Ed Thomas Replica Mountain Dulcimer - 30 Mar 12.wmv

A short video of my new Ed Thomas (1850-1933) replica dulcimer made by John Knopf of Westmoreland, Michigan. This is an exact replica of a poplar wood Ed Thomas and here I compare it to a contemporary mountain dulcimer. John Knopf has done a wonderful job of making this rustic, traditional instrument the way that ED Thomas made his. The body is a lot smaller narrower that you see on contemporary dulcimers, and this has the effect of making the tone brighter. The instrument has a surprising amount of resonance and volume - I can feel it vibrating through the noter and on my legs as I play it.

[@birdrockdulcimers]

Hi - Yes it is quite bright and has a surprising amount of punch. I played it at a pub session last week and placed it on a bar table and it was really amplified by that - it gave the mandolin player next to me a fright LOL!!!! I've read about early dulcimer players playing for dances and thought "How did they do that?" but with quills and a noter this little instrument has a big "shout" sort of at the same pitch as a fiddle. Modern dulcimers have a more lush bass which doesn't carry as far.

[@TheMissouripicker]

Sounds real good. It is smaller than some of the dulcimers I see, but it's also likely easier to handle. Some seem very big. Anyway, I like the sound. It is brighter than the McSpadden. You play well.