My name is Chap and from South Central Ky. Guitarist, clawhammerist and hopefully, soon to be dulcimerist.

A number of years ago a friend found a lap dulcimer thrown out and in a garbage can. He didn't want it to go to waste so he picked it up and gave it to me as a gift. I put it away. It's been sitting on the shelf these past five years or so. It's a very nice piece of work and I'd like to find out more about it.
The dulcimer is a Richard D. Gardner built three string in the hourglass design. It looks like all walnut but am not sure. On the inside label is the following:
# 60 - Strings Instruments & Bows: Repairs - Sales - Evaluations
Richard D. Gardner
Violin Maker
July, 1997
(hand signed) "Dick Gardner"
(with a hand written note) "Created For Frances"
with an address of:
Rt 1 Box 45, Webbville, Ky. 41180 ( and a phone #)
The dulcimer is in a plush lined McSpadden case and came with a printed note as follows:
"Adonis"
"The name of a handsome young man loved by Venus."
"This name I, Richard Gardner give to number 60 dulcimer created for Frances Tucker."
(hand signed) Dick Gardner
I have googled as much info as I have to find Mr. Gardner and his shop. But to no avail. I was wondering if anyone might have more information as to the history of Mr. Gardner's shop and his dulcimers.
I will take some photos and post them shortly.
Thank you in advance,
Chapman Jones