UPDATED 03/15/07

Folk of the Wood presents
The Folkcraft Legend Series Hammer Dulcimers

For further description of above models, see below.

Legend Hammer Dulcimers

Legend hammer Dulcimers are among the most innovative hammer dulcimer designs available. Because of their unique arched construction, both legend and Pathfinder models are better able to hold their tuning than most other dulcimers.

Conventional hammer dulcimers are built using a flat frame and rely on wood density to withstand the effect of several thousand pounds of string tension trying to collapse the structure. As a result those instruments are heavy and require constant tuning when they are moved or as humidity conditions change. Our design arches the frame of the whole instrument stretching the strings over a much stronger shape.

The benefits are threefold

1) String tension works for the dulcimer and not against it

2) A stronger structure results in increased tuning stability

3) Positive soundboard tension, created by the arching, enhances tone balance and volume throughout the instrument.

Every feature incorporated into a Legend Hammer Dulcimer has been analyzed as to its effect on playability and sound from string types and sizes to wood choices. The following are some of the highlights found on legend 16/15+& 16/17 models.


o African Mahogany soundboards and backs. African Mahogany was chosen because its medium density provides a balance between the tonal characteristics of a hard wood versus those of a softwood. The resulting sound has a good volume with out over sustain.
o Individual loop end strings to make string changing easier and avoid losing the whole note should a string break.
o Color coded Delrin bridge caps which produce a mellow sound and rapid position reference.
o Black oxide plated tuning pins to provide better holding power and reduce rusting
o Expansion slots to allow soundboard movement when subjected to varying humidity and temperature changes.
o Oval openings in the backs of all models to provide additional sound ports and convenient handholds.
o Deluxe double headed hammers, one head is wood the other covered with leather (two pairs of hammers in one)
o 5 year warranty. Complete owners manual

Accessories:

5050 CARRYING BAG FOR 16/15: Cordura outer fabric, closed cell foam padding, velour lined. Has shoulder strap, carrying handle, and book/accessory pocket.
5053 CARRYING BAG FOR 16/17 & 16/15/4/2: Cordura outer fabric, closed cell foam padding, velour lined. Has Shoulder strap, carrying handle, and book/accessory pocket (includes shoulder strap).

ULTIMATE HAMMERED DULCIMER STAND: Fully height adjustable,  26" to 40" (floor to top of post).   The stand has an adjustable padded instrument holder and will fit most 3 octave or larger Dulcimer (opens from 18" - 26").   Compact footprint 25 1/2" x 25 1/2".   Fully play angle adjustable.  Sturdy, steady, steel construction (weight: 14 lbs.)   Simple set-up and knock-down. 
STAND
OPTIONAL MUSIC HOLDER

ADJUSTABLE STAND: Height  & Tilt adjustable.  Solid hardwood, with oil finish.   Lightweight, playing surface adjusts from 24" - 35" high.   Shipped finished. Picture is shown to the right.

Legend  Hammered Dulcimers are among the most innovative Hammered Dulcimer designs available. Because of their unique arched construction, our instruments are lighter in weight, have a bigger sound and are better able to hold their tuning than most other Dulcimers. 

HAMMERED DULCIMER  L 16/15: An extended note range Hammered Dulcimer with concert sound. In addition to our arched construction, the sound board is suspended away from internal frame members by a special bracing system. The result is a much bigger sound than expected for the physical size of this instrument. There are sixteen double strung treble courses and fifteen double strung bass for a total of forty-seven notes. It has the keys of "A", "D", "G", "C", "F", "E"   as well as a lower octave key of "D". The bridges for the top two courses on both the treble and bass bridges are offset to fill in the chromatics for the key of "C". The following woods are chosen for consistent sound (initial bright attack without overpowering sustain) and durability: genuine mahogany soundboard and back, rock maple pin blocks with walnut frame rails.  The soundboard is finished with a choice of natural, dark brown, or cordovan (shown),   color stain to give more string visibility in varying light conditions. Black lacquer is optionally available. Custom wooden rosettes  cover the sound holes. Dimensions: 42" x 18" x 2 1/2". 1" string spacing between courses.
Weight: JUST 13 lbs!
Black lacquer on soundbaord add.
Exotic wood bridges with matching frame rail overlay  (Maple, Walnut, Bubinga, Padauk)

HAMMERED DULCIMER L 16/17: While maintaining all features of the L-16/15, the L 16/17 gains reverberating bass by the addition of contra "D" and "A" notes and increased body size.  Alternative tunings are also made possible by adjusting the string gauges and individual bridges of the contra notes.  Construction materials are the same as the other L 16+ models with the addition of walnut frame rail over lays. The soundboard is finished with dark brown, or cordovan color stain to give more string visibility in varying light conditions. Black lacquer (shown) is optionally available. Custom wooden rosettes cover the sound holes. 1" string spacing between courses.
5053 CARRYING BAG FOR 16/17 & 16/15/4/2: Cordura outer fabric, closed cell foam padding, velour lined. Has Shoulder strap, carrying handle, and book/accessory pocket (includes shoulder strap).
Dimensions: 45" X 18" X 2 1/2". Weight: 14 lbs.   Black lacquer on soundbaord add

HAMMERED DULCIMER L 16/15/4/2 - As playing proficiency improves, the need arises for a Dulcimer that gives players an opportunity to expand their repertoire beyond what can normally be played on a conventional instrument. The 16/15/4/2/ increases chromatic capability by adding six more notes to the 16/15, making the entire instrument fully chromatic. Specially designed bridges have been tapered to allow the lower notes on the treble and bass bridges to place more down-bearing on the soundboard giving them a volume boost. Inlaid sound hole rosettes enhance the look of this distinctive instrument. Dimensions: 42" x 18" x 2 1/2". 1" string spacing between courses.
Weight: JUST 13 lbs!
5053 CARRYING BAG FOR 16/17 & 16/15/4/2: Cordura outer fabric, closed cell foam padding, velour lined. Has Shoulder strap, carrying handle, and book/accessory pocket (includes shoulder strap).

Testimonials:

Date: Wed, 18 Aug 1999 Hi again -- Re: Pathfinder Hammered Dulcimer It's here and it's beautiful!!! Thank you, thank you Lynn

Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 Mickey, The hammered dulcimer package arrived yesterday. You were right the new mahogany is gorgeous. I can't wait for my daughter to see it on Christmas. Merry Christmas, God Bless! Kim Paff

If you've got questions, or would like to place an order, email direct to: folk of the wood or got to the following order form:

Testimonials:

Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000 Hi Mickey, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to write back. I received the hammered dulcimer I got from you through Ebay a week before my birthday in August. I've been having a great time playing it. Thus far, I have figured out the playing patterns and have about 9 or so songs down. I'm going through all my recorder music as most of it is written in G or F, thus it is pretty easy to play on the dulcimer. I have a suggestion for those who have difficulty hitting the right string with the hammers - I drew a line on the top of the hammer where it should hit the string. I have no depth perception, and was having problems until I did that. Now playing is very easy. My only concerns have been is that the tuning wrench sent with it is an elbow-wrench type, whereas now you are advertising it with a t-wrench. From what I've read the t-type is superior and won't cause undo stress on the tuning pins. What could I do to replace the elbow-wrench? Also, it would wonderful if you offered different types of hammers on your site. I'm looking for double sided ones and would rather buy from where I bought my dulcimer than from some strangers! You could also offer stands as well? My biggest problem with the dulcimer is that my poor harp is feeling neglected and my guitar has been sitting idle even longer! Best Regards, Mary E. Burns

Hello Mary, These are the two hammered dulcimers stands that are our most popular:

Adjustable Hammer Dulcimer Stand...Solid Hardwood...Height and Tilt Adjustment. Shipped Finish...
Product No. ADJ

Ultimate Hammer Dulcimer Stand. Fully Adjustable. Chrome and Black.
Product No. ULTIMATE

Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 Hi Mickey, I just wanted you to know the hammered dulcimer arrived and it's gorgeous. I've started playing and aside from some sore muscles (goes with the disease I have, I don't think I'm doing anything wrong), I'm doing nicely already. I've chosen one or two songs to play with the orchestra. Thanks, Jennifer

Click on image for a magnified view:

Shown Above L 16/15 with Black Lacquer on Soundboard
Fold-Out Adjustable Stand shown above.

• 12 Treble and 11 Bass Courses
• 37" long x l3" high x 2 1/2" thick
• Weight 11 lbs.
• New with Factory Lifetime Warranty
• Solid Wood Construction
• Mahogany, Walnut & Maple
• Complete with Deluxe Hammers
• "T" Star Tuning Wrench

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