Hammered Dulcimer Options

 

 
15-14 Pioneer Package Options

You may choose to have this instrument stained all over black, brown, or left natural (blonde). There is no additional charge for this stain. You may choose to upgrade the case to our regular 15/14 case made of high density foam and Cordura fabric for an additional $89
 
15-14 Sapelli Pioneer Package Options

You may choose to have this instrument stained all over cranberry or brown, however, most folks choose to leave this instrument unstained to show off the beautiful Sapelli wood soundboard. There is no additional charge for this stain. You may choose to upgrade the case to our regular 15/14 case made of high density foam and Cordura fabric for an additional $89
 
15-14 Options
You can choose endrails of Walnut, Cherry or Maple for your 15-14 hammer dulcimer. You have your choice of Rosewood or Maple bridges. Typically, instruments with Walnut or Cherry endrails have Rosewood bridges and instruments with Maple endrails have Maple bridges. The bridges can be separated for $50 (if you order your instrument from the workshop this way there is no charge - the fee is only if we have to change an instrument that is currently in stock). This helps to reduce the sustain of the instrument, you may even choose to add the ”Low Sustain Bridges” at a cost of $50. This option is especially desirable to our customers who play lots of fast tunes. The Soundboard can be stained Red, Brown or Black for an additional $100. You may also choose to have a Spruce soundboard. Spruce tends to be a bit brighter than the typical Mahogany soundboard. The charge for a Spruce soundboard is $50. A Mahogany back can be put on your instrument for $100. This option will help to make your dulcimer louder and more vibrant. Our 15-14 instruments come with the standard "Harrison Rose" soundhole inlays. You may choose to have the Doiley, Bubble or Maple Leaf inlays for $40.
 
16-15 and 16-15c Options
A "basic" 16-15 or 16-15c has the same options the 15-14 has. However, the Ultralight can be customized to further suit your personality. You may choose from an extensive list of exotic endrails (Figured Walnut, Figured Cherry, Curly Maple, Birdseye Maple, Bocote, Bubinga, Granadillo, Koa, Lacewood, Redheart, Satinwood, Wenge, Curly Oak, Purple Heart, Paduk, Zebrawood or Zircote). The cost for exotic endrails is an additional $100. You can choose for us to add bindings to your dulcimer for only $100. The Bantam Weight Option is available for $200.

Dampers

Typically, the only way to change the voice of your instrument is by using various hammers with various materials on the striking surface, pluck the strings with your fingers, picks held in your hands, or picks in the end of your hammers . The latter allows you to strike the strings (double sided gives you two voices) then pluck the strings without removing the hammers from your fingers ! Oh yes, you can “bend” the strings sort of like a Sitar if you don't mind retuning more often!

BUT, a wonderful new option to consider adding to your new instrument-of-a-lifetime is a damper system. When activated, it dramatically reduces sustain but allows the notes to be heard briefly. The voice is similar to that of a steel drum.

Rotating small strips of wood with thick felt barely touch the strings near the end of their vibrating length when activated by the depressed pedal. The pedal is connected by way of a cable and can be located anywhere around or under the hammer dulcimer. It is comfortable and easy to use – just rest your foot atop the flat wooden spring-loaded lever and rotate slightly forward and down to operate. A cable runs up to the front of the instrument, snaps on and is adjustable to your preference. Detach the cables from the instrument and you're as portable as ever!

A typical complaint of other dampers is the noise they make, complexity of setup, bulky design, inaccuracy and the uncomfortable location of the pedal. Our system is constructed of rosewood and is smooth, quiet, small and durable. These simple to use dampers are an asset to any level of player expanding your voicing abilities wonderfully! The Master Works damper system is available on brand new 16/15, 16/15 Chromatic and Russell Cook Edition instruments. They “ may” be retro-fitted on many older Master Works instruments (contact us to find out).