Dusty Strings D650 Hammered Dulcimer

From Dusty Strings:
 
4½ octaves overall range
3½ octaves chromatic range
solid sapele soundboard and back
traditional 5th-interval tuning
19/18 configuration with a 9-course super bass bridge
reinforced with carbon fiber for stability
 
"The D650 is the middle child of the 600 series, our largest hammered dulcimers. The large body size produces the same deep, full and resonant tone as the D600, but the D650 extends the bass range downward to A1. In its standard tuning, the lowest seven courses of the super bass bridge mirror the lowest seven courses of the bass bridge, but an octave below. If that arrangement doesn't provide the particular bass notes you need, raising or lowering a note by a half step gives you great flexibility for tuning and arranging. You won't believe the richness of those low bass notes!
 
Working closely with our design partner, Sam Rizzetta, we developed what we're calling a "dual-density bridge system" to optimize the tonal balance across the range. In the upper register, we're using jatoba, a very dense and articulate South American tonewood, which brings out the clear, ringing bell tones of the high notes. Slightly lighter density Eastern hard maple in the mid and lower ranges facilitates a full, warm, round tone. This combination surrounds the player with a balanced blend of clarity, responsiveness, sparkle and warmth.
 
The 600 series models have often been called the grand pianos of the hammered dulcimer world because of their large range and deep, powerful sound, and this is in part due to their relatively substantial size and mass. While these models are still portable, it takes reasonable strength to carry them. We've found it helps to distribute the weight between the shoulder strap and the low hand-grip on the case - and limit your walking distance!
 
Starting in 2011, we began incorporating carbon fiber into the internal bracing of our Chromatic Series dulcimers, improving upon their existing reputation for excellent tuning stability. With a stiffer frame, the tuning stability has gone from excellent to truly exceptional, a benefit that any dulcimer player will appreciate wholeheartedly.
 
The C600 case is available separately.
 
Note: If you think you might want dampers, we'd encourage you to consider ordering them along with your instrument. On our Chromatic Series dulcimers, the dampers are complicated enough that they require custom fitting for each instrument to make sure they function well. It is possible for us to install them later, but it will require shipping your dulcimer to our shop in Seattle.
 
Included: Gooseneck tuning wrench and large double-sided hammers."
 
The D650 Dulcimer can be ordered as the dulcimer only (with the accessories noted above), or with the additional options of Dampers and/or a C600 Case.
 
*If the dulcimer you wish to order is not in stock, please contact us so we can discuss the timing and payment.*