E-bay Dulcimers - Barringer and Chittum

[Marine Dad]

Just noticed a Larry Barringer hourglass and a Chittum teardrop on e-bay.
Both of these really look good. Can someone please tell me more about these 2 builders.
Thanks.

[dulcidame]

Ray and Coleen Chittum both built dulcimers - and fine ones at that. They owned a Jewelry store in Northern Ohio where they displayed the dulcimers on the walls and the diamonds on the floor displays. It was a real treat to shop there! Diamond and dulcimers - what woman could ask for more???
Their trademark was the maple leaf sound holes added to the scroll head and his floating fretboard at the tail piece.
Can't tell you anything about the Barringer.

Shelley

P.S. If it was cherry I'd be bidding on it!!!

[Dulcimerbuilder]

[quote="dulcidame"]Ray and Coleen Chittum both built dulcimers-quote]

I've got my eye on that one. Friends,

[PRS]

Marine Dad,

Here are some sources of info about Larry Barringer...


http://www.geocities.com/pickinwright/z ... cember.htm

http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/artic ... ringer.php

http://www.geocities.com/pickinwright/Interviews.htm

[pristine2]

I feel compelled to mention that the Barringer is a horribly flawed, aesthetically displeasing instrument with absolutely no cultural or historical value* ...

Only fools would bid on such a mangey dog -- and my bid on the instrument was made **entirely** in the spirit of altruism and the public interest, to ensure no one was misled into purchasing it.**

* What I really mean is that I was hoping no one would notice this lovely instrument because I desire it for a friend of mine.

**Uh, what I mean is that I've been graspy, acquisitive and unable to resist the impulse to buy beautifully crafted dulcimers like this one.

[SMO]

Shelley, you used the past tense when talking about Ray and Colleen. Are they ok? I haven't seen them for a good while.

I got to see and play a few of Ray's dulcimers and I agree they are very good.

[dulcidame]

I haven't seen them for a long time either. I know that they quit building dulcimers and they haven't been to the Buckeye festival for years. (After they quit building they were just going to go to festivals and enjoy themselves.) I heard rumors about health problems but I can't say if that's true or not.

Shelley

[Davef]

It's been a few years since I have talked to them but I was thinking that they going out west and doing photography or am I confused again(happens now and then)

[Marine Dad]

Thanks for all the information on the Chittums'. Pictures of the Barringer hourglass can be seen here - http://www.kilkennyroad.com/ebay/.
I just wish I could find out more about Barringer dulcimers. It sounds like there is no question about the Chittum being a great dulcimer.

[jakstall]

Larry Barringer built instruments of outstanding quality. He passed away a few years ago. Larry was from the Houston, TX area. Barringer instruments have very good tone and excellent fit and finish. Larry's dulcimers were made based on the Homer Ledford/Bob Mize design. Terry McCafferty of the Houston area currently builds dulcimers based on the designs of those three builders.

Jerry Wright's main Pickin' Stick was made by Barringer and there is at least one Barringer dulcimer in the Wright family.

I wish I could afford to bid on the Barringer.

[Marine Dad]

Jak,

Thanks for the info on the Barringer dulcimer.

[SMO]

I got a PM from someone else on the board that Ray and Colleen Chittum are fine and just enjoying retirement.