Bowed Dulcimer

Bowed Dulcimer at the "Overtones and Understrings" workshop, University of Chicago Folk Fest, 2014
This is a Ken Bloom instrument. It is his "pocket cello" model, with four sympathetic strings under the four regular strings.
I have it tuned C G D A (like a cello) on the main strings and the sympathetics are tuned D E F# G.
The tune is "Da Slockit Light" by Tom Anderson. Although it is usually played in the key of "D", I play it here in "G" because "G" fits on the bowed dulcimer much better and puts the tune in a lovely lower register that shows off the instrument nicely.
The other "Overtones and Understrings" participants were two nyckelharpas, a willow flute, a hardanger fiddle, a cittra (Swedish zither) and a hurdy gurdy. The bowed dulcimer fit right in ;)

[@davidbennett1357]

If I had a hillion-gajillion dollars.....I would have soooooo many instruments.....and this is one that I would love to learn to play

[@lorene31513]

Very nicely done Paul....and your tone was lovely! So glad you're enjoying your BD!

[@patriciahb9365]

Awesome! What a super job you did explaining the instrument. The cello version sounds mighty fine indeed!

[@thomclark7803]

great to see you still exploring all forms dulcimer after all these years, Paul...working on reunion of The Four of Us community as we mark fifty years since the Evanston action! @ThomNews

[@tradfolky1]

Looking forward to seeing this instrument.

[@WilliamGrahamByTheSea]

Sounds "Appalachian"