Doty Dulcimers
Handmade by Dan and Ethel Doty in Memphis, Tennessee. At one time they may have had a concession stall at Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s country theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The instruments were crafted between 1972 and 2017, with their son Jeff assisting until 1984.
1.100 1982 4 string 3 course hourglass. £225 + £15 (slightly battered) original shell case
Printed oblong label: “[h/w] 948E84 11-12-82/ We build and sell/ DULCIMERS/ Instruction books • cassettes/ Supplies • Repairs/ [h/w] Daniel O’Leary Doty/ Dan Doty [tel. no.] Wychemere Memphis Tenn. 38128”.
The body is laminated (probably red) american oak with a neat grain and well-designed heart and f-heart soundholes. Attractive mid-tan cherry scroll/pegbox and fingerboard, former with Grover Sta-Tite friction tuners fitted with rosewood buttons. 6+ no 13+ fret. Hardwood nut and bridge, notched rather than slotted. Simple mushroom-headed pins for string anchors.
Overall length 36”, upper bout 5⅜”, lower bout 7¼”, depth 2”, FBW 1½”, VSL 28⅜” (longish scale), weight 2lb 5oz (1069g), strings now 11/11, 14, 22w. 6½ fret no 13+.
An attractive, well-made dulcimer which plays cleanly with good intonation into the 2nd octave. Not great sustain or responsiveness but accurate with good action. Ideal for beginners.
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