Shenandoah Valley Teardrop Dulcimer

Shenandoah Valley Teardrop Dulcimer

David Schnaufer is believed to have purchased this instrument at Whiteway Antiques in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1992. He attributed the instrument's origin to the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, in the 18th or 19th century. The instrument was donated to the Tennessee State Museum.

DS-1

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Shenandoah Valley, West Virginia

D

Tennessee State Museum, Nashville, Tennessee

S. Conatser, Z. Law

44" x 8" x 2 1/4"

elliptically-shaped instrument with two f-shaped sound holed in the lower third of the top; sides and a portion of the back are missing; evidence of 3 feet on back, one of which remains; 16 frets, bent, thin wire; instrument fretted so major scale begins on the 4th fret; top made of a single piece of wood; fretboard constructed like a 3-sided box and nailed to the top; four holes below fretboard; scroll headstock; four tuning peg holes remain; bridge missing; nut ivory