Blue Moon BD-10 Appalachian Dulcimer

GR3011 Blue Moon Appalachian Dulcimer
Solid spruce top hourglass shape Appalachian Dulcimer Made in Romania.

Descended from the Northern European zithers, the dulcimer developed in the Appalachian mountains of the Eastern USA, where it was used in old time music. Its popularity has spread because of its delicate sound, and the ease with which it can be played. An ideal instrument for song accompaniment.

It was used as a parlour instrument - played on the lap or on a table top, though is also played held aloft, more guitar like.

It can be played with the fingers, a plectrum, and sometimes even a dowel or quill. It can be tuned in a variety of ways, and lends itself to music incorporating the use of drones.

Jean Ritchie re-ignited interest in the instrument in the late 1950's/early 1960's folk revival. Richard Farina (Bob Dylan's mate) played the dulcimer fusing US-folk with Eastern sounds in the mid-60's. Joni Mitchell played the dulcimer on her seminal album 'Blue' on tracks like 'Carey', 'California' and 'A Case of You' in 1971.

Although it fell out of favour for some time, the dulcimer has increasingly appeared on various folk and nu-folk albums in the last 10 years, including highlights such as Pete Philipson's use of the dulcimer on Starless & Bible Black's debut album.