Legend 16/17 Hammered Dulcimer

by FolkCraft

Product Features

• This is an extended range hammer dulcimer with concert sound. The soundboard 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.
• 16 double strung treble courses and 17 double strung bass courses for a total of 49 notes. The addition of the contra "D" and "A" notes and increased body size compared to the 16/15 add a reverberating bass to this dulcimer. Plays the keys of A, D, G, C, F, and E. The bridges for the top 2 courses on both the treble and bass bridges are offset to fill in the chromatics for the key of C.
• Woods used include Mahogany, Maple, and Walnut. A dark stain soundboard or optional black lacquer (extra cost) is used to give more string visibility in varying light conditions. Custom wood rosettes cover the sound holes. African Mahogany soundboards and backs. African Mahogany's medium density provides a balance between the tonal characteristics of a hardwood versus those of a softwood. The resulting sound has good volume without over-sustain.
• Individual loop end strings to make string changing easier and avoid losing the whole note should a string break. Color coded Delrin bridge caps which produce a mellow sound and rapid position reference. Bloack oxide plated tuning pins to provide better holding power and reduce rusting. Expansion slots to allow soundboard movement when subjected to varying humidity and temperature changes.
• Oval openings in the backs of all models to provide additional sound ports and convenient handholds. Deluxe double headed hammers, one head is wood the other is covered with leather (2 sets of hammers in one) Includes "T" star tuning wrench 5 year manufacturer's warranty. Complete owner's manual. 45" x 18 1/2" x 2 1/2" Bridge Spacing 1" Weight: 14 lbs.

Product Details

• ASIN: B0002MSW42

Product Description

Legend Hammer Dulcimers are made in the US by Folkcraft and are among the most innovative hammer dulcimer designs available. Because of their unique arch construction, they 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, these instruments are heavy and require constant tuning when they are moved or as humidity conditions change. The Folkcraft design arches the frame of the whole instrument stretching the strings over a much stronger shape. The benefits are that 1) the string tension works for the dulcimer and not against it, 2) a stronger structure results in increased tuning stability, and 3) positive soundboard tension, created by the arching, enhances tonal 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.