Making a Hiking Dulcimer

5 Days, Open to All

In the tradition of local music instructor Andy Mackie, come make a hiking dulcimer in the form of his hallmark, accessible style. The dulcimer has an interesting arrangement of strings, frets, and tuning making the instrument both fun for beginners and seasoned musicians alike. Whether you are a musician who wants to learn woodworking techniques, or a woodworker who would like to learn the elements necessary to create stringed musical instruments, or just someone looking for a fun week, this is the class for you! 

In this five-day course, instructor John Edwards will lead you through layout and processing of materials from rough lumber to finished product: the iconic hiking dulcimer. The hiking dulcimer is a simple hollow body stringed instrument known for its lightness (hence the hiking) and durability. The instrument is uniquely constructed with a continuous neck and body (side) made of one piece of stock. A sound board and back are glued together to make the complete instrument. In addition to woodworking, students will also be introduced to wood acoustics and the use and installation of instrument hardware such as frets, tuners, and strings. 

This course is primarily a hand tools focused course with an emphasis on safe practice and proper use of common woodworking hand tools provided by the school. You’ll learn about surface preparation and traditional finishes, stock selection and wood movement, as well as the general anatomy of a stringed wood instrument. By the end of the week, each student should have a completed instrument to take home and play!