3 Octave Hammer Dulcimer

The Chris Foss Whippoorwill (or Phoebe)

For the $ conscious shopper this 16/15 course - 3 Octave instrument offers the best value.  It is available with a mahogany top, as shown here, or in a laminated top version called the "Phoebe" which is a real bargain.  There is nothing fancy about this instrument ... it is pure function, well constructed with a clear, reasonably balanced tone.  And ... you can't believe the price.  A great buy!  Approximate size is:  bottom rail - 42", top rail - 17" and bottom to top - 19".  Weight is approx. 15 lbs.  
Phoebe (Laminated Birch top) Price: $395.00  (Black top is $435.00) 
Whippoorwill (Mahogany top) Price: $590.00  
Songbird Phoebe/Whippoorwill case Price: $60.00  
To Order!

The Rick Thum "Lightweight" and "Professional" models

These are both 16/16 3 Octave (plus) models featuring 7 ply hard rock maple pinblocks, color coded tuning pins on both sides (allowing for separate tuning for each side of the treble bridge), low "A" on the bass bridge, removable chromatic bridge and soundhole inserts.  The Lightweight (16 lbs.) has a Sitka Spruce soundboard and "special" scalloped braces.  The Professional (18 lbs.) has an Adirondack (red) Spruce soundboard and scalloped solid wood braces.  Size is:  43 1/3" bottom rail, 22" top rail and 19" from bottom to top with one inch string spacing.                              Rick Thum 16/16 Lightweight Base Price: $859.00                                                                                   Rick Thum 16/16 Professional Base Price: $1095.00                                                             To Order!

 MasterWorks Ultralight or BantamWeight 16/15

This is an upgrade on the very popular 15/14 model that has a 16/15 bridge configuration.  It, likewise, possesses amazing volume, brightness and clarity.  This model can also be further upgraded to a Chromatic model (see Chromatic page) at a later date if you decide you wish you had "gone all out" and purchased Master Works' top of the line in the first place.  Soundboard stain(s) and rosette choices apply to this model also.  Approximate size is: bottom rail - 43", top rail - 20" and bottom to top - 17".  Ultralight is a mere 14 lbs!   Bantam weighs approx. 12 lbs!  The BantamWeight option gives you thinner internal and external endrails, honeycombed internal endrails, internal fan bracing and a solid Mahogany back
MasterWorks Ultralight 16/15  Base Price: $999.00     MasterWorks BantamWeight 16/15   Base Price: $1199.00.
MasterWorks 16/15 case  Price: $139.00
To Order!

MasterWorks 16/15 Ultralight "Spruce" Top

Russell's standard 16/15 Ultralight has a Mahogany soundboard but he also offers Quartersawn Spruce soundboard for those who prefer the sound of Spruce.  What is the difference?  Spruce tends to be a little bit "brighter" with a little more volume and projection.  Spruce is also coveted for the way it "ages" and matures over the years.  I realize that it's hard to imagine the differences I am talking about here without actually experiencing it "in person" ... so, the best thing you can ever do if you are particular is COME SEE US where you can compare up to 30 different hammer dulcimers side by side so that you can walk away with confidence knowing you have obtained the right instrument for YOU!  We are always happy to speak with you over the phone where we can help clear up your questions if visiting is just out of the question. 

MasterWorks 15/14

Dusty Strings 16/15 "Overture"

The Overture is a Three Octave version of Dusty Strings popular Prelude.  It sports a 16/15 tuning scheme adding six lower courses with greater range and playability in the keys "A" and "D."  It has a laminated top and back and attractive soundhole rosettes.    I've been selling Dusty Strings instruments in my showroom for nearly 25 years.  Approximate size is: bottom rail - 42 1/2", top rail - 21", bottom to top - 17" and Weight is approx. 15 lbs.

 Dusty Strings 16/15 "D35" Model

This is an "upgrade" on the popular "Overture" model shown above.  It is also a 16/15 Three Octave model but features a solid Mahogany soundboard and back instead of laminated Birch.  Distinctive soundhole rosettes and Maple bridges make this a very attractive instrument.  Measurements and weight are the same as above.  It has a fuller more projecting tone than the Overture.

D35 (Mahogany back and top) Price: $875.00

MasterWorks 16/15 Soprano