KWL

Somehow I missed this post two years ago, but like Noterman, I don't see a need for removable feet, as that like something that is easy to lose. On the other hand, if that's what someone wants and think he/she will use it, why not. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

While Amburgey dulcimers are in the line of the Kentucky tradition, his are new enough that they won't command a great price should you sell one. They are mostly of interested to dulcimore collectors. I won't venture a value as it really depends upon the market and interest of potential buyers. Old instruments are not of particular interest to people new the dulcimer who dislike wood pegs and diatonic fret boards. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Thanks for the additional photos. The holes look very much like what one finds in what is called wormy wood. It is from insect larvae. With the close up of the sides I think the wood may be walnut of a slightly lighter color than the back. Again, just my best guesses. Ken "the dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I am not familiar with W. S. Hall. It appears to be a well built dulcimer in the Kentucky tradition. It is a mountain(Appalachian) dulcimer. It does not have a 6 1//2 fret nor can it be set up as four equidistant strings. It has double melody strings. The wood of the back, fret board, and peg head is walnut. I'm not sure about the top. I can't tell if those are nail holes or from insects. It appears to be pine, but it could be something else like spruce. The sides are nicely decorated, but I can' tell what type of wood it is. It appears lighter than the back Traditionally it would be the same type of wood as the back. Now as to value, since this is an unknown maker and no 6 1/2 fret, but is well construction and nicely decorated, I would value it from $150 to $300. Keep in mind, this is just my opinion and I an open to what others think. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Here is a photo my wife snapped of me playing on the porch this morning. I'm playing my Blue Lion dulcimer here. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

In other dulcimer sites people are talking about the flash flood that destroyed the Mountain Dulcimer Museum and the Appalachian Luthiery in Hindman, Kentucky on July 28, 2022. Many historic mountain dulcimers were lost in the flood.. Clean up is beginning, but the future is uncertain. You can check FOTMD and TTAD for information about the flood and recovery efforts. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I am not familiar with this builder either. What about it are you looking to restore? I've built a few hammered dulcimers and may be able to offer some help. Posting some photos of the instrument would be good. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I have a Blue Lion and a Folkcraft with built in pickups and they both work well and sound good when plugged in. I ordered the Blue Lion with pickup installed. The Folkcraft did not come with a pickup installed, but I ordered an under saddle pickup from Folkcraft and installed it myself. Actually it is a replacement saddle with the pickup already attached. It was easy to install. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I purchased a copy from him just after the book came out. Lots of good songs. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Elwood Donnely has one also. https://www.folkcraft.com/products/carter-family-dulcimer-music-book-1310170 Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I agree with what has been posted. It does look like the nut is missing. I would replace all the tuners if it were my dulcimer. Another option for tuners is to go with geared violin pegs, but you might need to ream out the holes to match the taper of pegs. The easiest is just get a new set similar to what you already have. There are many Asian companies that make covered geared tuners like you have on your dulcimer. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ann Finley made this video of the Gathering which captures the spirit of the event. Enjoy. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Hi Alphie. We welcome all levels of players. All of us are experienced players at different places on our dulcimer journey. Since we play noter/drone style (or finger dancing) exclusively, it isn't difficult for a beginner. All the notes will be on the melody string. Since we can't hear each other you don't need to embarrassd about making mistakes. I sometimes find myself getting lost by missing a repeat, or hitting th wrong fret while reading the tab. The more you practice (play the tunes) the easier it becomes and plying with others, even on Zoom, is a great way to improve your playing. Most of the tunes we play are in DAA, but we do sometimes play in other tunings by retuning the melody string. Join us at The Traditional Appalachian Dulcimore and give it try. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I'm just bumping this up hoping some folks who enjoy traditional style playing might drop by. All are welcome. One of the nice things about meeting on Zoom is that no one hears your mistakes. Everyone except the tune leader is muted. We can only hear the leader and ourself playing. We are pretty easygoing. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

A visit to the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center's dulcimer collection. Chris Miller speaks to us about the dulcimers. In the foreground is a dulcimer made by L. Allen Smith.