual contrasting grain string strainer on top of tail.
Overall length 36”, upper bout 5⅝”, lower bout 7″, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (long/medium scale) with zero fret, weight 2lb 6oz (1093g). Has 1+, 6+ and 13+ frets. Strings now as standard McSpadden 6 string: 0.010/0.010, 0.012/0.012, 0.022w/0.010 steel and phosphor bronze wound.
The model designation – on a small correction slip – would suggest this was originally a baritone 6 string tuned AEA or ADA (strings 12/12, 24/10, 38/12). Arrived as a standard pitch DAD 6 string and works well in that configuration. Could be re-strung as a standard DAD 4 string/3 course McSpadden without alterations. Intonation seems fine at standard pitch. It can be quite loud when pushed, punchy with some of the delicious jangle of a typical 6 string (think 12 string guitar). A few small pick marks on the top nearside, otherwise pretty pristine.
No number/identifier: McSpadden Possum Board for cherry instrument 2012 £Sold
Stand/holder which works with all recent standard-size hourglass McSpaddens. Its purpose is to increase the perceived volume and improve the tone of the instrument, whose back is normally deadened by resting on the player’s upper thighs. It supports the instrument about ½ inch above an hourglass-shaped backplate, which has strap buttons on each end. The board then becomes the main resting point on the knee/thigh and holds the whole assembly in position with a strap round the player’s waist. It comprises a thick ply, lacquered base with high cherry supports at each end. The instrument rests firmly on black felt pads within the cherry ends. Chrome strap buttons at each end. Its name derives from the flat boards used by Appalachian mountain people to stretch and dry possum skin. No longer appears on McSpadden website so may now be discontinued.
2.165 4SHWW November 2016 #61086 £Sold
Handwritten on Woods-era oblong printed label: “Victor Arbour/ 4SHWW Nov. 2016”.
Typical all-solid walnut hourglass body, bookmatched on back, sides and top, with attractive figure and some light sap colouring on the back. Walnut, two level fingerboard with 6+ and 13+ frets, zero fret and new dark brown type of nut and bridge (wood or composite?). Neat, classic sculpted scroll with own-brand chrome McSpadden geared banjo tuners and pearlescent buttons. Usual routed tail with stainless mushroom pins for loop end strings. Strap buttons with post-market strap locks.
Overall length 36”, upper bout 5¾”, lower bout 7¼”, depth 2”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (long/medium scale), weight 2lb 9oz (1173g). Has a zero, 6+ and 13+ fret. Original strings 0.012/0.012, 0.012, 0.022w nickel – DAA set up? Now standard McSpadden gauge for DAD: 0.010/0.010, 0.014, 0.023w phosphor bronze.
A classy and immaculate as-new dulcimer from the latest McSpadden era – looks and plays as you would expect.
2.144: Model 4FHWS July 2011 #56307 £Sold
Modern, flat peghead, hourglass McSpadden with walnut body and fine-grained spruce top. Usual 2nd generation label with handwritten “..Randy Sloan/ 4FHWS/ July 2011…”
Solid wood throughout, as all second generation McSpaddens post-May 2006. Straight-grained, bookmatched walnut back and sides, with very fine-grained spruce top. Small stress fracture from far-side lower bout soundhole, probably caused by changes in temperature or humidity rather than impact. This has been stabilized and is not moving or affecting the sound at all.
Overall length 35½”, upper bout 5⅝”, lower bout 7″, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (long scale), weight 1lb 15oz (887g), strings 10/10, 14, 23w. Zero fret, 6½ and 13½ fret.
Two very small nicks on the top edges and the aforementioned repaired fracture. Otherwise in excellent condition. Has a crisp and slightly brighter, punchier sound than the standard walnut bodied McSpaddens.
Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge each photo:
2.130 Model 4FHCC May 2008 #52770 £Sold including original padded case
Signed by Larry McSpadden. All cherry solid body with cherry fingerboard. Usual white composite “nut” and bridge. Chrome Gotohs, chrome pins for string anchors, inset into tail. Bookmatched top, sides and back with neat cherry figure.
Overall length 35⅝”, upper bout 5⅝”, lower bout 6⅞”, depth 1⅞”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (long scale), weight 1lb 15oz (887g). Zero fret, 6½ and 13½ fret. Strings 0.010/0.010, 0.014, 0.023w.
In excellent condition, with normal good action and a bright, full sound. Has original TKL branded McSpadden padded case.
Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge each photo:
2.132 August 2006 McSpadden 4FHWW #50502 £Sold including original padded case
Usual label signed by Lawrence Chapman.
Must be one of the first of the new era with solid wood body, smaller flat headstock and a new luthier’s name on the label. Has a straight-grained solid walnut back and a nice rippled bookmatched walnut top. Otherwise the normal two piece walnut fingerboard, zero fret, composite nut and bridge, cross-grained walnut strainer, stainless pin anchors, Gotohs…but no strap buttons.
Overall length 35¾”, upper bout 5¾”, lower bout 6⅞”, depth 1¾”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (medium/long scale), weight 2lb 5oz (1057g), strings now 10/10, 14, 23w. Has a 6+ and 13+ fret.
Excellent intonation and full sound from this almost unused dulcimer, which is only a few minor nicks away from being unblemished. Has original TKL branded brown McSpadden padded case.
Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge each photo:
2011 McSpadden 4FHCR #56602 £Sold
Model 4FHCR – flat peghead, hourglass shape, cherry body with redwood top – signed by the craftsperson who made it, Brant Richardson. In mint condition, still with music instruction book, McSpadden guarantee and original invoice from UK-based Bird Rock Dulcimers, dated October 2012. The solid woods of top and sides/back complement each well – it is a beautiful colour. Apparently this is the favoured McSpadden wood combination of the widely influential MD player, the late David Schnaufer. Great full sound but with plenty of subtlety.
McSpadden are perhaps the best known and most consistent craft maker of mountain dulcimers in the world. They continue to produce beautifully-made, reliable and great sounding instruments. This is no exception.
Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge each photo:
