Also known as the "mountain," "lap" or "fretted" dulcimer, the Appalachian dulcimer is a relatively modern instrument which has recently experienced a rebirth of sorts after being discovered by folk musicians. It is a wonderful, ethereal-sounding instrument that is strummed, picked or bowed as an accompaniment to the human voice. Its resonance and unique power is unlike any other stringed instrument. It is also easy to learn, making it ideal for first time musicians.

The Appalachian dulcimer is frequently confused with the hammered dulcimer, a trapezoidal instrument with several strings stretched across the top that are struck with small wooden hammers. The hammered dulcimer was popularized in England during the reign of James I, and was the predecessor to the piano. It was also the latest in a long line of dulcimer-type instruments that have appeared throughout recorded human history. The name "dulcimer" is derived from Latin, meaning "sweet sound." The dulcimer is also mentioned in the Bible in Daniel 3:5:

"That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Neb-u-chad-nezzar the king hath set up..."

No one is quite sure how the Appalachian dulcimer first came to America. The most common explanation is that the instrument is a descendant of the three-stringed schietholt that the Germans who settled Pennsylvania brought with them. Others believe that it is a purely Appalachian creation. The first Appalachian dulcimers were created by local craftsmen in the mid-nineteenth century, using indigenous hardwoods such as walnut, pecan and maple. It is believed that the name "dulcimer" was taken from the Biblical reference to the hammered dulcimer.

To this day, there are many shapes and styles of Appalachian dulcimers. Some are beautifully refined, hourglass shaped instruments, while others are more crude and rustic. Each is a reflection of the unique personality that crafted it.

For more information on Appalachian dulcimers, check out the following links:

Appalachian Dulcimer - Historical information plus some nice dulcimer photographs.

Kitchen Musician Dulcimer Site - Interesting site dealing with dulcimers, folk music and living history music.