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A Short History of the Dulcimer
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I am a long time "living history" re-enactor and my primary mode of historical interpretation has always been music. I would argue that nothing better portrays our cultural heritage. Combined with story, song or dance, it is the expression of our very soul.
As a hobby I started making musical instruments over 30 years ago and then about 3 years ago I went into it full time when I created the Banjo Factory. I will continue to make banjos, but because of my long time affection for the Dulcimer, I have decided to branch out and create a period correct looking instrument suitable for re-enactors or any other traditionally minded musicians.
Coming soon...
I am still deciding which types of epinettes and dulcimers I will offer, but I hope to have a few instruments available for sale by mid February 2010. I have just finished a prototype 5 string epinette and used it in a couple of performances. I am very pleased with the action and the sound.
In the meantime, I do have one model of dulcimer for sale at BanjoFactory.com. It's made by Black Mountain Dulcimers of California and modified by me to accommodate friction peg tuners.
Muses dancing with Apollo -
Baldassare Tommaso Peruzzi (7 March 1481—6 January 1537)
Music: Etymology - c.1250, from O.Fr. musique (12c.), from L. musica, from Gk. mousike techne "art of the Muses," from fem. of mousikos "pertaining to the Muses," from Mousa "Muse." In classical Greece, any art in which the Muses presided, but especially music.
Dulcimer: Etymology - c.1474, from M.Fr. doulce mer, var. of doulcemele, probably from doulz de mer, said to represent L. dulce "sweet" + melos "song," from Gk. melos "melody."