The mountain dulcimer truly is an American musical instrument — born and raised here. It evolved from early instruments, such as the zither, brought with them to this country when they came here in the 1700’s.

The English, Scotch-Irish and Germans settled in Pennsylvania and the eastern coast. The German immigrants, especially, followed Daniel Boone down the Shenandoah Valley and into the Appalachian mountains of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina. These mountain people continued to play their homemade musical instruments. The zither was a large retangular box with frets, strings and was played with a bow or quill. Over the years, the zither evolved into modern day mountain dulcimers.

The 1970s saw a resurgance of the mountain dulcimer. Plus, luthiers improved the woods, fretboards and craftmanship. Different tunings were developed which increased the versalatily of dulcimer playing. Today, there’s not much which you can’t play on a dulcimer.

Today, most dulcimers are still made by individual luthiers and craftsmen. The woods and techniques used today result in high quality musical instruments. Contact us to learn about where to purchase a mountain dulcimer.

Local Mountain Dulcimer Association

The Lagniappe Dulcimer Society is an association of local dulcimer players. The goal of the organization is to promote knowledge of the dulcimer. The group teaches classes, gives workshops, gives performances and meets weekly (except December) to play and “jam.”

Beginners are welcome. This instrumet is easy to play. No music knowledge or training is needed. Initially dulcimer music is played by reading numbers (or tablature numbers). The first string plays the melody and the middle and bass strings act as harmony strings or chords or drones.

Visit our WEB site: LagniappedulcimerBR.org

Visit us on Facebook: Lagniappe Dulcimer Society

Contact Us: Interested in classes to learn to play the dulcimer or scheduling a performance your group? Or, do you just have a general question about the dulcimer? Use the contact form to message us.