Dulcimers
Joe has been building mountain dulcimers since 1985. His first one still hangs in the home of his parents, but he's learned a whole lot since that first attempt at wire and wood. With over 200 dulcimers to his credit, he is not through learning, but due to new pressures at work, he has slowed down quite a bit. Each year, he builds a very limited number of dulcimers himself. However, he is a dealer of the wonderful McSpadden dulcimers built in Mountain View, Arkansas
McSpadden Dulcimers
McSpadden Dulcimers are known for their high quality and affordability for decades. Joe keeps a number of these fine instruments in stock. Prices range from $350 to $650. Contact Joe for details or for an appointment to come test drive one.
COLLINS' DULCIMERS
These instruments are available from time to time, but Joe has not been able to keep up with demand, so availability is not guaranteed.
The
Student Dulcimer (includes soft case)
Full-Size - $165
Small-Size - $165
The Student Dulcimer is teardrop shaped and made of Baltic birch plywood and poplar with a cherry fingerboard. The small student dulcimer has a relatively short neck (24 inches), which makes it an ideal choice for children and for others with smaller hands. The smaller dulcimer has two different string sets - one to tune it in the traditional "D" tunings so it can be played along with standard dulcimers in jam setting, another to tune it in "G." Either size is a very economical choice for those who are just trying out the dulcimer. The student dulcimer is very playable for children and adults alike, making it an ideal "first" instrument. Comes with tuning instructions. For $25 extra, a cedar top can be substituted for the Baltic birch top. Pictured is a full-size.
Deluxe Dulcimer ($450, includes soft case)
Deluxe Dulcimers are
made from a variety of hardwoods including walnut, padauck, maple and others
with western cedar or spruce soundboards. Fingerboards are made of either
Pao Ferro (a great wood that acts and feels like rosewood) or African ebony. High quality tuners are used for
appearance and very accurate
tuning, and matching strap buttons are included. Contact Joe about availability.
Below are some samples of Joe's work.
