Handmade Mountain Dulcimers Since 1968

I don't play my Folkcraft chromatic dulcimer that much because I previously only had one chromatic book, which Folkcraft also sells, so I decided to buy the collection of "Speakeasy and Tin Pan Alley Tunes" by Dana Gruber. The selection includes songs that are familiar to me and many that are not. Initially, I stumbled playing the arrangements because the book uses the diatonic fret numbering system with half frets rather than the chromatic system. I even start penciling in the chromatic tab under the diatonic numbers for nearly half the songs, which helped me to understand how the two systems compare and contrast and memorize, for example, that 5 in the diatonic system is 9 in chromatic. Then I realized it was actually easier to play the diatonic numbers instead of looking at a larger set of numbers. After all, most diatonic players are familiar with the 6+ fret and likely the 1+ fret as well. From there, it's just a matter of adding the 0+, 3+ and 4+ frets. I quickly got the hang of playing familiar songs such as Alexander's Ragtime Band with the diatonic system and began erasing the chromatic numbers I penciled in. Having the extra notes enables jazzier arrangements, especially since the tunes contain plenty of chords. If you have a chromatic mountain dulcimer, enjoy playing music from the early 1900s and are looking for songs arranged for that instrument, I highly recommend this book. I know my chromatic dulcimer is not going to gather as much dust moving forward.

Great collection of waltz. Will take a bit of practice to master playing them, but pleased with the collection.

Built my 2nd dulcimer. Planning on building many and continue ordering from Folkcraft

Purchased for baritone custom. Fast delivery and Richard was helpful in assisting w input on my target sound. Excellent as always!

Great book which has every thing and even more then I need.

They fit our psalteries perfectly!

Wow, I wanted a songbook for the chromatic dulcimer. This is the only one I could find. Dana Gruber has such beautiful arrangements. The lyrics are included so you can sing along. If you are wanting to expand your chromatic chord vocabulary, this book will not disappoint.

I received my Folkroots H series on October 15th, black walnut back and sides , butternut top, Ebony fretboard. Gold tuners, 25 Vsl. It is everything that I imagined it would be and well worth the wait. Wonderful company to deal with, Richard Ash answered all my many questions with great patience. Would recommend Folkcraft if you want a one of a kind, not just a beautiful instrument… but sounds amazing as well. I shall treasure this dulcimer.
Jennifer

Folkcraft® Steel Music Wire, 50 Feet Of .016 (#6)

I recently purchased a vintage Folkcraft chromatic dulcimer that is in excellent condition at a festival. It came with a generic gig bag that had seen better days. The Folkcraft gig bag I ordered from Folkcraft came promptly with no hassles. Now I have a beautiful instrument in a bag that does it justice. I'm a happy camper!

Mandy Tyner/Banjo Lemonade - Mountain Dulcimer Hymns, Vol. 1

Product looks great as advertised. Of not had an opportunity to use them yet.

High quality

Ellen's arrangements are for groups that include players of varying skill levels. They are easy to read large print. The only drawback I have found is that they don't include the chord names to help guitar players accompanying the dulcimer players. Each song has tab for at least 3 and sometimes 4 parts, making even small groups sound full and lovely.

Joe Collins provides great music books for all player levels. I have two of these particular books, one to keep and one to share. I love Christmas music and play it all year long. This music book is a must have for anyone who loves the Appalachian dulcimer!