Woodworking has been my hobby for well over twenty years now. I started with small craft items and scroll-sawn multilayered puzzles. I really enjoyed making those items but I wanted to build something that combined art and functionality.

I started building Dulcimers about 15 years ago and have built and sold over 700 instruments. I've experimented with different styles, woods and building methods. I now only build 3 basic designs-Hourglass, semi hourglass and Teardrop, all of which I have incorporated my own sleek and simple style. I build all of my instruments with the same basic woods that were available to builders in the Appalachian region over the past 200 years.


My instruments are built with all solid woods---no plywood or laminated wood. You will find no mechanical fasteners, except to attach tuning hardware. I steam bend the sides and book-match the sound board and back. I like to use natural imperfections in the wood and when possible, I will often use natural knot-holes for sound-holes. I believe this gives more character to the instrument.

I don't like most of the modern finishes put on instruments. Some of those instruments appear to have been dipped in plastic! I feel that the natural raw beauty and feel of the wood should show. I use simple finishing techniques that were available to the original builders. Each of my instruments has a hand rubbed coat of special oil and is buffed to a silky satin finish. They are signed, dated and numbered on the inside, which can be viewed through the sound hole.

All of my instruments have a nice mellow sound.

If you have any questions you can email David at Fyrfytr00@hotmail.com. You can visit David's website at http://www.dhdulcimers.com/.