Handcrafted Hammered Dulcimers
Jerry Read Smith
by
&
Zachary Hamilton
Since 1975 Jerry Read Smith has been building some of the most sought after hammered dulcimers in the industry. For the past 9 years Zachary has been learning how to craft Jerry's instruments, and he has been the primary builder for the past 5 years. Each dulcimer is beautifully handcrafted with care and precision calling upon Jerry's 48 years of experience and taking into account each player's individual desires, creating a one-of-a-kind instrument that both looks and sounds beautiful. Jerry's desire is for each of these heirlooms to live "beyond the norm." Recognizing that there is always more to learn and ways to improve, we are striving to build the best hammer dulcimers you can buy. Have we succeeded? You be the judge.
Numerous variations are available on any base model choice, including Soundboard wood(s), End Rail Laminations, Corner Scroll work, Custom Rosettes, Abalone Inlay, XR or XL Super Bass, Economy or Cable-Drive/Linear-Bearing Damper Systems, JRS Stereo Internal Pick Up System, and a Satin or Highly Polished Lacquer Finish
For inquiries, or to be placed on the list for a new hammered dulcimer, call or email Jerry at 828-301-1622 or jerry@songofthewood.com. He'll be happy to "meet" you and discuss the possibilities.
*Please Note: We are currently in the process of adjusting our prices. Please be patient as we evaluate the hours of labor we put into our instruments, rising materials costs, and the ever-increasing cost of living.
Professional Introductory Models
Our Professional Introductory line is designed for professional musicians or serious players interested in a professional grade sound, or even for aspiring beginners. Come visit and have a listen! They speak for themselves.
15/15
JRS Diatonic Compass
Base Price - $1649
Our most lightweight and compact hammered dulcimer.
15/15/9
JRS Extended Compass
Base Price - $1849
Our most lightweight and compact hammered dulcimer, now with the Super Bass range of our Concertmaster model!
19/19
JRS Diatonic Navigator
Base Price - $1949
Our mid-sized Introductory hammered dulcimer with 3.5+ octaves of range.
2/19/19/9
JRS Extended Chromatic Navigator
Base Price - $2349
Our mid-sized Introductory cousin of the Concertmaster hammered dulcimer with the same notes & range.
2/22/22/12
JRS Extended Chromatic Explorer
Base Price - $2749
Our largest Introductory instrument, this model has the same notes and range of our JRS Grande Concertmaster but at a lower price.
Professional Recording Models
Our Professional Recording models are designed for professional musicians, performers, and recording artists. If you are looking for the purest tone and best tonal balance available today, come give them a listen. Whichever dulcimer you are interested in, it speaks for itself.
2/19/19/9
JRS Concertmaster
Base Price - $3995
Our 4.5 octave Professional Recording model.
2/22/22/12
JRS Grande Concertmaster
Base Price - $4395
Our 5 octave Professional Recording model.
Song of the Wood
Bowed Psalteries
The Bowed Psaltery is an instrument derived from the ancient plucked psaltery while incorporating the technique of "bowing" as opposed to "plucking." It was developed in Western Europe in the late 1800's as an aid to teach elementary age school children how music works. The natural notes are along one side and the sharps and flats are along the other side. We make them in both right-handed and left-handed models.
Song of the Wood's Bowed Psalteries are derived from the finest hardwoods and hand crafted in the Song of the Wood Workshop. We offer two different models: 2 Octave and 2 1/2 Octave.
Each psaltery is packaged with an adjustable horsehair bow, tuning wrench, tuning chart, instruction booklet, rosin and extra wire. Every instrument is signed, numbered and dated under the soundhole rosette. Things you might consider as accessories include a cordura nylon carrying case, a battery powered chromatic tuner, a wall hanger and some assorted instructional materials. We also accept "custom" orders and can fit them with tripod fittings and/or internal contact microphones.
Our "standard" bowed psalteries are made with more basic woods and are usually available in Maple, Walnut, Cherry or Mahogany tops. These psalteries will be $209 and we try to have them in stock as often as we can. The other "featured" psalteries are actual "one of a kind" instruments shown as they become available. Once they are purchased, they are gone!
To shop our Bowed Psalteries, check out our store.
