Folkcraft Instruments

I just love this book with popular folk songs that I could not find dulcimer music for elsewhere. My band has 5 dulcimer players and a guitarist (plus keyboard) and we have moved from more traditional dulcimer songs to popular folk sets that our audiences just love. Before I found Steve's book, we were going through a laborious process of downloading music written for the guitar, transposing the guitar key for the dulcimer, and then writing in all the dulcimer chords plus harmony and baritone parts. This was time consuming and then we still had to test out all the chords to be sure we blended. Even after all that work, we still had no melody line - and had to rely on singers for the melody while we followed along with chords.
Steve's book has saved us a lot of work and hours. He's given all the melody notes plus chords. And it's now easy for us to write additional harmonies and baritones.
This book can be used in a group, a duo, or individually. I'm having a great time playing all the melodies by myself and then we will start adding in the other players and parts.
THANK YOU, STEVE.

A nice collection of solo and ensemble arrangements, some with multiple parts.
A book I am sure to use over and over. Good for playing alone, great for playing with others.

I am relatively new to dulcimer. This book has the most popular holiday songs plus some I was not familiar. There is plenty for me to learn, but is certainly not beyond a fairly new person’s capabilities. I recommend highly recommend.

This was my fourth custom instrument from Richard Ash and Folkcraft. I can’t say enough good things about working with Richard and his staff. the materials, build and support are tops in every area from order config to receiving a completed instrument in great shape. My latest instrument with walnut body and butternut top also has a very warm and accurate sounding pickup system - another Wow! I have a new custom LapJo on order now so that my original can go back for a refresh! I’ve got to publish “family” pictures soon!

Judy House - Christmas Songs For The Mountain Dulcimer

Sooo, a couple years ago,, My dad said he wanted to build a "dulcimer" to sit next to his jaw dropping Stewmac guitar. I had no clue what a dulcimer was, but I looked it up and liked the folk feel to dulcimers. Long story short, I picked up an Apple creek hourglass online and, with great excitement, I learned Amazing Grace in an afternoon.
.....I WAS HOOKED! I love(d) the fact that dulcimer doesn't require a lot of time or skill to learn like guitar. A few months later, I was given a handmade dulcimer from Dad's shop for Christmas. The hourglass dulcimer I ended up with was initially a walnut hourglass, but he changed it to Spanish cedar on the top and bottom. He also did mahogany binding to make it pop a little bit more. The kit didn't have any sort of binding. After learning to play a couple years ago, I can easily play a handful of
hymns and, of course Dixie, cause every dulcimer player should know a few tunes from the 1850's. After the inspiration from the Folkcraft Hourglass (as custom as it was), he has since built five or six custom dulcimers, and I just completed my first scratch built teardrop two weeks ago. It was a very fulfilling project that tested my abilities. This year, I've picked up a walnut hourglass kit for my 12 yr old son to build with his grandfather. I highly recommend going with folkcraft dulcimers. Also, the hourglass and teardrops have distinctly different sounds it's a good idea to try one of each at a music store before making your choice and purchasing.

This was the first time I ordered from Folkcraft. My order arrived very timely and I have been able to build my first Dulcimer. I was very pleased with the plans, strings and tuners. I plan to do it again. Thanks.

I used my gift cards to purchase a set of 3 Nina Zanetti dulcimer tab books for two or more(duets). Great perk for being a loyal Folkcraft customer! You rock Richard, thanks for stocking great books.

I have several of Larry Conger's music books. I like his style of writing music. I do not usually play fast tunes but with this book and practice I feel I will be able to do so.

Ordered walnut dulcimer kit with changes Butternut top with heart vines cut in top the extra changes were worth the extra cost .Fast delivery two days quality was top of the line .Turned out as a great looking and sounding Dulcimer thank you Richard I will shop again Joe

Quick response and very helpful.

Everything i had ordered for my dulicmers have been nothing but the best.

I have used these on my custom McSpadden 6 string. They seem to last forever, and produce a nice smooth, mellow tone. With a nice Folksy sound as well. Plus they look killer on this Dulcimers Ebony fingerboard and Black Tuners. Just a nice artistic touch besides the amazing sound and quality.

The plan layout is exceptional…. no if’s buts or ands… I have not found an instruction book for dulcimer construction, so one of those would be great too. Having made several ukuleles, I’m not completely helpless, but for a first timer, instructions would be fantastic.

I like me Silver Shark Tuner. It is easy to use! I will always order Silver Shark Tuner from Folkcraft Instruments. They have quality products! They are quick to fill your order! Thank You!