Browse Items (11 total)

Bowed Dulcimer, by Sylvan James, Gass[a]way, West Virginia

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This instrument was built in 1969 by Sylvan James of Gassaway, WV. In Gerald Milnes's 1999 book Play of a Fiddle, James is described as a "pre-Revival Braxton County dulcimer maker, Lower Mill Creek."

Walter Miller Hourglass [Dulcimer], West Virginia

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This instrument was made by Walter Miller of Tioga, West Virginia, in 1992.

"Jet Engine" Side Sound Hole [Dulcimer]

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David Schnaufer acquired this instrument in May of 2005 through an online auction on eBay. It appears to be a mid- to late 19th century instrument.

Fraley Plywood [Dulcimer], Eastern Kentucky

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David Schnaufer purchased this hourglass-shaped dulcimer from A. Fraley of Kentucky in 1989. It was most likely made in the early 20th century.

Leonard Glenn [Dulcimer], Sugar Grove, NC

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David Schnaufer's handwritten tag attached to this dulcimer reads "Schnaufer/Leonard Glenn/1977/Sugar Grove/N.C. A piece of paper glued to the interior of the back inside the soundbox and undertneath the sound hole in the lower bout has a signature…

Fiddle-shaped Dulcimer, Kentucky/West Virginia

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This modified hourglass dulcimer was acquired by David Schnaufer in July 2003 via Ebay. Its previous owner was located in Northern Illinois.

Jethro Amburgey Dulcimer, Hindman, KY

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This instrument was built in 1970 by Jethro Amburgey of Hindman, Kentucky. An inscription in cursive handwriting incised into the strum hollow of the fretboard reads: "Jethro Amburgey/Hindman, Key./10-20-70/#1165. Its hourglass shape is virtually…

Big Tyler Mountain Dulcimer

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Schnaufer's notes for this instrument read as follows: "Big Tyler Mt., West Virginia/1911/Maker - Denis McCown for Helen Melton Saffel/Owner Schnaufer/Purchased from Wanda Parrish (Las Vegas, Nevada), great niece of Helen Saffel, 1987." Wanda Parrish…

"Who's Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Little Feet"

Also known as the "Green Valley Waltz," this tune was adapted in Appalachia from an older British tragic ballad. The lyrics to the refrain are generally some variant of the following: Who's gonna shoe your pretty little feet? Who's gonna glove your…

"Pretty Little Cripple Creek"

"Pretty Little Cripple Creek" appears to be a slower variant of the fiddle tune "Cripple Creek." A widely-known tune, "Cripple Creek" has an unclear provenance, and has appeared in many versions and under different titles over its history. In this…