Customer Reviews

Appalachian Dulcimer Traditions

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Ralph Lee Smith teaches a course in dulcimer history at the annual Dulcimer Playing Workshop at Appalachian State University, of which I am the director. His presentations are invariably among the high points of the Workshop. Through him, we all keep in touch with the dulcimer's beautiful heritage in the mountains, and the people of the mountains who have handed the dulcimer down to us. This charming book contains much of the exciting information and many of the tales that he brings to us each year. For people who love the dulcimer, and people who love the mountain world even if they aren't familiar with the dulcimer, this book is a treasure. Don't miss it!

Appalachian Dulcimer Traditions is an attractive, informative and fun book to read. Who would think a detailed historical treatise on this rather unusual folk instrument would be such a treat. Ralph Lee Smith's folksy writing style reveals his equal love for the dulcimer and its people. Get ready for an adventure. You'll wind your way up into a part of Americana steeped in tradition, hairpin curves and high mountains. Smith cleverly peels back the folds of time to reveal a remarkable account of the dulcimer, its interesting characters and music. Scattered throughout the book among the many photos and llustrations are vignettes about the humble people of the mountains, their character and struggles. All evolve together in this intriguing account of the dulcimer and those who continue to scratch out a living in the mountains of the eastern United States. This book is a jewel! *****

A great book! It is a good reference work on the mountain dulcimer. Mr. Smith has performed a great service to everyone interested in it. It is a tremendous history lesson on the development of the mountain dulcimer and is loaded with photographs documenting how it has changed from its roots to what it is today. It also identifies those people who were important in its development. A real historical learning experience for the novice player and, I would assume, the experienced, too. If you're interested in the dulcimer or just an Appalachian history buff, you will like this book.

I first encountered this book at the Detroit Public Library. I quickly determined to have my own copy, and obtained one through Amazon.com. Mr. Smith and his dulcimer friends have come through with the goods! Many historical photos round out the fascinating text and interesting anecdotes from those who brought us the mountain dulcimer as we know it today. Read how the dulcimer shapes came to be, and who the early builders were. I highly recommend this book to any true mountain dulcimer enthusiast. Congratulations, Mr. Smith!

I have been playing the dulcimer for a year now, and became very interested in its history and origins. Most sources provided very little information until I found this book. This is an outstanding historical treatise on the history of the dulcimer that absolutely does not read like a history book. It is obvious that the author, Ralph Lee Smith, has a deep affection and appreciation for the instrument that I have come to love. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the dulcimer or folk music in general.

Ralph Lee Smith has done an excellent job on this book. It is evident that there is a mountain of research behind his narrative. The book is an easy and interesting read on the history of the Appalachian Dulcimer. While it is almost entirely an historical narrative, it is not in the least dry nor boring. I found it to be well written, informative and in some spots a bit humorous. I have lived my entire life in WV surrounded by old time music, enjoying the folk festivals and playing music with friends, sometimes even on the appalachian dulcimer. Anyone interested in the dulcimer or old time music should read this book.

Not at this price. Nearly $30??? for a Kindle book??? I've had a dulcimer for about 15 years and enjoy reading about them and their history, but I am sorry, I have to pass this one up!