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The Mountain Dulcimer
has developed from similar Medieval European instruments. Since first appearing as we now
know it in the Appalachian Mountains
over 150 years ago, the mountain dulcimer has become
one of the most popular and recognizable folk instruments in the United States. With a
resurgence of interest in our American heritage, a renewed curiosity in the mountain
dulcimer has emerged. The haunting melodies from this nearly forgotten instrument are now
broadcast through the air by the modern technology of television and radio. For years
confined to the hills and rural areas of America, mountain dulcimers now can be found
throughout the country. Easy to learn and fun to play, the mountain dulcimer is an
excellent instrument for all ages.
Here at the Flat
Creek Dulcimer Shop in Hardy, Arkansas we offer a fine selection of Handmade Mountain
Dulcimers. Our very own instruments are made right here using only select Ozark hardwoods.
All of our dulcimers are constructed of solid wood with no plywood or veneers used. Each
instrument is made “from scratch” in our shop.
The backs and tops are bookmatched for a pleasant, professional appearance. Bookmatching adds a balanced symmetrical look and enhances the sound characteristics.
To insure
stability, our Dulcimers are braced inside. Top Braces help keep the Fret Board straight
and back braces help prevent warping. We also use lining strips or Kerfing at the joints
where the sides meet the back and top. This increases the surface area of the glue joint
and adds strength.
We use cast, sealed tuners to insure ease of tuning and long mechanical life. These have long been considered one of the best tuners available, and we agree. With smooth action and a 14 to 1 Gear Ratio, they make tuning simple.
Our Flat Creek Dulcimers have a fret scale of 28 7/16", and all include the 6 1/2 and 13 1/2 fret. Overall length is 36" Width is 7 1/2" at the lower bout, and overall body depth (not including fretboard) is 2". Fret board width is 1 1/2".
We use several different woods in many combinations. Call for availability. All cut-out Heart soundhole models are $299 and all models with solid wood Rosette soundholes are $329. All of our Dulcimers include T.K.O’Brien’s Guide to Playing The Mountain Dulcimer (we believe to be the best Beginning Book available), a Padded Nylon Case, a Pick, and a Noter and Lifetime Warranty. The book uses an easy to follow play-by-number method that will have anyone making music in minutes.
A popular beginner instrument is our very own Flat Creek "Box Dulcimer". The box shape and birch veneer construction let us make this great sounding dulcimer very affordable. Price includes dulcimer, pick, noter and T.K.O'Brien's Guide to Playing the Mountain Dulcimer. This model also comes with the numbers laser engraved on the fretboard. Along with great sound, great playability, and a great price, this is a perfect "starter" dulcimer. Types of woods may vary. Also makes a good investment as a second dulcimer for optional tunings.
Flat Creek "Box Dulcimer"_____$110
Padded Nylon
Case for 
"Box Dulcimer"(Save $5)________$25
A very useful addition is an electronic chromatic tuner. These make tuning a snap and keep your dulcimer sounding it’s best. They are $26. We also have several other instruction books and music tapes and CD’s.
GUARANTEE: Our dulcimers are guaranteed to be free of defective materials and workmanship at the time of purchase and for the entire time of your ownership. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or accidental damage and is not transferable to subsequent owners.
In order to provide variety of prices, materials, and tones, we also carry dulcimers handcrafted by other builders. As well as our own mountain dulcimers, we have instruments from TK O’Briens and McSpadden Musical Instruments with prices ranging from $199 to $365. All of these dulcimers include a padded nylon case, pick, noter, and instruction book. All instruments also have a limited lifetime warranty. Come to Hardy and give them all a try. Your dulcimer may be hanging on our wall waiting for you.
