Mountain Dulcimer - Part Two

During this stage of the project I steam-bent the side pieces (ribs) and glued on the lining. The lining is a thin strip of wood that is laminated to the ribs to provide strength and a place for the back/front to be glued to the ribs.

This was a challenge; trying to glue up while bending reluctant wood into shape. I wanted to get this done because I am away for the next two weeks and the danger is that the bent wood would just spring back if it was not laminated.

The Mountain Dulcimer Project

Brief Introduction:

I have enjoyed woodworking for many years and have managed to make every mistake possible. And slowly, but surely my skills and patience have improved. In my time I have built furniture, kitchen cabinets, a couple of wood/fibreglass canoes and outdoor garden things. So now I figure that I am ready to do some more intricate work and build a musical instrument. Risky, I know - but I'm just a kid with a crazy dream!

The mountain dulcimer is an American instrument that was not brought to the new world when the settlers arrived from Ireland and Scotland. It appears to be a recent (relatively) invention from the Appalachian mountain area of the United States (for a thorough history see Chet Hines' book How to Make and Play the Dulcimore). The sound of the instrument is sweet, plaintive and hauntingly beautiful (you can hear it played at: http://www.gilamountaindulcimers.com/pete.htm and on Joni Mitchell's album Blue).

First Steps:

I have been following some of the basic steps set out by Stephen Miklos on his webpage.

To date, have:

1. Built the forms and the jigs
2. Re-sawn the side pieces, the top and the back. (maple, butternut and curly maple)
   
3. Booked matched and joined the top and the back
   
4. Built the scroll