Jerry Read Smith
Handcrafted Hammered Dulcimers
Since 1975 Jerry Read Smith has been building some of the most sought after hammered dulcimers in the industry. Each dulcimer is beautifully handcrafted with care and precision calling upon Jerry's 47 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."
Numerous variations, on any "Basic" model choice, include Soundboard wood(s), End Rail laminations, Scroll work, Custom Rosettes, Abalone Inlay, XR or XL Super Bass, Economy or Cable Drive/Linear Bearing Damper Systems, Economy or JRS Stereo Internal Pick Up System, Satin, Semi-Gloss 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.
15/15
JRS Diatonic Compass
Base Price - $1049
Our most lightweight and compact hammered dulcimer.
15/15/9
JRS Extended Compass
Base Price - $1449
Our most lightweight and compact hammered dulcimer, now with the Super Bass range of our Concertmaster model!
19/19
JRS Diatonic Navigator
Base Price - $1449
Our mid-sized entry level hammered dulcimer with 3.5+ octaves of range.
2/19/19/9
JRS Extended Chromatic Navigator
Base Price - $1949
Our mid-sized hammered dulcimer with the exact same notes and range of our professional JRS Concertmaster at an entry level price.
2/22/21/12 or 2/22/22/12
JRS Extended Chromatic Explorer
Base Price - $2449
Our largest entry-level instrument, this model has the same notes and range of our JRS Grande Concertmaster but at a lower price.
2/19/19/9
JRS Concertmaster
Base Price - $3995
Our 4.5 octave model for the serious, professional player and/or recording artist, who is looking for a hammered dulcimer with the purest tone and best tonal balance available today.
2/22/21/12 or 2/22/22/12
JRS Grande Concertmaster
Base Price - $4349
Our 5 octave model for the serious, professional player and/or recording artist, who is looking for a hammered dulcimer with the purest tone and best tonal balance available today.
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.
