Mountain Dulcimers

Handmade in New Hampshire by Jim Poulette

Link to Dulcimer Audio File

Mountain Dulcimers are probably the easiest, and most fun to play, stringed instruments.
The Appalachian dulcimer (or mountain dulcimer) is a fretted string instrument of the zither
family, typically with three or four strings. It is native to the Appalachian region of the
United States. The body extends the length of the fingerboard, and its fretting is generally
diatonic. A traditional way to play the instrument is to lay it flat on the lap and pluck or
strum the strings with one hand, while fretting with the other. The dulcimer may also be placed
in a similar position on a piece of furniture such as a table or chest of drawers, to enhance
the sound. The Appalachian dulcimer is widely used in the American old-time music tradition.

Teardrop Mountain Dulcimer

Eastern Cherry Back, Sides, & Peghead
Sitka Spruce AAA Top
Cherry Fret Board w/Ebony Veneer
5-Star Planetary Tuners
Ebony binding w/Herringbone
Strum Scoop
Full Internal Purfling
Antique Bone Nut & Bridge
4-String tuned D-A-AA

Teardrop Mountain Dulcimer

Black Walnut Sides, Back, & Peghead
Western Red Cedar Top
Black Walnut fret Board w/Ebony veneer
5-Star Planetary Tuners
Full Internal Purfling – Wide Body
Antique Bone Nut & Bridge
4-String tuned D-A-AA
Hand Rubbed Oil Finish

Hourglass Mountain Dulcimer

Black Walnut Sides, Back, & Peghead
Western Red Cedar Top
Black Walnut fret Board w/Ebony veneer
5-Star Planetary Tuners
Full Internal Purfling
Antique Bone Nut & Bridge
4-String tuned D-A-AA
No Finish

Hourglass Mountain Dulcimer (in progress)

Black Walnut Sides, Back, & Peghead
Western Red Cedar Top
Sugar Maple Fretboard
5-Star Planetary Tuners
Full Internal Purfling
Antique Bone Nut & Bridge
4-String tuned D-A-AA
Hand Rubbed Oil Finish

Teardrop Mountain Dulcimers (in progress)

Black Walnut Sides or Hickory, Back, & Peghead
Western Red Cedar or Sitka Spruce Top
Sugar Maple Fretboard
Black Walnut or Hickory
Full Internal Purfling
Antique Bone Nut & Bridge
4-String tuned D-A-AA
Hand Rubbed Oil or No Finish

Build Process



© 2011 Jim Poulette