Browse Items (78 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…

"Sweet Hour of Prayer"

This hymn, with words by William W. Walford from around 1842 and a melody by W. B. Bradbury that was first associated with the hymn in 1859, has become a staple of Protestant church services over the past century-and-a-half. This performance by David…

"The Water is Wide"

This folk song, also known as "O Waly Waly," originally hails from the British Isles, and like many other such traditional songs, is about unrequited love. This performance by David Schnaufer and Sandy Conatser is performed on a so-called "courting…