Evan Ross
For those looking to craft or repair a mountain dulcimer, sourcing the right wood is crucial for achieving the instrument's signature warm and resonant sound. High-quality tonewoods such as walnut, cherry, mahogany, and spruce are commonly preferred for their tonal properties and aesthetic appeal. Specialty lumber suppliers, particularly those catering to luthiers and woodworking enthusiasts, are ideal places to find these materials. Online platforms like eBay, Etsy, and dedicated woodworking stores often offer a variety of dulcimer-specific wood blanks and kits. Additionally, local woodworking stores or music instrument supply shops may carry suitable options, while attending luthier conventions or joining dulcimer-making communities can provide valuable recommendations and connections for sourcing the perfect wood.
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What You'll Learn
Local Lumber Yards
Selecting wood from a local lumber yard requires a hands-on approach. Inspect boards for straight grain, minimal knots, and consistent color—critical for both aesthetics and structural integrity. For mountain dulcimer soundboards, aim for boards at least 8/4 thick (2 inches) to allow for planing and thickness adjustments. If the yard offers kiln-dried wood, prioritize it over air-dried options for lower moisture content and reduced risk of movement. Don’t hesitate to bring a moisture meter to ensure the wood is below 8% moisture, ideal for instrument-making.
One of the most compelling advantages of local lumber yards is the opportunity to build a relationship with suppliers. Regular visits can lead to access to premium cuts or off-cuts at discounted rates, perfect for smaller dulcimer components like pegheads or tailblocks. Some yards may even allow you to handpick specific boards from their inventory, ensuring you get exactly what you need. Establishing rapport can also open doors to custom milling services, such as resawing thicker boards into thinner pieces for soundboards or backs.
While local lumber yards offer numerous benefits, there are practical considerations to keep in mind. Not all yards will carry exotic woods like mahogany or rosewood, so if your design requires these, you may need to supplement with specialty suppliers. Additionally, be prepared to mill and finish the wood yourself, as most yards provide rough-cut lumber. Investing in basic woodworking tools—a thickness planer, jointer, and hand planes—will enable you to refine the wood to your specifications. With patience and skill, local lumber yard wood can yield a dulcimer that’s not only sonically rich but also deeply connected to its place of origin.
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Online Wood Suppliers
For luthiers and hobbyists seeking wood for mountain dulcimers, online suppliers offer a vast selection of tonewoods tailored to the instrument’s unique requirements. Species like walnut, cherry, and mahogany are popular for their tonal warmth and workability, while rarer options such as koa or maple cater to custom builds. Most suppliers provide quarter-sawn or rift-sawn cuts to ensure stability, a critical factor for dulcimer soundboards and backs. When browsing, filter by thickness (typically 0.125" to 0.25" for dulcimers) and grain pattern to match your project’s aesthetic and acoustic goals.
Selecting the right online wood supplier involves balancing quality, cost, and reliability. Established vendors like Woodworkers Source or Hearne Hardwoods offer detailed grading systems and moisture content guarantees, ensuring the wood is ready for immediate use. For budget-conscious builders, Exotic Lumber Co. provides smaller cuts ideal for dulcimer-sized projects without excess waste. Always check shipping policies, as larger boards may incur higher freight costs. Reviews and forums (e.g., Luthier Forum) can highlight suppliers with consistent quality and responsive customer service.
One overlooked advantage of online suppliers is their ability to source sustainable or reclaimed wood, a growing concern among dulcimer makers. Suppliers like Wood from the West specialize in FSC-certified or salvaged tonewoods, allowing builders to create environmentally conscious instruments. Reclaimed barnwood, for instance, adds rustic charm and historical character to a dulcimer while reducing demand for new timber. Verify certifications and ask about the wood’s origin to align your project with ethical practices.
To maximize value, consider purchasing wood in kits or bundles tailored to dulcimer construction. Suppliers like StewMac offer pre-cut sets for soundboards, backs, and sides, saving time and minimizing errors for beginners. For advanced builders, custom milling services (available through Cook Woods) allow precise control over dimensions and drying methods. Always order slightly more wood than needed to account for defects or mistakes, especially when working with figured or rare species.
Finally, leverage online resources to educate yourself before buying. Many suppliers provide guides on selecting tonewoods for specific instruments, such as dulcimers, and offer virtual consultations to discuss your project. YouTube channels like Centsable Luthier complement these resources with practical tips on wood selection and preparation. By combining supplier expertise with hands-on learning, you’ll make informed choices that elevate your dulcimer’s craftsmanship and sound.
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Specialty Instrument Wood
The quest for the perfect mountain dulcimer begins with the wood, a material that profoundly influences tone, resonance, and aesthetic appeal. Specialty instrument wood suppliers cater specifically to luthiers and enthusiasts who understand that the choice of wood is not just functional but artistic. These suppliers often source rare or exotic woods like cocobolo, ziricote, or birdseye maple, each with unique grain patterns and tonal qualities. For instance, cocobolo offers a warm, rich sound with striking orange and brown hues, while birdseye maple provides a bright, clear tone and a distinctive, swirling grain. When selecting wood, consider the dulcimer’s intended use—whether for traditional Appalachian folk music or contemporary compositions—as this will guide your choice of wood species and cut.
Sourcing specialty wood requires careful consideration of sustainability and legality, especially when dealing with exotic species. Reputable suppliers often provide certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to ensure the wood is harvested responsibly. Online platforms such as Luthier’s Mercantile or Wood Vendors are popular destinations for mountain dulcimer builders, offering a wide range of domestic and exotic woods in various thicknesses and dimensions. For those seeking a more hands-on approach, local woodworking stores or specialty lumberyards may carry instrument-grade wood, though their selection is often limited compared to online retailers. Always verify the wood’s moisture content (ideally 6-8% for instrument making) to prevent warping or cracking during construction.
For the DIY luthier, understanding wood characteristics is crucial. Softwoods like spruce or cedar are commonly used for soundboards due to their excellent resonance, while hardwoods like walnut or cherry are favored for the body and fretboard for their stability and durability. Specialty suppliers often provide quarter-sawn or bookmatched cuts, which enhance structural integrity and visual appeal. If you’re new to instrument building, start with a wood species known for its forgiving nature, such as mahogany, which is easy to work with and offers a balanced tone. Advanced builders might experiment with contrasting woods for the top and back to achieve a unique tonal blend, such as pairing a spruce top with a rosewood back for a bright yet warm sound.
Cost is a significant factor when purchasing specialty instrument wood, with prices varying widely based on rarity, quality, and sustainability practices. Exotic woods like Brazilian rosewood or African blackwood can cost upwards of $100 per board foot, while domestic options like cherry or maple are more budget-friendly, typically ranging from $10 to $30 per board foot. To save costs, consider purchasing wood in smaller quantities or opting for “character” pieces with minor imperfections that don’t affect performance. Some suppliers also offer wood packs specifically tailored for dulcimer construction, which include all the necessary pieces pre-cut to standard dimensions, simplifying the building process for beginners.
Finally, building a mountain dulcimer from specialty wood is as much about craftsmanship as it is about personal expression. The wood you choose becomes part of the instrument’s story, influencing not only its sound but also its visual and tactile qualities. Whether you’re crafting a dulcimer for personal use or as a gift, take the time to research and select wood that aligns with your artistic vision. With the right materials and careful attention to detail, you can create an instrument that is both sonically exceptional and visually stunning, a testament to the timeless art of luthiery.
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Reclaimed Wood Sources
Reclaimed wood offers a sustainable and character-rich option for crafting mountain dulcimers, blending history with harmony. Salvaged from old barns, factories, or even shipwrecks, this material carries unique grain patterns, weathering, and patina that new wood cannot replicate. Sources like specialty lumberyards, architectural salvage companies, and online marketplaces such as eBay or Etsy often stock reclaimed wood in various species—walnut, cherry, oak, and maple—ideal for dulcimer soundboards, fingerboards, or bodies. When selecting, inspect for cracks, rot, or insect damage, and ensure the wood is dry and stable to prevent warping during instrument construction.
For the hands-on builder, sourcing reclaimed wood locally can be both rewarding and cost-effective. Visit demolition sites, antique stores, or connect with contractors who may have access to discarded wooden structures. Barn wood, in particular, is prized for its aged beauty and durability, often featuring tight grain patterns from slow-grown trees. However, be cautious of treated or painted wood, as chemicals can compromise sound quality and pose health risks during sanding. Always sand reclaimed wood thoroughly and seal it to remove contaminants and enhance its natural luster.
Online platforms like Reclaimed Lumber Services or Woodfinder specialize in connecting buyers with suppliers, offering a wide range of species and histories. For instance, sinker wood—logs salvaged from rivers or lakes—provides exceptional density and tonal qualities due to years of submersion. While pricier, these options are ideal for dulcimer makers seeking premium sound and sustainability. When ordering online, request detailed photos and ask about moisture content to ensure compatibility with instrument-making needs.
Finally, consider joining woodworking or dulcimer-building communities for insider tips on sourcing reclaimed wood. Forums like Sawmill Creek or local luthier groups often share leads on hidden gems, from decommissioned church pews to vintage furniture. By choosing reclaimed wood, you not only craft a dulcimer with a story but also reduce environmental impact, making each note resonate with purpose.
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Dulcimer Kit Retailers
For those looking to build their own mountain dulcimer, purchasing a dulcimer kit from a reputable retailer is a practical and cost-effective option. These kits typically include pre-cut wood pieces, hardware, and detailed instructions, making the assembly process accessible even for beginners. Retailers like Folkcraft Instruments and McSpadden Dulcimers offer kits that cater to different skill levels, from basic to advanced. Folkcraft’s kits, for instance, come with a variety of wood options, including walnut and cherry, allowing builders to customize their instrument’s aesthetic and tonal qualities.
When selecting a dulcimer kit retailer, consider the quality of materials and the clarity of instructions. Elderly Instruments is another notable option, known for their high-quality wood selections and comprehensive kits that include tuning tools and strings. Their kits often feature Appalachian cherry or mahogany, woods prized for their resonance and durability. For those on a budget, B&B Custom Dulcimers offers affordable kits without compromising on craftsmanship, making them an excellent choice for hobbyists and students.
One key advantage of buying from specialized dulcimer kit retailers is the support they provide. Many, like Song of the Wood, offer video tutorials and customer service to assist builders through the assembly process. This is particularly valuable for first-time builders who may encounter challenges with fret placement or soundboard alignment. Additionally, some retailers, such as Hound Dog Musicals, include access to online communities where builders can share tips and showcase their finished instruments.
For those seeking a unique or custom experience, retailers like Mountain View Music allow buyers to choose specific wood types and add personalized touches, such as inlays or custom finishes. This level of customization sets their kits apart and appeals to builders who want their dulcimer to reflect their individuality. However, it’s important to note that custom kits may require a longer lead time and higher investment, so plan accordingly if you’re working within a specific timeline or budget.
In conclusion, dulcimer kit retailers offer a range of options to suit different needs, from affordability and ease of assembly to customization and community support. By researching and comparing retailers like Folkcraft, McSpadden, and Mountain View Music, builders can find the perfect kit to bring their musical vision to life. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced luthier, these retailers provide the tools and resources needed to craft a beautiful and functional mountain dulcimer.
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Frequently asked questions
Popular choices include walnut, cherry, mahogany, maple, and spruce, each offering unique tonal qualities and aesthetics.
Online suppliers like Woodcraft, Exotic Lumber, and specialty dulcimer builders often sell suitable wood for instrument making.
Check local lumberyards, woodworking stores, or music instrument supply shops for available options.
Prices vary by wood type and quality, ranging from $20 to $100 per board foot, depending on rarity and supplier.
Yes, reclaimed wood can be used if it’s structurally sound and free from defects, but ensure it meets tonal and dimensional requirements.
