Dulcimers are easy to build, and they have changed little through the generations. When it comes to the demanding task of building stringed instruments, this is one project that most do-it-yourselfers could undertake using some fairly basic woodworking tools. The dulcimer found its way to the Appalachian region thanks to musically inclined settlers. Instruments were hard to come by on the frontier, so early luthiers improvised and built the familiar dulcimer with readily available materials. This relatively simple instrument is a great first project for any budding luthier. To create a dulcimer like the one built in this episode takes about two weeks work in a woodshop, assuming that you can put in about 2 hours work per day. Provided here is a blueprint diagram (in downloadable .pdf format) for building a dulcimer similar to the one made by luthier Gary Mahoney in episode 108 of DIY's Handmade Music.
Materials and equipment needed for this project include:Design blueprint and templates
Walnut stock (or other hardwood stock)
Rosewood dulcimer-nut and saddle
Table saw
Band Saw
Jointer
Power planer
Thickness sander
Band saw
Scroll saw
Drill press
Cordless drill
Bending form
Propane torch and aluminum pipe (for bending device)
Container of water
Fret jig
Fret saw
Luthier's kerf saw
Wire cutters
Hand scraper
Polished-end hammer
Straight edge
Carpenter's pencil
Woodworker's glue
Clamps
Paint-spraying equipment
Spray sanding sealer
Spray lacquer
Tuning pegs
Peg reemer
Dulcimer strings
Safety glasses or goggles
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PDF
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