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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.
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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.
Foss Warbler Price: $745.00
Songbird Warbler case Price:
$125.00
To Order! |
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 MasterWorks
Chromatic
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.
MasterWorks Chromatic Base Price: $1199.00
Russell Cook Edition
starts at $1899.00
Master Works 16/15 case Price: $139.00
To
Order! |
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.JPG) Dusty
Strings D550 Chromatic
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.
To Order |
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.JPG) Dusty
Strings D600 Chromatic
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.
To
Order |
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.JPG) Dusty
Strings PD40 (Piano Dulcimer) Chromatic.
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,
or would like to place an order, please . . .
E-mail us at: INFO@SONGOFTHEWOOD.COM
Call or fax us at: 828-669-7675
Visit or write us at:
Song of the Wood
203 West State Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711
Or fill out the form on our Order Page.
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