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Hammered Dulcimer Kit
Difficulty Rating
Project overview
We rate this a 4-hammer project for these reasons. 1) You need a lot of clamps to glue the box together firmly enough to withstand all the string tension, and 2) You need a good dose of patience for installing the 66 strings properly so they play in tune. We provide fully illustrated assembly instructions with the kit (or plans), and we also have video instruction for installing and tuning the strings. We can also help with troubleshooting over the phone if you have the instrument nearby when you call so we can hear the notes as you pluck the strings.
Tools you will need
Large spring clamps are very handy for assembling the box. They need to open 3" wide to reach the full thickness of the frame, and we use at least 20 of them for clamping the back and front panels. You could get by with other clamps, but you may need to pad the jaws to avoid denting the top or bottom surfaces of the box. A drill press will also be helpful for boring the holes for tuning pins and hitch pins, and it would help to fasten a good size plywood piece to your drill table to help support the large box as you drill. You could also do the drilling with a hand-held drill if you are careful and have a steady hand.
What's Included:
- All pre-cut wood parts
- Complete string set
- Tuning Wrench
-
Assembly Instructions
Hammered Dulcimer Kit
| Strings | 66 strings (17/16 layout) |
| Soundboard | Solid Mahogany |
| Frame | Walnut |
| Weight | 14 pounds |
| Width at Front | 40" |
| Width at Back | 19" |
| Depth | 19" front to back |
| Rosettes | Included |
| Warranty | Musicmakers Warranty |
Beautiful experience
I have assembled several hammered dulcimer kits over the decades. But this one from MusicMakers is superior in so many ways. The instructions are wonderfully clear, the materials are top-notch, I had one question and got excellent and quick support over the phone. And the finished product is absolutely beautiful, with a full, rich tone and balance across the high and low notes. Fun to assemble, a delight to look at, and a joy to play. Very satisfied. Thanks!
01/23/2024
Verified Buyer
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My absolute favorite
I bought this kit about 20 years ago and am still playing. Instructions for assembly are always good and the hammered dulcimer is at an intermediate level to assemble. I suggest to add some nice laser cut rosettes for the sound hole, an electric tuner and the stand. A set of transduvers with sticky tape will help for amplification. Put clear finish on and start playing ... oh no! here is the tough part: You will have to tune 66 strings and the first time will take a while.
The instrument stays nicely in tune and in many settings we get plenty of people to aks what our instruments are (my wife plays a studio harp I built for her) and how clean they sound.
Werner Griesshammer
03/21/2022
1 of 1 customers found this helpful.
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Great Directions
I have just begun to build this dulcimer and I am very pleased at the clear, precise directions given, and also the videos available on line. I don't anticipate any problems and know I will have a beautiful instrument when done.
Carol Klink
03/15/2020
Verified Buyer
6 of 6 customers found this helpful.
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Great kit!
This is the first instrument that I have built. I am also relatively new at woodworking. This was a ton of fun to build. I enjoyed the process. The instructions are clear and well written. The instrument came out beautifully and sounds wonderful. I cannot say enough good things about my experience.
Matt
02/12/2018
Verified Buyer
32 of 32 customers found this helpful.
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