This is my blog about the Appalachian dulcimer. I will share history about the dulcimer, where to get more information locally on how to learn to play the dulcimer and other interesting facts.

This 3 or 4-stringed musical instrument is truly an American instrument — born and raised here. It has ancesters and probably evoloved from zithers that early  settlers to this country brought with them. (A zither is a retangular box-type instrrment with frets and strings and was strummed or bowed.) When the English, Scotch-Irish and Germans settled in Pennsylvania and the northeast in the 1700’s, they brought their musical instruments with them. They moved “west” and traveled down into the Shenandoah Valley, following Daniel Boone, into the Appalachian mountains of  Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky.

These pioneers, who lived in the mountains, could easily craft the zithers and play them in their homes. The dulcimer evolved from these early instruments and were played in several communities, especially in Kentucky and southwestern Virginia.

The dulcimer saw a resurgance in the 1970’s. Plus, the shape, woods and fretboards improved. The way the dulcimer was tuned and played changed making it much more versatile. There is really not much that you cannot play on a dulcimer. Dulcimer clubs, workshops and gatherings have spread the news about the dulcimer. The internet has made communication and sharing information about the dulcimer much easier.

Most dulcimers continue to be made by individual luthiers. The quality of the wood and craftmanship of dulcimers today provides exceptional sound and playing ability. Contact us regarding suggestions for purchasing a dulcimer.

Locally, the Lagniappe Dulcimer Society meets weekly (except in December and holidays) to play and share music about the dulcimer.

The local group meets weekly to “jam”and play, they give lessons, teach workshops and give performances to the community.