How Do You Build A Hammered Dulcimer?
The sound of a hammered dulcimer is exquisitely beautiful. The word dulcimer means ‘sweet sound’ after all. The materials to build one are readily available and won’t cost more than about $25.00, but that doesn’t mean it is easy.Building a hammered dulcimer is not something to do casually. It takes much delicate and dedicated work. But when you are finished you have a work of art. Choose your wood wisely. The most important wood is the one you choose for the pin blocks. It must be strong, so it can grip the tuning pins and endure the stress of the strings. Maple is a good wood to use for the pin blocks. Use pin blocks made from 2 by 4 stock, though it could be difficult to obtain. If so, you can make your own by joining three 3/4-inch by 31/2-inch planks to produce a block that’s 2-1/4-inch thick. Then use 2-1/4-inch-wide pieces for the frames and inside braces as well. Make the dulcimer’s top (soundboard) and bottom can be made from plywood, if you choose. Round off the top edges of t
