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The "Chromatic" Hammer Dulcimer These instruments are for the dulcimer player who wants all he can get out of a particular octave range. In other words ... they contain notes beyond the more common diatonic tuning scheme. So far ... the most popular way to achieve a chromatic tuning scheme has been to simply add the missing sharps and flats on "extra" bridges ... and/or at the upper and lower limits of the diatonic scales on the existing bridges. This has been done so as not to impede the simplicity and genius of the diatonic pattern. Here are some chromatic instruments for your consideration. |
.JPG) Foss Warbler As
usual, the Foss Chromatic gives you the most notes for your money! A
great, inexpensive 3 1/2 Octaves of chromatic playability with a solid Mahogany
soundboard, Walnut rails, Maple pin blocks and hardwood back. It has an
8/17/16 bridge configuration. What a value this instrument is! Full
chromatic playability with good sound, nice craftsmanship and an unbelievably
low price. Approximate size is: bottom rail - 42", top
rail - 17" and bottom to top - 19". Weight is approx. 15 lbs.
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The
chromatic MasterWorks is, basically, the Ultralight with two extra bridges added
that give you the sharps and flats you're missing in the diatonic tuning
scheme. It has a 2/3/16/15 bridge configuration. This instrument exhibits all the marvelous response of their other models but
gives you maximum melodic potential over a 3 Octave range. The instrument pictured
here has beautiful Hawaiian Koa rails and Rosewood bridges with a distinctive
reddish Mahogany stained
top. Gorgeous! This particular instrument is a "Russell Cook
Edition" with Laser engraved endrails and soundhole Rosettes. Approximate size is: bottom rail - 43",
top rail - 20" and bottom to top - 17". Weight is a startling 14
lbs. |
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This is Dusty's mid range Chromatic that extends just over 3 1/2 octaves with a little under 3 1/2 octaves fully chromatic. It's all hardwood construction with Mahogany soundboard and back and Maple bridges. It features a beautiful carved Maple leaf rosette and edge binding around the top. This particular model (shown) has dampers installed (they are an option). This instrument features a 2/8/16/15 bridge configuration. Dusty Strings D550 model Base Price: $1895.00 (Damper option: add $495.00)...Other options include Black soundboard ($80.00), Highly figured Curly Maple faced rails and pinblocks ($250.00), Abalone Inlay (Call for pricing). C500 case: $325.00. |
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This is the top of the line from Dusty Strings! It is the D550 ... and then some! It spans just over 4 octaves with a fully chromatic range of just under 3 1/2 octaves. This instrument "roars" in the bass ... a quality heard in very few Hammer Dulcimers. Beautiful Wenge endrail and pinblock facings, select Honduras Mahogany soundboard and back, distinctive soundhole Rosette and attractive edge binding indicate Ray Mooers and gang have pulled out all the stops on this model! Maybe you'll get a chance to see Dan Landrum on world tour with "Yanni" this year playing "the living daylights" out of one of these! A treat! Dusty Strings D600 model Base Price: $2545.00 (Damper option: $595.00)... Other options ... see above. C600 case: $380.00. The "Tristander" support system is $265.00. |
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Here is a unique model offered by Dusty Strings, primarily, designed for folks who have never played the dulcimer but do play the piano! It has a completely different tuning layout than any standard diatonic or chromatic dulcimer. It is 3 1/2 octaves fully chromatic with a "piano-like" scale pattern with all the half steps ... where you would expect to find them. The PD40 does come "damper ready." Please understand ... the "traditional" tuning pattern of the Hammer Dulcimer is "genius" and not to be discounted ... but ... this idea is an intriguing one. It could be a great alternative for YOU! Call us ... or email for more info. Dusty Strings PD40 Chromatic (piano dulcimer) Base Price: $875.00 Damper option: $295.00 C35 case: $115.00
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Don't forget to check out Jerry's Dulcimers for information on his 3 1/2 octave and 4 1/2 octave chromatics. If you have questions, need more
information, Song of the Wood |
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