The McNally Strumstick is an interesting combination of ideas. It's held like a guitar, and works like a Mountain Dulcimer, but it sounds like a banjo, and looks (according to one of our customers, anyway) a little like a boat paddle! 

The three-string models have the same kind of open tuning found on Mountain Dulcimers, which means that if you fret just the thin "melody" string, the others will automatically harmonize with it and make a chord if you strum all three. As a result, you don't have to know chords, like you would on a guitar. It makes them for you! It also has diatonic frets, which means it has only the notes that are in the key you're playing in, so even your mistakes won't sound so bad! If you want to, of course, you can learn chords. You can also fingerpick, and use most any other guitar technique; but the beauty of this instrument is that you don't have to, because you can play it without learning those things. It's also very compact and lightweight, so it's ideal for camping trips, bike rides, etc., when you don't want to haul around a larger and heavier instrument.

The three-string Strumsticks are available in three sizes: The Standard, (next to left) which is 29 inches long and tuned in the key of G, the Grand, (next to right) which is 33 inches long and tuned a little lower, in the key of D, and the smaller Alto, (left) which is only 24 inches long, and tuned higher, in the key of C. All three-string models come with an instructional booklet and cassette (or CD).

The four-string Strumstick, called the Chromatic, (on the right) is a little different. It's tuned and fretted like a ukulele, or a guitar with the two lowest strings missing, so you would have to know at least a few chords to play it. It's 32 inches long and has a slightly wider neck and larger body than the others. Cases are available for all Strumsticks.

If you have questions, need more information, 
or would like to place an order, please . . .
 E-mail us: Here
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.