Archive of previously sold intermediate/advanced instruments
Listed below are the instruments for intermediate/advanced players sold prior to September 2016. This is the short catalogue listing, but links to the detailed descriptions are still live if you click on the pictures.
2.297 2008 Model 4FHWS-E September 2008 #53318 £Sold
McSpadden have now made over 64000 dulcimers and the quality remains as high as ever. This is a higher spec model with a close-grained spruce top, a smooth ebony fingerboard and mother of pearl fret markers. Great sound!
2.294 McSpadden M12-W Hourglass #14589 £Sold
An early McSpadden from a spell when they made very good sounding, light dulcimers using laminate backs. This one is in remarkable condition and is affordable because it still has the original Grover friction tuners (can be upgraded at additional cost).
2.290 May 2019 FolkRoots D Series 4 String Hourglass £Sold
The classic large-bodied FolkRoots instrument (made by Folkcraft) but with a shorter 26″ scale length. As new example of this popular model in cherry and spruce.
2.289 2016 McSpadden Hourglass 4FH26WW November 2016 #61088 £Sold
A rare example of the classic McSpadden all-walnut hourglass in its shorter form. Plays and sounds like the standard dulcimer, but with a more accommodating 26″ scale length. All the benefits with added ease of playing!
2.286 2010 McSpadden 4FGWR #55031 £Sold
A newish example of the shorter scale ‘Ginger’ McSpadden dulcimer, much in demand by those with smaller hands. This comes with McSpadden’s excellent reputation for quality and a decent, well-balanced sound.
2.281 Feb. 2000 McSpadden M12 CC £Sold
A nice looking late McSpadden era dulcimer built by one of their longest-serving craftsmen. This is unusual in having a near-chromatic run of lower frets, providing wide coverage over nearly two octaves – apparently a special workshop order. Useful if you want extra flexibility, without losing entirely the uniqueness of this diatonic instrument.
2.275 July 2013 Clemmer Fiddle-Style 5 String, 3 or 4 Course £Sold
A fairly recent example of these much loved Tennessee fiddle-style dulcimers. The pattern was handed down from Bill Davis to Sam Carrell to Mike Clemmer, each of whom updated the concept to produce dulcimers which had good looks, good volume and a well-balanced sound.
2.189 (formerly 2.158) Timbre Hill 4 String 3 Course Dulcimer #68, undated but probably 2006. £Sold
Stunning top on a really unusual – and effective – dulcimer. The very light body gives this dulcimer some punch but it can also be expressive. With the added bonus of a low action and medium scale length, this is a very tempting and playable instrument.
2.284 1988 Folkcraft CFSHCeW #506 £Sold
A quality dulcimer from one of the two longest-standing and most respected US dulcimer makers. The hardware has been updated, it’s playing well and sounding good.
2.283 2006 Bill Taylor 4 String Hourglass #1556 £Sold
An exceptional dulcimer from a low volume maker who was also a highly-respected player. Bill only made dulcimers that he thought were beautiful – and that he himself would enjoy playing. Sadly, he died last year and their value will only rise.
2.282 1987 McSpadden M12-S #15072 4 String, 3 or 4 Course Hourglass £Sold
This is an excellent condition example of the classic middle period instrument from McSpadden – one of the best known and most reliable larger scale dulcimer makers in the world. Updated with new geared tuners, it will make a practical and responsive instrument for any aspiring or progressing player.
2.280 1976 Peter Abnett 4 string, 3 course hourglass £Sold
Abnett was the go-to luthier in the early 70s folk scene, making a guitar for Martin Simpson and a bouzouki for Donal Lunny (Bothy Band, Planxty, Moving Hearts etc). He also made quite a few beautifully crafted dulcimers. This looks like English walnut, with quite a narrow fingerboard and a shortish scale length.
2.277 May 2001 McSpadden M12CC #42615 with extras inc. 1+ fret £Sold
A nice late-Lynn McSpadden era scroll head dulcimer with lots of extras: a 1+ fret, mother of pearl markers; and an internal pickup (not tested, but recent).
2.276 (Ex-2.124) Capritaurus Wally #008 January 2017 Short-Scale, chromatic, 4 equidistant strings £Sold
Really unusual – and attractive – combination of a very effective short-scale instrument, chromatic fret pattern and 4 string equidistant layout. One of a successful new range of dulcimers from dulcimer maestro Howard Rugg (of FolkRoots fame).
2.273 2003 Modern Mountain Dulcimer 3 String Hourglass (non-resonator) £Sold
A very impressive dulcimer – good-looking, easy to play, plenty of tone and volume – and it’s not even one of the classic resonator back models! This is a really low cost way of entering the world of professional-class dulcimers.
2.267 Early 1970s Capritaurus 4 String 3 Course, converted to 3 String Baritone £Sold
A forerunner of the famous FolkRoots Model D dulcimer, this has a big, golden mahogany (laminated) body and a longish scale length – making it ideal for a baritone conversion. This was John Shaw’s go-to baritone, with an easy action and vibrant sound.
2.266 (ex-2.45) 1977 Ron Ewing Elliptical Dulcimer #22 4 String, 3 Course £Sold
One of John Shaw’s main performance dulcimers. A very early example of the famous Ron Ewing’s lutherie – and a stunning full, balanced sound. Replacement banjo planetary geared tuners make it an eminently practical, professional-grade instrument.
2.265 1998 John Crocker Teardrop, 4 String, 3 Course £ Sold
A beautifully-constructed teardrop dulcimer, commissioned by the late John Shaw from Bristol luthier John Crocker (alias John Henry). A handsome and sweet-sounding instrument which featured on John’s ‘Regional Curiosity’ CD.
2.263 (formerly 2.98) – 2004 Cripple Creek “Eagle” – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
A decent dulcimer with good playability and sound from the reputable Cripple Creek concern in Manitou Springs. These are quite substantial dulcimers, but well made from solid woods – and in this case a rather neat Eagle design on the headstock.
2.257 (formerly 2.133) Richard & Denise Wilson/Diamond Designs Oct 1995 #3932, 4 String, 3 Course Dulcimer £Sold
A pretty dulcimer from an experienced concern who made good quality dulcimers in the 80s and 90s. The attractive design features hummingbird soundholes and a multi-coloured pearl flower (poppy? cornflower?) on the fingerboard. Clean sounding with decent volume.
2.254 1978 Westminster 4 String, 3 Course £Sold
I’m a fan of these early, large-bodied instruments, made by a small craft maker in Vermont who was also that rarity in the dulcimer world, a female luthier. She made some great-sounding instrument with good volume and tone and decent playability, but they’re best for people with average or above-sized hands. Also comes with a plush, fitted, hand-made ply case.
2.251 (formerly 4.29) 2020 Custom Order Ewing 4 String Teardrop D1043 £Sold
A rare opportunity to buy a year old, custom order, koa-top Ewing at a big discount on the new price. This stunning medium scale instrument on a baritone body looks spectacular and plays well – with just a few reminders that it was well used during that period. The custom hard case is beautifully made and very strong , yet light.
2.248 2019 New Harmony Dulcimer, #19077, 3 String 3 Course, Hourglass £Sold
A rare chance to buy a pre-owned, immaculate New Harmony, a brand currently at the forefront of a new wave of dulcimer luthiery. This is pretty, easy playing and sounds so natural.
2.246 (formerly 2.38) McSpadden T-34W, May 1995, # 31552 £Sold
A nice example of a 1990s teardrop classic from the ever-reliable McSpadden concern. This has a pretty, solid top, a good sound and an easy action.
2.239 (formerly 2.78) Richard & Denise Wilson – 1983 4 String Hourglass #1545 – £Sold
A classic dulcimer from a husband and wife concern who made well-built, attractively-decorated, good-sounding dulcimers throughout the 1980s and 1990s. This one has a seaside motif, with seagull soundholes, and seagull/beachside inlays. A good value instrument in excellent condition.
2.237 1987 Warren May 4 string, 3 course hourdrop #4056 £Sold
An older classic by Kentucky woodworker, Warren May. This attractive asymmetrical hourdrop with natural soundholes has been updated by a past owner with geared tuners and 6+ fret. Now ready for playing in a wide range of possible dulcimer styles.
2.231 June 2012 McSpadden Ginger 4FGCR-E #57300 £Sold
A great-sounding example of this shorter-scale cherry and redwood McSpadden with the desirable ebony fingerboard option. A warm-looking instrument with a full, warm sound.
2.119 2006 Lee Norris 4 String Hourglass with pickup £Sold
This is an attractive, short-scale dulcimer made of good materials in an unusual style – and it’s British! For such a deep body, a sweet and quiet instrument, but with added pickup for those who want more volume.
2.269 McSpadden M12-W #3313 £Sold
A nice walnut McSpadden from the golden years of the early 1980s. This has been updated (since the pictures were taken) with proper geared tuners to make a very easy-playing, warm-sounding, affordable classic.
2.262 (formerly 2.230) December 2011 McSpadden Ginger 4FGC SYC-E #56804 £Sold
A spectacular top-of the range, short-scale dulcimer from McSpadden, retailing currently at $740 before shipping and import duty. Comes complete (at extra cost) with its original possum board, which improves volume and tone.
2.261 2011 Folkcraft FSH 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
This recent example of a Folkcraft classic looks great, with its turtle sound holes, and has good volume/tone. Folkcraft are the biggest producers of quality dulcimers in the U.S., after McSpadden – and this is a good one.
2.258 2006 Folkcraft Custom 6 String £Sold
An unusual but very effective alternative to the normal 3 or 4 string set-up. The equivalent of a 12 string guitar, this has real impact and the sound chimes nicely, yet it’s easy to chord. A rare find with an exceptional set of figured woods.
2.255 1992 Folkcraft FSH 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
An older classic, unusually with an exotic hardwood overlay on the fingerboard, which is in original condition and playing well.
2.250 McSpadden M12 1981/82 (?) #8399 £Sold
A really nice example of an early McSpadden with walnut body and spruce top – the latter giving a little more energy to the sound. Excellent condition for its age and a great opportunity to start playing on a decent instrument without breaking the bank.
2.247 2007 McSpadden 4FHCS August 2007 #51796 £Sold
Another immaculate standard McSpadden, this time with an unusual and attractive cherry body, with spruce top. Not as mellow as an all-walnut instrument, but balanced and easy to play with plenty of sustain.
2.245 1988 McSpadden M12-W #17,447 4 String Hourglass with 1+ and 8+ frets £Sold
Immaculate old-style scroll-head McSpadden from a classic era, with very up-to-date enhancements, including extra frets and expensive, very smooth geared tuners. Sounds good and plays very well.
2.243 1992 Wilson/ Diamond Designs 4 String Hourglass #3708 £Sold
Beautifully decorated hourglass from a very reputable and longstanding dulcimer maker. This sea-themed instrument was made by a very talented husband and wife team from Michigan – good sound and stands out in a crowd!
2.238 1989 Ron Ewing Teardrop #TF265 £Sold
A modernistic take on a traditional teardrop shape by luthier Ron Ewing of Ohio. An unusual figured back on a good-sounding and very playable dulcimer of professional quality.
2.235 2005 Blue Lion Hourglass Model IIW #3719 £Sold
Another high end dulcimer from the Blue Lion workshop in Californian, this time a walnut-bodied Style II with its iconic brass and mother-of-pearl rose inlay. Clear note articulation, accurate intonation, a softer, rounded sound yet with good volume. Difficult to come by at this price.
2.234 McSpadden 4FHCR Hourglass May 2013 #58419 £Sold inc. original padded bag/case
A near-immaculate and great-sounding standard McSpadden with the dream wood combination of cherry body and redwood top – cherry for punch and redwood for warmth.
2.229 May 2012 McSpadden Ginger 4FGW SYC-E #57192: £Sold
A handsome short-scale dulcimer with the optional spalted sycamore top, ebony fingerboard and (at extra cost) original fitted possum board. Even the bookmatched back has a slight ripple in its chocolate brown walnut. A desirable high-end dulcimer.
2.227 1984 Folk Roots D-500 S #049 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
A rare example of a top-end Californian dulcimer from their peak in the early/mid-eighties. This is a big-bodied dulcimer with a refined, full sound. Crafted from premium woods, it is a very pretty example of a high string-tension, easy-playing dulcimer.
2.226 1985 FolkRoots D550ST #094 4 String 3 Course Teardrop £Sold
A rare example of a lovely hand-built dulcimer from the famous Californian FolkRoots workshop. Some beautiful wood and a great sound – but possibly too much for players with small hands. Click through to the detail page for a great tribute from its former owner.
2.225 1998 Ron Ewing Hourglass #565 £Sold
Another most attractive and good-sounding dulcimer from master craftsman Ron Ewing in Ohio. These are professional instruments, clear-toned, accurate and responsive, and made for discerning players.
2.220 2006 Bear Meadow Standard Teardrop #1145 £Sold inc. original custom Blue Heron case.
A beautiful and pristine rarity: the distinctively carved handiwork of NY luthier Dwain Wilder. Dwain has mentored many modern dulcimer builders, in the same way he was mentored by Walter Martin, creator of Sunhearth dulcimers, the pre-eminent make of the 1970s/1980s. Fish-shaped soundholes and a fishy poem, unique to this instrument, inside!
2.219 2013 FolkRoots 4 String Hourglass £Sold inc. original Folkcraft padded bag.
Neat, almost new, large-bodied dulcimer from the well-known Folkcraft workshop. Reliable, good-looking and easy to play, these are ideal instruments for an ambitious player making good progress.
2.216 McSpadden Ginger 4FGWR-M August 2017 #61538 £Sold
Pristine example of this much sought-after shorter scale dulcimer from the best known dulcimer workshop in the world. This has a good-looking solid walnut back and a rich redwood top, with a micarta fingerboard overlay as an optional extra.
2.215 John Telling 1982 Dulcimer 6 String 3 Course Hourglass £No longer available
An interesting and unusual English dulcimer from a known luthier, made from quality materials. Turns the dulcimer into a 12-string guitar equivalent!
2.214 1980 FolkRoots D50ST £Sold
A hardy survivor of the early 1980s. An original FolkRoots design which has proved a very popular seller. Good sound and good condition, but rather long scale length for those with smaller hands.
2.212 Early 1980s (?) FolkRoots D100S #289 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
I’ve managed to find another of these majestic dulcimers. Simple construction, but a classic solid-wood design with a really full sound. Only downside is that they are not for players with small hands.
2.210 McSpadden Ginger 4FGWW-E May 2019 #62453 £Sold inc. original teal padded case.
A new and unused short-scale dulcimer from McSpadden which has the expensive – and very practical – ebony fingerboard overlay. A rare example of a top of the range Ginger over here and for sale!
2.208 1986 Folkcraft FSHCeW 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
Another nice example of Folkcraft’s classic FSH series, solid-wood dulcimers – a much-copied design and deservedly so. It’s neat, easy to play and has a good sound. This early one with a cedar top is slightly softer sounding than some FSH dulcimers.
2.207 McSpadden 4FHWW June 2017 4 String Hourglass #61430 £Sold
A pristine example of the modern McSpadden classic, with a lovely sap colouring on the solid walnut back. Being generously sold to benefit charity.
2.206 2011 McSpadden 4FHCR August 2011 #56413 with extra frets. £Sold
In my opinion one of the best wood combinations for a McSpadden, this cherry-bodied, redwood-topped hourglass has extra 0.5 and 1.5 frets, providing access to all those difficult notes (C, F, Bb) and keys for a diatonic dulcimer.
2.193 1996 Folkcraft FSHW 4 string, 3 course hourglass £Sold
A rather pretty example of the classic hook scroll Folkcraft dulcimer, made of solid wood in a workshop, not a factory like the poor, cheap copies which followed. In excellent condition, this would be ideal for a progressing beginner or intermediate player.
2.179 May 1979 Boulder Junction Artist’s Model #533 4 string, 3 course teardrop £Sold
An interesting and unusual example of high quality lutherie from a small Ohio workshop which was at the top of its game during this period. Manages to combine a classic scroll head with flat guitar-type Grover tuners. Cherry body is deep, for a full sound, and attractively grained.
2.171 1988 Blue Lion Teardrop £Sold
Entry level teardrop model from iconic west coast dulcimer workshop – sadly no longer produced. I’m impressed with this – it’s so light, so pretty, so beautifully crafted and sounds so good that it sets a pretty high entry bar.
2.167 1986 Walnut Valley (Whitewater Dulcimer Co.) “Smoky River” 4 String Hourglass £Sold
A good-looking and well constructed dulcimer with a pleasant sound and action. Lots of innovative features and a pretty walnut bookmatched back. Good intermediate instrument.
2.159 1995 M-12W 4 String Hourglass Scroll Head #31854 £Sold
A really pristine older McSpadden with the classic combination of carved scroll head and all walnut body. Sounds soft and sweet. Friction tuners could be replaced at extra cost.
2.156 1988 Folkcraft CFSHW 4 String Hourglass #289 £Sold
A relatively early CSH model from the famous Folkcraft workshops. A classic design, effective and elegant, much copied subsequently by low-end manufacturers in Eastern Europe and Asia. The flood of copies only serves to flatter this well-made and decent sounding original.
2.152 1974 Westminster Dulcimers 4 String 3 Course Hourglass: £Sold
An unusual big-bodied dulcimer from Vermont which has real class. This has a very clean and pure sound, with some volume, and now it has new 6+ and 13+ frets, together with geared banjo-type tuners, it is eminently playable. See the video below of the US singer and dulcimer teacher Thomasina Levy playing the Westminster in Cleeve Abbey, W Somerset. It was her first choice as a loan instrument when she came to teach at the annual Halsway Manor Dulcimer Week. N.B. Those with smaller than average hands might find the scale length a little much.
2.146 #?? 2016?? Short-scale (25″) Modern Mountain Hourglass 3 String Non-resonator £Sold
A nearly new example of this popular, professional dulcimer. Big, easygoing, yet sensitive and with a superbly well-balanced sound, these dulcimers are a revelation. For players who want to express themselves without limitations of volume, action and intonation – and they look great too! Has full complement of 1+, 6+, 8+ and 13+ frets.
SALE 2.131 1977 Scott Antes 4 String Teardrop #1043 – £Sold
This is a really good sounding dulcimer from a workshop which was famous in its day. This is an attractive ginger cherry colour with interesting grain on the bookmatched back. There is a professionally repaired and barely noticeable crack on the far side of the body, towards the neck end. The perfectly serviceable Grover Sta-Tite tuners could be upgraded at extra cost.
2.121 1979 Magic Mountain Model 5200-C Hourglass #2144 £Sold
A classic look from the late 70s. One of the high-end models from a less well known west coast maker. Good tone and easy action, but perhaps not for those with smaller hands.
3.90 2017 (?) Bird Rock “Heritage” 3 String Hourglass £Sold
An excellent, as new example of a new/old dulcimer. This is Robin Clark’s interpretation of a traditional diatonic Kentucky dulcimer with a sweet sounding traditional fret scale and built in the U.S. by the same reliable concern behind the Red Kite. Ideal for noter playing in all tunings, but particularly in DAA or its equivalent (CGG, EBB etc).
3.75 Hambas 4 String Bowed Dulcimer £Sold inc. high quality, custom padded case from Thistledew Acres
A rare beast in the UK – a chromatically fretted dulcimer intended to be played like a cello with a bow. This is a custom instrument with a shorter scale, sitting snugly in its custom padded case. Complete outfit with bow, ready to make music.
4.27 Dolau Dulcimers Electric Dulcimer #004 £Sold
New solid body electric from one of the foremost players in the UK. Over the past few years, Duncan Gibbs has been making stunning re-creations of some rock and blues classics on his YouTube channel using an electric dulcimer. This versatile, pretty and effective production dulcimer is the fruits of his work over several development prototypes.
Click on images below for further information/pictures and a demo video of what this instrument can do.
4.22 New Capritaurus Wally #009 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
Short-scale dulcimer – like a McSpadden Ginger – but with a beautiful multi-hued walnut body. Plays easily, with plenty of volume and no lack of tone.
4.21 New Capritaurus California #002 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
As above, a very handsome walnut dulcimer with redwood top, this time with 26″ scale length and f-heart soundholes. Has a full and clear sound with good intonation.
4.20 New Capritaurus California #001 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
A big and truly beautiful hourglass with 27″ scale length and a full, glorious sound. Lovely grain in the bookmatched Californian walnut back and a thin, straight-grained old-growth redwood top, reclaimed from a 19th century water tank. Traditional heart soundholes.
4.17 NEW Ron Ewing Dulcimer – 4 String Teardrop – £Sold inc. custom padded case
Brand new custom-ordered teardrop with beautiful lacewood top and ebony fingerboard. A high-end dulcimer from Ohio master craftsman Ron Ewing. Ron has been building superb and distinctive instruments for over 40 years. This has an iridescent lacewood top, a walnut bookmatched body and quality chrome hardware, complete with well-padded soft case. It plays beautifully, with Ron’s trademark clarity of tone and clear note separation.
NEW Folkcraft dulcimers:
Folkcraft are one of the two big names in quality craft-made US dulcimers. They now make, to exacting standards, both the well-loved Folkcraft range of FSH, CSH and Custom dulcimers, but also the former west coast FolkRoots big-bodied dulcimers. They make dulcimers with selected all-solid woods in a variety of scale lengths and have a wide range of imaginative soundhole designs. If you want to order an instrument to suit your exact needs, get in touch. Details of in-stock models are given below and on the detailed description page, but can also be found on the Folkcraft website here.
4.18 – NEW Folkcraft FSH Series Dulcimer – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold inc. carrying bag
The classic Folkcraft shape with a mid-tan northern cherry body and elegant heart-in-sun soundholes. Easy action, good full sound and the expected Folkcraft quality of build. This has the shorter 27″ scale length.
4.08 – 2014 FolkRoots D Series Dulcimer – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
This is actually a brand-new and delightful D series Folkcraft hourglass (formerly the D550S). But it has a dark secret – someone at the retailers in the US dropped it, causing some catastrophic cracks. Now repaired, it is looking and sounding glorious, though still not cosmetically perfect. At a £50 discount on the normal UK retail price, this is a bargain.
4.06 – 2015 FolkRoots D Series Dulcimer – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Large-bodied classic with a lovely figured cherry body and classy Engelmann spruce top, new Sun, Moon and Stars soundhole design and a bright, forward sound with the expected Folkcraft easy action. This example has the intermediate 28″ scale length.
4.09 – 2015 Folkcraft CSH Series Dulcimer – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
The semi-custom series with exotic wood fingerboard overlay and tail cap. A classic walnut body with western red cedar top, heart soundholes and purpleheart trim. Good looks, excellent feel and a sweet mellow tone. Shorter 27″ scale.
4.10 – 2015 Folkcraft FSH Series Dulcimer – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Stunning all-mahogany dulcimer with Hearts and Vines soundhole design, arched fingerboard, chrome strap buttons and elephant trunk headstock. Crisper sound than CSH model above, but the same excellent intonation. Also with the shorter 27″ scale.
4.03 Mahogany/Cedar D Series Folk Roots with Leaf/Heart tone holes, 27″ scale length – £Sold inc. soft case
4.02 Hickory FSH Series Folkcraft with Celtic Shield tone holes, 27″ scale length – £Sold
Click here to view larger images and full description.
4.01 NEW Black Walnut traditional hourglass dulcimer KIT – £Sold
Click here to view larger images and full description.
4.26 NEW Custom Order Ewing 4 String Hourglass #D 968: £Sold inc. original well-padded slip case
An elegant and effective brand new dulcimer from Ron Ewing in Ohio. I’m a long-term fan of Ron’s work, which values craftsmanship, unfussy and original design, ease of action and clarity of sound. Will develop still further as the woods – top in particular – age.
2.197 2007 McSpadden 6FHWW May 2007 #51500 £Sold inc. original padded case
Not quite the usual McSpadden of the modern era, this is a pristine 6 string which works really well – think 12 string guitar. Or you could take a few strings off and make a big saving on a new 4 string conventional McSpadden…but what a fabulous sound you might be missing!
2.196 Blue Lion Model IIR Rosewood #4411 (January 2011) £Sold inc. original LR Baggs pickup and custom fitted plush hard case
This is the top of the range model of the classic Blue Lion range, with its bookmatched rosewood back, smooth sound and easy action. This particular one comes with a 1+ fret (though no corresponding 8+), its original – and expensive – pickup and a custom fitted hard case. Whole package would cost more than $1300 to replace now.
2.195 Model 4FTCC January 2008 #52303 £Sold inc. original brown padded case
A rather lovely cherry bodied teadrop McSpadden which is in immaculate condition. The teardrops are the sleepers of McSpadden’s classic dulcimer range, showing good balance and plenty of volume if required.
2.194 Blue Lion Model IIW Walnut #3908 (September 2006) £Sold
I’ve been lucky to come across yet another glorious Blue Lion dulcimer. Elegant in its simplicity, this is a classic dulcimer design that never seems to age – and this is a good example. Excellent condition with very few nicks. Well-balanced, sensitive, subtle and clear, as you might expect, but surprisingly loud for a Blue Lion; easy action; good intonation.
2.190 McSpadden T34-W 1980? 4 string, 3 course teardrop #5528 £Sold
A relatively early dulcimer from the peerless McSpadden workshop, in great order. Lovely solid walnut top with swirly grain and a super sound. These teardrops are the sleepers in the pantheon of McSpadden classics.
2.187 1993 Crystal Creek/Simerman Tearwell 4 String 3 Course £Sold
An interesting early dulcimer from a luthier whose later creations are now much sought after. An interesting body shape as well, one which provides good treble/bass balance and should be more widely used perhaps.
2.176 1978 or 1979 Magic Mountain Model 5200? Hourglass #2097 £Sold
A classy instrument from a good Californian maker. Solid wood and with classic proportions, this has an easy action despite its longish scale length. Now in excellent playing condition. See also 2.121 below for another example of this high-end instrument.
2.164 Warren May #9223 (1996): 4 string, 3 course hourdrop £Sold
An intriguing oddity. A firmly traditional dulcimer updated with geared tuners and all the extra frets you could shake a pick at. Also one of my favourite shapes with a beautifully-figured walnut body. Just read the small print however….
2.160 1986 Ron Ewing 4 String Hourglass £Sold
An unusual and distinctive dulcimer from Ohio master-craftsman Ron Ewing. It sounds much more full than the small body would suggest. And as always with Ron, it’s very easy to play.
2.154 2016 (?) Beard Dulcimer, 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
Attractive fiddle maple dulcimer with an interesting mix of new and old-style features. Plays well, with some volume and style, and looks stunning. It’s my first Beard dulcimer but it certainly won’t be my last….
2.188 2006 Blue Lion IIR 3 String Dulcimer with internal pick-up – £Sold inc. original fitted hard case with blue plush interior
This is from the personal collection of Dan Evans, the internationally known dulcimer player. It was commissioned specially by him and developed further since. Has great presence, tone, sustain and volume without losing the classic easy action of the Blue Lion. Beautifully constructed to the highest standards and suitable for all styles of playing.
2.185 (formerly 4.21) 2017 Capritaurus California #002 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
A very handsome walnut dulcimer with redwood top, this time with shorter 26″ scale length and f-heart soundholes. Has real volume, a full and clear sound and good intonation. A good professional dulcimer which has just returned for sale in pristine condition – and at an attractive discount from the original new price.
2.184 2009 Modern Mountain 3 String Hourglass (Resonator Back) Dulcimer #1498 £SOLD inc. fitted pickup and original soft case
Not easy to find, this is the dulcimer played by many experienced dulcimer players and teachers in the US. The clue is in the name: this is a truly modern mountain dulcimer, with effortless power and tonal range all packaged into an easy to play, relatively short scale instrument. This is the ultimate, double back version in good condition – and it also has an original fitted pickup.
2.181 2000 High Country Dulcimer model AD-2 4 String 3 Course Teardrop £Sold
Neatly made, good quality teardrop dulcimer from a maker who lives and works in the heart of traditional dulcimer country. Nonetheless, a very modern instrument with 6+ and 13+ frets, easy action, good voice and handsome appearance.
2.180 May 1979 Boulder Junction #535 4 string, 3 course teardrop £Sold
Another unusual example of high quality lutherie from a small Ohio workshop which was at the top of its game during this period. Rosewood body and close-grained cedar top give it warmth but with interesting overtones. An expensive instrument in its day, now enhanced still further with the latest, top quality geared Gotoh tuners.
2.178 Mid-80s McSpadden M12 #12,502 4 String Hourglass £Sold
A near-pristine example of the early-mid period McSpadden workhorse, the M12. This one has a lovely close-grained spruce top and benefits from an upgraded plush hardshell case – unobtainable these days. A classic dulcimer in unusually good fettle.
2.177 2011 Modern Mountain 3 String Hourglass (Resonator Back) Dulcimer #1741 £Sold
Not easy to find and highly desirable, this is the double-back/resonator/galax version of the classic Modern Mountain hourglass. These are big dulcimers, but the action is so smooth, the scale length so modest and the sound so controlled you could be forgiven for thinking it was much smaller. Well worth trying if you thought a dulcimer was a one-dimensional instrument. This particular example has been played a lot, largely because it sounds great.
2.174 1977 Boulder Junction Hourglass £Sold
This is a handsome and classy-sounding dulcimer from an interesting workshop in Ohio. It’s well designed and constructed and now has the added bonus of some retro-fitted gold banjo-type geared tuners. It works very well with a great action and a well-balanced sound.
2.173 2004 Black Rose Hourglass with galax back #548 £Sold
This is a pretty, well-made dulcimer with the less common double (galax) back. Soundhole damage on the nearside has been rather clumsily repaired by a previous owner, but if you want a powerful, very forward sound this might be for you.
2.172 1977 Westminster Hourglass £Sold
Another Westminster from Vermont, hot on the heels of a previous example (see 2.152 below) – both extremely rare and interesting. This is a big, very long dulcimer but with really good sound balance, playability and looks. Remarkably good for its age and certainly worth considering if you want to stand out from the crowd – and have a reasonable hand span.
2.169 2002 Folk Roots D100S Hourglass £Sold
A neat modern version of the classic Capritaurus/Folk Roots big-bodied dulcimer, with a solid wood mahogany body and spruce top. Light, full sounding and easy to play, this is an ideal instrument for the progressing player. Just watch the long scale length (which gives it its tone and power) if you have small hands.
2.168 January 2002 McSpadden M12W #43687 £Sold
Another classic scroll head McSpadden from the period just before the range was revised in 2006. Nice coloration and geared banjo-type tuners. An interesting curiosity is that this particular one is signed by Lynn McSpadden, the founder of the whole enterprise, who had sold his business and ostensibly retired the year before. Perhaps he got bored and slipped into the workshop to help out….?!
2.165 4SHWW McSpadden Hourglass November 2016 #61086 £Sold
Classic all-walnut body with traditional scroll and pegbox, fitted with geared banjo tuners. Immaculate and as-new, it looks a dream with its nicely-figured body and carved scroll. Sounds pretty good too….!
2.163 c1985 Folk Roots D550S #110 4 String Hourglass £Sold
A pristine, 33 year old example of this high end solid-wood dulcimer from the Rugg and Jackel FolkRoots concern in California. It’s a plain but elegant design and it works really well, with volume and tonal balance. I’m a fan….
2.162 6FHCR B McSpadden 6 String Hourglass April 2012 #57122 £Sold
An unusual and interesting McSpadden with a 6 string layout – unison pairs on melody and middle courses, octave pair on the bass course. Great wood combination of cherry body with redwood top. Powerful yet very usable sound – think 12 string guitar.
No number/identifier: McSpadden Possum Board for cherry instrument 2012 £Sold
Made by McSpadden for their standard hourglass body. It raises the instrument off the player’s knees, increasing volume and improving tone. This has cherry ends, ideally for a cherry-bodied instrument, but would suit all post-2006 McSpadden standard pitch dulcimers.
2.150 – 2012 – June Apple “Poplar Hill” Hourglass – 4 String – £Sold inc. original padded bag
This Poplar Hill is June Apple’s top of the line concert or “artist” model. This is a large-bodied dulcimer with striking looks and a tone to match. The June Apple dulcimer concern is run by the Gotzmer family and this particular dulcimer was created by master craftsman (and head of household) Carl Gotzmer. Custom made in 2012, extras include scroll headstock, gold Grover (geared) banjo tuners, abalone dot inlays, wenge fretboard overlay, zebra wood body and red cedar top with beautiful leaf soundhole designs.
2.149 – Clemmer Banjammer (banjo dulcimer) – 3 or 4 String Hourglass – £SOLD
An interesting hybrid which is increasingly popular in the U.S. – and the second I’ve had in only a few months. It has a dulcimer shape, string layout and playing position, with a banjo tone ring and head. ….And it works remarkably well, sounding like an old time banjo and playable in conventional finger- or picking-style, or frailing/clawhammer style. Mike Clemmer is a good dulcimer maker and he’s clearly thought carefully about these intriguing hybrids. Pictures to follow shortly. Click link to see full description and pictures of identical 2015 model sold recently.
2.145 & 2.148 North Country Dulcimers £Sold and £Sold
Two very special short-scale dulcimers which came into the shop within weeks of each other. These are 23″ scale dulcimers of an unusual and attractive design, which have good volume and tone. One also has a 1+ fret for even greater playing versatility.
2.144 2011 McSpadden 4FHWS 4 String 3 Course Hourglass #56307 £Sold
Another very recent McSpadden in excellent playing condition, with solid walnut body and spruce top. Short fracture from soundhole, now stabilised, is only cosmetic issue.
2.142 – 1989 Fellenbaum – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
A rare teardrop from the N Carolina workshops of master luthier Tom Fellenbaum. Tom makes beautifully-crafted dulcimers from carefully selected woods and they are always accurate, easy-playing, clear-sounding instruments.
2.141 – Clemmer Banjammer (banjo dulcimer) – 3 or 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
An intriguing oddity, one which is increasingly popular in the U.S. It’s a hybrid between a dulcimer shape, string layout and playing position, with a banjo tone ring and head. ….And it works remarkably well, sounding like an old time banjo and playable in conventional finger- or picking-style, or frailing/clawhammer style. Mike Clemmer is a good dulcimer maker and he’s clearly thought carefully about these intriguing hybrids.
2.139 2003 McSpadden FH12CR 4 String 3 Course Hourglass – £Sold
A modern cherry-bodied hourglass with redwood top and typical McSpadden quality of build and sound. NB pics are of actual dulcimer but before preparation. Books are not included.
2.138 2006 Folk Roots D550 4 String 3 Course Hourglass – £Sold
Handsome all-solid walnut D series dulcimer from the Folkcraft concern, made just before they moved to their current workshop in Indiana. Nice grain on the back and an extra bonus – a small pickup on the face with tone and volume controls.
2.137 1997 McSpadden FM12W #35905 4 String 3 Course Hourglass – £Sold
Solid walnut top and sides, the former bookmatched, with a nice gradation of colour as the board moves into the sapwood at its edges. The M12-W was always well-crafted and formerly McSpadden’s top selling model, but the colouring of this one raises it above the crowd.
2.136 1990 McSpadden FM-12W Special #22366 4 String 3 Course Hourglass – £Sold
The Specials were made in limited numbers, usually to order. When the standard McSpadden had a laminated back, these were all solid wood (fully bookmatched) with hand-bent sides, costing more than 40% extra. This has what appear to be carefully-chosen woods, with a straight-grained, bookmatched solid walnut top and rippled bookmatched walnut back, with centre purfling. A good looking – and sounding – dulcimer.
2.135 1999 McSpadden FM12CS #38852 4 String 3 Course Hourglass – £Sold
An unusual wood combination of cherry body and tight-grained solid spruce top. Gives a lively character to the sound which I find very attractive. Light wear only.
2.133 & 2.134 Richard & Denise Wilson/ Diamond Designs 4 String 3 Course Hourglass #3932 £Sold & #3973 – £Sold
Two lovely late examples of the partnership between luthier Richard and artist Denise. I loved the sound and playability of my earlier Wilsons, but these are both more practical – with geared not wooden tuners – and arguably even more beautiful. The inlay designs are exquisite. 2.133 has a walnut body with, I suspect, a butternut top: 2.134 is all cherry.
2.132 2006 McSpadden 4FHWW #50502 4 String Hourglass – £Sold inc. original padded case
One of the first of the new all-solid wood McSpadden range in the Jim Woods era. Lovely all walnut body with a soft and sweet sound. Almost unused, this is only a few small nicks away from pristine.
2.130 2008 McSpadden 4FHCC #52770 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
A modern McSpadden with all the build quality and sound you’d expect, but at a fraction of the new price. An all cherry dulcimer In excellent condition, with a forward but balanced sound.
2.127 1980/81 Folk Roots D100S 4 String 3 Course Hourglass – £Sold
A remarkably pristine mahogany/spruce example from the early days of solid wood dulcimer production at the famous Rugg and Jackel Music Company in California. Lovely sound. Classic model, still in production but now made by Folkcraft in Indiana.
2.123 2014 Sweet Woods 4 String 3 Course Teardrop £Sold
A neat solid-wood handcrafted teardrop from well-known US maker David (Harpmaker) Lynch. He makes decent affordable instruments without compromising on quality. This is no exception. Comes complete with soft carrying case.
2.122 Walnut Valley “Smoky River” 4 String Hourglass £Sold
Another very attractive and well constructed solid walnut hourglass from David Brunner, perhaps one of the last made by the company. Uses good quality components and has a full, open sound.
2.120 – 1999 Folkcraft CF200 custom maple/cedar hourglass £Sold inc Blue Heron case
An immaculate and very classy high end Folkcraft. Looks so handsome with its curly maple body and tight-grained cedar top. Sounds pretty good too….
2.118 – 2015 Arthur Robb Hourglass – £Sold
There are very few top class British dulcimer makers, but Arthur Robb of Malmesbury is definitely one of them. This is a recent model but follows a well-tried route – wide, shallow walnut body with a spruce top. Untouched, immaculate, very sweet sounding – and complete with an internal pickup.
2.117 – McSpadden M12-W #14,589 – £SOLD + original shell case
A very tidy example of McSpadden’s classic walnut hourglass design, with the more desirable scroll head. Sounds great, like many of the early McSpaddens.
2.115 – Hanson Teardrop – £Sold inc. slip case
This is a really pretty, original and good-sounding dulcimer from a low volume maker who basically likes to please himself rather than churn out identikit instruments. It has an attractive traditional look but a very modern feel and sound.
2.114 McSpadden M12-S 1989 #19,977 £Sold + £25 original shell case
Another instrument from the illustrious McSpadden stable. Has the neat old-fashioned scroll and walnut back/sides of tradition, but a solid spruce top to give it a little more drive. I particularly like these spruce topped McSpaddens, but they have a different sound to the mellow, all-walnut instrument which many regard as the quintessential dulcimer. Give it a try and don’t be hidebound!
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.112 – 1993 Blue Lion IIRS Hourglass #1927 – £Sold inc. soft Blue Heron case
This is an excellent example of Blue Lion’s flagship rosewood Model II with the classic mother of pearl and brass rose on the fingerboard. I’ve been lucky enough to play and own several of these and this is probably the best-sounding of all of them.
2.107 2014 Ron Gibson Teardrop, 6 String £Sold
A neat six string, three course instrument from an Ohio luthier who has been making dulcimers for over 35 years. It is solid cherry throughout with a compact outline but deep sides; it’s light and easy to play; and it gives that 12-string guitar-type sound in normal dulcimer tunings. An interesting alternative to the run-of-the-mill dulcimer.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
Modern Mountain Dulcimers
Modern Mountain dulcimers, made by David McKinney from Arkansas, represent a significant milestone in dulcimer development. They are often called “performance dulcimers” for their size and volume, but they are also very easy to play, well balanced across the tonal range and responsive. Many of the pro or semi-pro dulcimer players in the US have a Modern Mountain, including Don Pedi. Note that these are usually 3 string, for ease of chording, and perhaps sound more guitar-like than the usual trebly jangle of a dulcimer. Strongly recommended – my two main go-to dulcimers are Modern Mountains.
2.105 2003 3 String Hourglass (non-resonator) Dulcimer – £Sold
This is the first single back (non-resonator) MM I’ve tried and it’s a stunner! Same clarity of tone and easy action, with very little loss of volume. Nice bookmatched walnut back with spruce top.
2.58 2008 (?) 3 String Hourglass (resonator) Dulcimer – £Sold
This was one of my main instruments until I replaced it with another MM recently. A beautiful deep brown Peruvian walnut body, usual MM easy action and full tone, but with a slightyl softer edge than usual. AND it has an under-saddle pickup and jack output.
2.80 2003 4 String Hourglass Dulcimer – £Sold inc. thick foam, protective slip case
This particular instrument has an interesting backstory, having been owned by 2010 National Dulcimer Champion Aaron O’Rourke, one of the young guns of the US dulcimer scene and a popular teacher at festivals. He’s signed it on the back. Very easy action and a full, balanced sound – almost as much guitar as dulcimer?
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.104 – 1991 Ron Ewing Custom 4 String Tearell – £Sold
This beautiful custom dulcimer from the ever-inspiring Ron Ewing has got me really rather enthused. It’s a rich red/brown Koa body with a western red cedar top, beautifully constructed as always, but with excellent tone and note definition. I played it throughout the recent national Nonsuch workshops and found it great to play and really responsive. Not cheap, but real class costs!
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.102 – 1998 McSpadden Ginger G-WS – £Sold inc. original padded soft case
Early example of McSpadden’s popular short scale Ginger model, this one with walnut body and spruce top. Has the sound, look and build of a top-rated dulcimer, but with a 23″ scale length suitable for smaller hands.
2.101 – 1996 McSpadden FM12CR #33666 – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
I always like McSpadden’s cherry/redwood dulcimers – it’s a stunning colour combination and they always sound more incisive than the more common walnut, at least to my ears. And this one has the added bonus of what look like original 1+ and 8+ frets, as well as the more usual 6+ and 13+. A neat dulcimer.
2.100 – 2001 McSpadden FM12W Special–EFB – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold inc. shell case
The specials were solid wood, semi-custom dulcimers at a time when McSpaddens were using laminate sides and back for their standard models. This is the first I’ve purchased and it surprised me – the best sounding McSpadden I’ve heard, without exception. It also has an ebony headstock and fingerboard overlay which enhances its appearance and improves playability. Truly special….
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.98 – 2004 Cripple Creek “Eagle”-themed 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
A recent higher-end dulcimer from the workshop of Bud and Donna Ford. They make decent intermediate dulcimers which can be customised in a wide variety of ways. Here the choice appears to have been an Eagle theme – original soundhole design and each side of the scroll. If you buy the case, I’ll even throw in a good quality strap with an eagle design!
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.97 – 2009 Richard Turner 4 String Teardrop Dulcimer – £Sold
A superbly built one-off teardrop made from some really classy materials. Richard was primarily a player/teacher but also a part-time luthier. This sounds great and works really well. A bargain price for something of this quality.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.96 – 2005 Tom Yocky 4 String Hourglass Dulcimer – £Sold inc. original padded case
An unusual-looking dulcimer but one that works really well. This is an unmarked example of Yocky’s stunningly original take on the hourglass dulcimer. It has a light but large body with “pegbox” and fingerboard sitting on top of the soundboard. Sounds full and clear without being boomy. Great value, albeit with marmite looks!
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.95 & 2.71 Folkcraft CSH Series – 4 String Hourglass
These are semi-custom dulcimers from one of the big two US makers.
2.95 – 1993 – Walnut, Cedar and ?Rosewood/Osage Orange – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Near perfect example of the classic scroll head, arched fingerboard Folkcraft design, with nicely figured exotic wood highlights. Plays well and sounds good.
2.71 – 1990 – Walnut, Cedar and Rosewood – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Nicely-figured bookmatched walnut back and sides with western red cedar top and rosewood veneer on fingerboard and tailblock. Good condition, little used and with a fuller, more forward sound than the basic Folkcraft.
2.93 – 1984 Fellenbaum 4 String Hourglass Dulcimer – £Sold
I’m selling this lovely hourglass on commission. It’s a relatively early model, but with a classic elegant shape and made from one of the classic wood combinations – walnut and cedar. Fellenbaum makes a very limited number of genuinely handcrafted dulcimers each year. They are rarely showy, but their playability, tone and intonation are always top-notch.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.91 – 1978 or 1979 – McSpadden T34-W – £Sold
Model T-34W, # 5503, handcrafted by the McSpadden workshop in Mountain View, Arkansas. This one was signed in the traditional way by the individual craftsman (and founder), Lynn McSpadden, who built it. A very elegant all-walnut teardrop instrument in as-new condition with a traditional scroll headstock and a classic dulcimer sound. Suitable for all abilities.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.87 1994 Fellenbaum 4 String Hourglass #754 £Sold
This is another high quality, understated dulcimer from one of my favourite dulcimer makers, Tom Fellenbaum of Black Mountain, N Carolina. We’ve kept two of the four I’ve found to date…and I was very tempted by this one. It has a glowing, all cherry body with a spruce top and hence has plenty of punch, but with Fellenbaum’s typical clarity and balance. Beautifully made, Very easy to play and sounds great.
Click here to view larger images and full description
2.86 Doyn Lammers – 1990s (?) 4 String Hourglass Dulcimer – £Sold
A pretty dulcimer from a low volume maker in Arkansas, now in his 90s and only recently retired. The glowing curly cherry body has Lammers’ trademark dogwood-shaped soundholes. In excellent condition for its age, it is an attractive instrument with a decent sound.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.81 1986 Ron Ewing – 4 String Teardrop – £Sold
A pretty and unusual dulcimer from Ohio master craftsman Ron Ewing. This looks and feels so modern, it’s hard to believe that it is nearly 30 years old. Not a big sound, but a very high quality instrument with a balanced, full tone and a lovely action, either for fingerpicking or plectrum styles. Suitable for players of all abilities, but probably most worthwhile for someone who wants to try more challenging material.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.79 1998 McSpadden FM12-CR – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Another good, modern McSpadden from the pre-Jim Woods era. This is a classic cherry and redwood instrument, signed by Larry McSpadden, brother of founder, Lynn McSpadden, before he died. The McSpadden concern is perhaps the best known and most consistent craft maker of mountain dulcimers in the world. They continue to produce well-made, reliable and great-sounding instruments. This is no exception.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.78 Richard & Denise Wilson – 1983 4 String Hourglass – £Sold …and
2.88 Richard and Denise Wilson – 1987 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Two beautifully made solid wood dulcimers from a husband and wife concern in Michigan – Richard made the bodies, while Denise carved the soundholes and created the often stunning decorations. The 1983 dulcimer has a delightful beach-themed design: the 1987 has butterflies and elegant, skewed hearts. More importantly, both play well, being crisp and clear with good responsiveness.
2.78 1983 4 String Hourglass
2.88 1987 4 String Hourglass
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.77 2003 FolkRoots Baritone – 4 String 3 Course – £Sold
I’ve managed to find a near-perfect Folkcraft semi-custom BARITONE dulcimer. Walnut body with contrasting padauk (dark red) overlays on head, fingerboard and tail. Plays in AEA or ADA, a fifth below the standard dulcimer – and sounds so mellow doing it! This is a very good looking, large-bodied instrument which plays as easily as a standard dulcimer. Current model costs nearly £500 in the US, let alone imported, so at this price…why not?
2.75 McSpadden M12-S 1989 #19,977 £Sold
Another instrument from the illustrious McSpadden stable. Has the neat old-fashioned scroll and walnut back/sides of tradition, but a solid spruce top to give it a little more drive. I particularly like these spruce topped McSpaddens, but they have a different sound to the mellow, all-walnut instrument which many regard as the quintessential dulcimer. Give it a try and don’t be hidebound!
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.74 1980 Green River – 4 String Teardrop – £Sold
A relatively early example from these fine makers when they were based in Elkhorn, Kentucky. As always, attractive walnut grain and neat wood work. These are big dulcimers with a longish scale, but a mellow, full tone. The hourglasses have sold well and this looks and sounds equally good.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.89 Green River #1165 4 String Hourglass November 1978 £Sold
2.64 Green River #1909 4 String Hourglass April 1983 £Sold
Two examples of these big and surprisingly mellow dulcimers from the Green River Dulcimer Company which, for 20 years, produced good quality mountain and hammered dulcimers in reasonable quantities. These handmade instruments are distinguished by clean, elegant design, large and deep bodies, and the use of often striking woods. One has a laminate body but a spectacular solid wood, exotic top. The other is dark, solid walnut with a lovely grain. The former has a few cosmetic flaws as a result of past repairs, but is now back on form and raring to go! The latter is in generally good condition. Just be aware that they have a long scale length and may not suit those with smaller hands.
Green River #1165
Green River #1909
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.22 – 1990 – Mastertone Hourglass – 5 String – £Sold including case
Attractive dulcimer (“Finest in Quality and Sound”) #6990 dated 2-2-90, handmade (and signed) by Jim and Brenda Good in Gandeeville, West Virginia. Jim has been playing and making dulcimers for over 40 years in this rural, musical area north of Charleston, West Virginia. This is not one of the carved top dulcimers for which Mastertone is particularly known, but it is a handsome beast!
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.95 & 2.71 Folkcraft CSH Series – 4 String Hourglass
These are semi-custom dulcimers from one of the big two US makers.
2.95 – 1993 – Walnut, Cedar and ?Rosewood/Osage Orange – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Near perfect example of the classic scroll head, arched fingerboard Folkcraft design, with nicely figured exotic wood highlights. Plays well and sounds good.
2.71 – 1990 – Walnut, Cedar and Rosewood – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Nicely-figured bookmatched walnut back and sides with western red cedar top and rosewood veneer on fingerboard and tailblock. Good condition, little used and with a fuller, more forward sound than the basic Folkcraft.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.73 2005 Clemmer – 5 String Hourglass – £Sold
A pristine example of Mike Clemmer’s update on the old Bill Davis/Sam Carrell theme. These handcrafted Tennessee dulcimers are very popular in the US, combining good looks with real drive and breadth of tone. Can be set up with four equidistant courses (as in the pictures) or in the more conventional three (with just one middle string). This one is recent and in absolutely perfect condition – would cost at least £500 to import new.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.72 Diamond Designs (Richard & Denise Wilson) – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
This is a neat, smaller dulcimer from husband and wife luthiers who have been building dulcimers since the mid-70s in Michigan. Richard does the construction and Denise the stunning custom inlays. #3893 from 1995 is one of the nicer ones I’ve seen, with a beach scene centred around seagulls: four seagull-shaped soundholes, a high quality marquetry beach scene with sea washing against groynes, and two mother-of-pearl seagulls – one close, one further away, up the fretboard. And yes, they make dulcimers which sound good also: open-sounding, not loud but bright and crisp.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.69 1999 Blue Lion Bass #2810 – 3 or 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Yes, you read it right. This is a rarely seen BASS dulcimer, tuned an octave below standard. A big cherry body with redwood top, created and perfected by the classic Californian Blue Lion lutherie, based in Santa Margarita. Easy to play, surprisingly punchy sound and full tone, with Blue Lion’s usual elegance of design. Can be strung with 3 or 4 courses. And the hard shell fitted case is worth £150 on its own! Call me to learn more.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.67 – 2012 – McSpadden 4 String Cherry/Redwood Hourglass – £Sold
A good condition McSpadden complete with original soft case and strap. Very attractive mid-red cherry body with evenly grained redwood top – apparently the favoured combination of widely influential McSpadden player David Schnaufer. Easy action for fingerpicking in particular. An attractive sound from an attractive instrument.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.66 Blue Lion Model IIW Walnut – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Classic Californian dulcimer with fine woods, elegant design and most importantly a strikingly full-balanced sound. Easy to play, superbly put together, responsive, pretty – it has everything going for it. Bob and Janita Baker have been making truly hand-made, high class instruments since 1977 for the discerning player. First to play will buy!
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.62 1981 Sam Carrell – 5 String Fiddle-Shaped – £Sold
I’m really excited about this one. These are just stunning dulcimers, originally intended to have 5 strings in 4 courses, but they work brilliantly with the conventional 4 strings in 3 courses. This has a striking reddish wormy chestnut top with a pronounced grain, and beautiful black walnut sides and (bookmatched) back. Carrell is a real craftsman and has managed a great trick – an instrument which can play both soft and sweet or loud and cutting; a well-balanced tone with clear treble (shallow body) and clear bass (high volume body); and low action/excellent intonation with original 6+ fret. Works superbly as is, BUT this could be more, if you want to replace the (very effective) wooden pegs with guitar-style tuners and perhaps a slightly compensated bridge for DAdd-specific playing. Further details about Sam and pics of my own 1982 chestnut/walnut Carrell are here (half way down page).
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.61 Clemmer “Sweetie” – 4 String Elliptical – £Sold
A nice alternative to the McSpadden “Ginger” – a smaller-bodied, short scale (23″ VSL) dulcimer from highly rated Tennessee builder Mike Clemmer. Attractive wormy chestnut top with walnut back and sides. Handcut wheat ear decorations on head, fingerboard and strum hollow. Grover tuners, bone nut and chrome strap buttons.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.57 – 2006 – McSpadden 4FGCC “Ginger” Hourglass – 4 String – £Sold
This is McSpadden’s very popular “Ginger” short scale model. Attractive all-cherry (and all solid wood) body in the classic hourglass-with-hearts shape, but with a VSL (scale length) of only 23 1/4″. Can be tuned to normal DAD pitch or played as a higher pitched GDG instrument, to complement a fiddle or mandolin playing in G. Attractive also for those with smaller hands, as you get the sound without the stretch! Well made, as always with McSpadden, sounds great and plays very easily. Unlikely to be around long, so be quick.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.55 – 2013 – June Apple “Poplar Hill” Hourglass – 4 String – £Sold
This Poplar Hill is June Apple’s top of the line concert or “artist” model. This is a large-bodied dulcimer with striking looks and a tone to match. The June Apple dulcimer concern is run by the Gotzmer family and this particular dulcimer was created by master craftsman (and head of household) Carl Gotzmer. Custom made in late 2013, extras include scroll headstock, gold Grover (geared) banjo tuners, abalone dot inlays, custom hand carved F holes, purfling, wenge fretboard overlay, zebra wood back and sides and red cedar top. Also includes noter, two feather picks and original set of spare strings.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.54 – 2001 Folkcraft NAMM Centennial Collector Series – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Rare top of the range Folkcraft, made in a limited edition for the NAMM Centenary in 2001 – number 8. Big body, made of air dried black walnut, with cedar top; rosewood fingerboard, headstock veneer and heel cap; inlay strip on back; gold Grover tuners. Immaculate condition. A very neat and classy instrument with a great sound.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.53 – 2011 – McSpadden 4 String Cherry/Redwood Hourglass – £Sold
A mint McSpadden complete with original soft case and instruction/introductory music book. Very attractive mid-red cherry body with rich redwood top – apparently the favoured combination of widely influential McSpadden player David Schnaufer. Sounded great straight out of the box, even after a 2 year hibernation!
2.52 – 2005 – McSpadden FH12CS Cherry/Spruce 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
A classic McSpadden #49000 with an interesting combination of woods, made by Larry McSpadden – brother of the founder of the business, Lynn. Cherry sides and back with unusually coloured spruce top. As always with these reliably well made and good-sounding instruments, this is well worth considering. Generally very good condition with a warm attractive colour, but priced lower because it has had an accident and been (well) repaired – see detailed description. Great sound, great bargain!
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.51 – 2000 – Keith Young 3 String Teardrop Dulcimer – £Sold
A fine dulcimer from this important maker from Annandale, Virginia, who died in 2012. Beautiful wormy chestnut top with walnut body – a classic dulcimer combination. Add the neatly carved headstock, replacement geared banjo tuners and full, “woody” sound, and you have a very desirable, old/modern dulcimer!
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.50 – 2006 – Paul Conrad 3 String Hourglass Dulcimer – £Sold
An innovative design from well-known luthier Paul Conrad of Timbre Hill Dulcimers, Ohio. Made of red elm with a walnut fretboard, it produces a strong, bright sound but with a warm bass underlay. Geared banjo-type tuners.
2.49 – 1991 – Walnut Valley Hourglass – 4 String – £Sold
Smoky River Model SR #91-229, made by the WVD Company, Burns, Kansas. This is a well built, all walnut dulcimer with bookmatched back and top, and a nicely executed hummingbird design for the soundhole. This is loud and punchy with plenty of response and tonal possibilities. Intonation is good with the replacement bridge. A neat dulcimer in the modern style, it plays well and it sounds good – suitable for all abilities, including the more advanced.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.45 – 1977 – Ron Ewing 4 String Elliptical/Teardrop Dulcimer – £SOLD
An outstanding early handbuilt dulcimer by master craftsman Ron Ewing. Great volume and tone. Superb intonation with original 6+ fret. Fitted with new 4:1 geared banjo tuners. A couple of short, hairline cracks on the very thin and responsive western red cedar top have been stabilised.
2.43 – June 1984 – Fellenbaum Hourglass – 4 String – 3 Course – £SOLD
High quality handcrafted dulcimer #472 from Tom Fellenbaum of Black Mountain, North Carolina. This is just beautifully made from high quality materials, with a classic, understated design and lovely finish. Good projection with a full, balanced sound. Suitable for all abilities, but will be appreciated most by those making good progress with the instrument.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.42 – June 1993 – Folkcraft Hourglass – 4 String – 3 Course – £Sold
Model FSHW #2080 made by Folkcraft Instruments, Winsted, Connecticut. Popular model from one of the biggest makers in the US. Features solid walnut top, back and sides with heart soundholes and open, guitar-style tuners. Loud, with good response across and up the fretboard, this one punches above its weight – satisfying for both beginner and more experienced player.
2.41 – Nov 1975 – McSpadden M12-W Hourglass – 4 String – £Sold
Early period (November 1975, # 3313) Model 12 all walnut instrument from the Dulcimer Shoppe, Mountain View, Arkansas, signed in the traditional way by the individual craftsman and owner of the business, Lynn McSpadden. It is in excellent, as-new condition and has much of the classic sound of a traditional walnut instrument, as well as a traditional carved scroll, but with all the benefits of modern tuners and intonation. Easy to play, great sounding and suitable for players of all abilities.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.38 – May 1995 – McSpadden Teardrop – 4 String – £Sold
Model T-34W, # 31552, handcrafted by the McSpadden workshop in Mountain View, Arkansas. This one was signed in the traditional way by the individual craftsman (and founder), Lynn McSpadden, who built it. A very elegant all-walnut teardrop instrument in as-new condition with a traditional scroll headstock and a classic dulcimer sound. Suitable for all abilities.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.37 – Late 80s – Sanguinette/Baird – 4 String – 3 Course – £Sold
Stamped “Baird” on the fingerboard behind the bridge and signed in pencil on a back strut by the luthier, Joe Sanguinette. The original instruction leaflet accompanying the instrument locates the Baird Mountain Dulcimer Company in Branson, Missouri. A tidy, solid walnut dulcimer in the modern style, suitable for all abilities, with a decent sound and unusual star and eagle soundholes.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.34 – Mid 70s – Davis Fiddle-Shaped – 5 String – 3 or 4 Course – £SOLD
Typical signed Bill Davis fiddle-shaped instrument of the 70s. The shape is one made popular by Davis in the late 60s and early 70s, picked up by others like Sam Carrell (who apprenticed with Davis for a short while in the mid-70s) and continued by modern makers such as Mike Clemmer. Bookmatched walnut top and back with nicely figured walnut sides and attractive wheatear design on sides and top of headstock. The shallow, large volume body gives an excellent tone. But the instrument does have traditional wooden friction pegs and, although these are some of the best I’ve worked with, it is probably best for more experienced players with a reasonably strong grip.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.33 – August 1997 – French Hourglass – 4 String – £SOLD
An interesting small-bodied French dulcimer made in a luthier’s workshop in Lacroix Saint Ouen, 75km north of Paris. The body is made mainly from beautiful bookmatched brown/black streaked solid ebony – an unusual and striking choice. The soundboard is spruce with trefoil soundholes and the flat headstock walnut (with vestigial scroll). It has a crisp sound and a good treble. With its narrow fingerboard, short scale length and low action, it may appeal to players with smaller hands.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.31 – Mid/Late 1980s – McSpadden Hourglass – 4 String – £SOLD
Model FM12 #12,090 – a great sounding walnut and spruce McSpadden with a relatively early flat, guitar-type head, handcrafted in Mountain View, Arkansas and signed by the main craftsmen and founder of the business, Lynn McSpadden.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.30 – 1987 – Green River Hourglass – 4 String – £Sold
A well-made and distinctive instrument from the Green River Dulcimer Company, Asheville, N Carolina, #2685, dated 12-87. Green Rivers have an unusually full and attractive sound, but the slightly higher string tension and long scale length suggest they are best suited to an experienced fretted instrument player with a decent hand span.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.23 – 1977 – Wilson Hourglass – 4 String – £Sold
Beautiful all walnut dulcimer #265 (on the left in the picture) handmade by Richard and Denise Wilson from Ypsilanti, Michigan. This is a light, very responsive instrument with a lovely tone and good intonation. But it does have traditional wooden friction pegs and, although these work well, it is probably best for players with a reasonably strong grip and experience with such tuners.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
2.05 “Keister” – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
This has a walnut body and spruce top and is a dulcimer I personally imported from the US a few years back. I liked the sound and feel so much, I spent quite a bit on it – replacement bridge, new 6+ fret and gold banjo tuners with ebony buttons. It’s pretty and distinctive – and has a particularly sweet tone, with good responsiveness and excellent intonation. But it’s not loud, has a shortish sustain and doesn’t like being played hard. It’s not getting played as it should, so it’s going, along with its period multi-coloured patchwork suede slip bag.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
NEW 2.143 2006 Timbre Hill (Paul Conrad) 3 String Hourglass £Sold inc soft case
An unusual, modern dulcimer which is light, responsive and very playable. One which is very suitable for progressing intermediate players and beginners alike.
2.140 1980s McSpadden M12-W 4 String 3 Course Hourglass – £Sold
A classic scroll-head walnut McSpadden in excellent condition with later, high quality padded McSpadden soft case.
