Quality Hammered Dulcimers for
Beginners to Advanced Hammered Dulcimer Players

Clearance Sale In-Stock Dulcimers Hammered Dulcimer Books Shipping Schedule Map Accessories Pages Customer Testimonials How To Pages

Free Shipping on Orders $335 and up. *

The history of the hammered dulcimer began in the middle eastern area formerly known as Persia. Hammered dulcimers in that part of the world are called Santoors. Hammered dulcimers were brought to europe in the 12th century by the moors or the crusaders.  A type of hammered dulcimer has been played in Ireland since the beginning of the 12th century. The earliest known mention of a hammered dulcimer in America was in 1717. Hammered dulcimers were built in small shops in America during the 19th century, and even sold in mail order catalogs, such as Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward.  By the middle of the 20th century though, hammered dulcimers had practically disappeared in this country, probably due to the popularity and availability of pianos. The folk revival period of the 1960's brought about a renewed interest in hammered dulcimers and now there are builders and clubs in many parts of the country.  I often call hammered dulcimers, 'a piano without the gearbox', because instead of having mechanical links from the keys to the hammers, you have to pick up the hammers and hit the strings yourself. A hammered dulcimer, which has the strings mounted on top of a soundbox instead of inside the box like a piano, has a similiar, yet different sound.   The hammered dulcimer player has direct control over the volume, sustain, and other elements that go into the sound of a hammered dulcimer, by varying how and where they strike the strings and the hammers they use.

The Songbird Phoebe hammered dulcimer (Above right) has a laminated birch soundboard which can withstand changes in temperature and humidity and hold up well in less than ideal conditions such as Rendezvous', or Renaissance Fairs, which go on regardless of the weather.  The Phoebe compares favorably to full sized hammered dulcimers costing much more, and has been used by players to place at or near the top in several regional and national competitions.  The 16/15 Phoebe (above right) package is a great buy for budget conscious first time buyers wanting a full sized  hammered dulcimer that will meet their musical needs for years to come. 
The Phoebe and all hammered dulcimers we sell, comes with wooden hammers and a tuning wrench, as well as a nylon padded case with large pocket and shoulder strap.  The Phoebe hammered dulcimer package also includes a hammered dulcimer teaching book with an instructional CD, electronic clip-on tuner, and can be purchased with or without a dulcimer stand.  We now have walnut stained and lacquered Phoebe Hammered dulcimers, making the strings easier to see.

---

To purchase instruments or other items with no 'Buy' button, CALL - 260, 220-1961

---

The Songbird Wood Thrush Dulcimer is a 16/15 Walnut stained Poplar, solid wood dulcimer with a big voice at a budget price.  The 16/15 Wood Thrush is made entirely of Poplar except for the pin blocks which are Maple. Poplar is a fast growing relative of Cottonwood that grows in the south, and is widely used as interior parts in cabinetry. It is also an excellent tone wood, and has been used for millions of Auotharps, Guitars, and Banjos. The only thing is that it isn't particularly beautiful, but takes a wonderful stain. So Chris stains the Wood Thrush with his proprietary red-brown walnut color, which it is very pretty. The sound is just great; bright, but with clear definition of the notes, tons of tone, and nice sustain. The $599 package price includes dulcimer, case wrench, hammers, tuner, tuning clip, book/CD and stand.

Songbird WoodThrush 16/15 Hammered Dulcimer Package w/stand-$599.00

Please specify seated, or standing hammered dulcimer stand, in the text box on the order page. Thanks

Hear the Songbird Wood Thrush

This instrument has full string spacing and plays just like a regular 15/14.  It is missing the lowest string on the treble bridge (the G# and the F#) and the highest string on the bass bridge(the C above the B flat, also on the treble bridge).  Scales for the keys of A, D, G, C start on the treble bridge and D, G, C, F on the bass side.
Each Traveler comes with a padded case, a pair of  hammers, "L" tuning wrench, electronic tuner, table top playing leg, walnut soundhole rosettes, and a 1/4 x 20 insert on back to fit a camera stand.  An exceptionally good value. Clear, balanced, full tone at a great price.

Jake's Cabin Meadowlark 13/12 HD   Our best selling hammered dulcimer built by Jim Newman of Jake's Cabin Dulcimers, has more features than most student models, with 3 extra chromatics at the top,  they have a 2 1/2+ octave range.  With baltic birch soundboard and back, walnut rails, and hard rock maple pinblocks,  they weigh 9 lbs, are 35¾" wide, and have a two year warranty. Priced at $310 with hammers, tuning wrench, electronic tuner, book/cd, tabletop playing leg, and padded nylon cordura bag w/large pocket.

TK O'Brien's 12/11 hammered dulcimer has an attractive black lacquered soundboard and rosette soundholes of laser cut solid maple. With a  2 1/2 octave range,  it is a good starter instrument  for the novice or a very nice portable instrument for the multi-instrumentalist or casual dulcimist.  It has a table top playing leg,  so a traveller can carry everything they need to enjoy playing it in the heavily padded carry bag. 
12/11 package with hammers, tuning wrench, cordura gigbag, book, tabletop playing leg.
Price - $345.00 

.

For frequent travellers who want the ultimate in portability from a hammered dulcimer, we carry TK O'Brien's Backpacker 9/8 Hammered Dulcimer.  The redesigned Backpacker has a bright,  clear sound, and can be played in the keys of G, A, C, and D.   Measuring a bit less than 21" x 10½" and with a carry bag, tabletop playing leg, book, hammers,  and tuning wrench, everything you need to make music can travel with you anywhere.

TK O'Brien's Backpacker Package - $195.00

Backpacker Package w/electronic tuner-$215.00

---

We have rental hammered dulcimers available for those who want to
get a little experience with this type of instrument before they make
their initial purchase of one.
We offer many different sets of hammers at the lowest possible prices,
because we feel that being able to afford a good selection of hammers
is essential to getting the most out of your hammered dulcimer.
We also have stands, cases, books, videos, and other accessories.

 (      1      )         (   2   )         (  3  )           (       5       )              (       6       )              (   9  )          ( 11 )

   Here are the hammers we stock. $15-30.00 Call for specific prices and availability.

---

   Folk, Old-Time, & Dulcimer Festival Guide  
 

Orders $335 and up ship free in continental USA *Large orders requiring two packages, the first(largest) package will be shipped free.

We accept  Membership Not Required
Please Call during normal business hours only.  Area code 260, 220-1961.  Fort Wayne, Indiana