Kentucky Dulcimers
Kentucky dulcimers are an updated version of the dulcimers made by legendary builder J. E. Thomas of Knott Co. Kentucky between the years 1870 to 1930. John Edward Thomas sold his dulcimers from the back of a mule cart or through mail order with some sold as far away as England. The fact that Thomas' dulcimers are still used as a basis for so many "modern" dulcimers is a testament to the timeless beauty, sound and quality of his design. My Kentucky dulcimer features a deeper body for better volume, bass and mid-range response. For custom orders Kentucky dulcimers can be made with any combination of wood although due to the smaller size some of the larger soundholes will not fit.
Base Price: $415 Plus $30 shipping
Every Kentucky dulcimer features:
- Eighteen nickel silver frets with 1½, 6½ , 8½ and 13½ frets included - full two octave range.
- Grover Sta-Tite tuners with a 14:1 gear ratio and lifetime manufacturer's warranty.
- Abalone or Mother of Pearl inlaid position markers.
- Matching all metal strap buttons
- Ebony nut and bridge slotted for double melody and equidistant string spacing (on 4-string dulcimers).
- 26" scale length for ease of playing.
The following features can be added to any Kentucky dulcimer:
- Baritone or Bass setup - cost $15. (See article on Baritone Dulcimers here)
- Extended range 5-string (combination regular/baritone setup) $35 (Click here for information on Extended Range™ dulcimers)
- Gold Grover Sta-Tite tuners with 14:1 gear ratio and classic "Butter Bean" tuning knobs - cost $15.
- Fully chromatic, two octave fretboard with 24 nickel silver frets - cost $35.
- Six string configuration with three pairs of doubled strings - cost $25.
- Gaboon Ebony fretboard overlay $69
- Indian Rosewood fretboard overlay - cost $49.
- Indian Laurel fretboard overlay - cost $35.
- Bone nut and bridge - cost $15.
- Internal Piezo pickup with either chrome or gold hardware and matching strap buttons - cost $69.
- Double back - cost $85.
