unmarked (and trashed) three-string w/half-width frets

[pristine2]

It's probably nothing special --- don't know until Bill or I see it whether it is worth repairing or restoring --- but for $66 I figured I might as well give it a home:



There are the low-res eBay photos. If the instrument is worth the time, Bill Howard will take some nice crisp shots:



I suppose it is from North Carolina, probably 1950s, but it will take some sleuthing to identify a maker, if it is not a one-off. It's remeniscent of a very early Presnell, but the workmanship isn't as polished, and all the main features are quite different once you look closely. Still, wouldn't surprise me if the maker had some connection with the Hicks family tree.

[strumelia]

Nice one!
My heart tells me it may be from 40's, too. Like you, I feel it's earlier than the 1960's.

[kwl]

Hi, Richard, I saw that instrument on eBay too. I am glad you purchased it. Actually, I figured you would. I considered it myself, but after just finishing up a couple of dulcimer repairs and having a major guitar repair sitting on my workbench, I decided to pass. I look forward to hearing from you and Bill about what you learn about this instrument.

[pristine2]

I am glad you purchased it. Actually, I figured you would.

Yep -- if it's old, beat up and cheap, Richard will buy it! My reputation for bottom-feeding, I suppose, is well deserved.

Still, I feel fortunate finding any half-width-fret dulcimer at a reasonable price these days. I wish I had more options than just eBay.

[strumelia]

Still, I feel fortunate finding any half-width-fret dulcimer at a reasonable price these days. I wish I had more options than just eBay.

Well to put it in perspective, just think about what the options were 25 years ago, before we could surf the 'world wide web'.

[folkfan]

I am glad you purchased it. Actually, I figured you would.

Yep -- if it's old, beat up and cheap, Richard will buy it! My reputation for bottom-feeding, I suppose, is well deserved.

Still, I feel fortunate finding any half-width-fret dulcimer at a reasonable price these days. I wish I had more options than just eBay.

Richard, When you said "bottom-feeding" I thought "catfish" and I'd just recently seen a TV report on the Wels Catfish in Europe.



It doesn't look a thing like you. Although it's mouth is big enough to swallow a dulcimer whole.