A R Kern dulcimer

[Barbiem]

I purchased a dulcimer at an art festival several years ago as a gift for my husband. It is stamped A R Kern. Unfortunately he has no interest in playing it and it has been hanging on the wall for decoration for 10+ years. It seems a shame that no one plays it and I'm thinking of selling it, but I don't know much about it (current value, type wood it is made out of,etc.) so I am not sure where to begin. Suggestions?

[billhoward1]

I've owned several A R Kern instruments over the past 3 or 4 years.

They have all been pretty simple, with four tuners all on the left side of the head, hourglass in shape, and the were generally all of one wood, whether cherry, walnut, or something else...that is, the top sides and back were all from the same wood.

I was impressed with the sound of each one, some brighter than the others, depending on the woods, I suppose. All had good volume. The sound holes varied, from instrument to instrument. The workmanship was very good.

I have paid as much as $200 for one, but they are more prone to sell in the $125 to $150 range lately, depending on the woods used, and the condition of the instrument.

After A.R. passed away, his son built dulcimers for awhile. I don't know if he is still building or not. I may have his business card at home, if you would be interested in contacting him. If I locate it, I
will send the information to you.

Bill

[Barbiem]

Thank you so much for your prompt response. Your information helps greatly. My instrument is an hourglass shape and the wood looks like cherry. The workmanship is beautful. I had purchased the dulcimer from Mr. Kern at the local art festival and wondered why he did not have a booth there in recent years. I think I paid $75 for it and it has never been played. If I can recoup my cost I would be happy. Perhaps I will try to sell it.

[stewartv2]

Curious as to weather you have decided to sell your dulcimer or not. If so I would be interested. Thank you.

[djron1958]

Do you have any Pictures or a sound bite. Would like to see what it is and wondered if you were going to sell it.

[Robin T]

A music friend recently gave me an A R Kern dulcimer he bought at a garage sale. After having Gary Sager file the fret ends (fretboard had shrunk over time?), the Kern plays wonderfully and has a lovely tone. It was an added bonus to learn that Gary knew Ambrose Kern and that Mr Kern lived in West Virginia across the Ohio River from Marietta OH.

Robin T