Tone and voice are a complex matter in a stringed musical instrument.

This workshop will be a lecture and demonstration, discussing many of the major elements in the dulcimer's construction which contribute to tone. These elements will be evaluated on a qualitative basis. The dulcimer being a very complex and unusual instrument, there exists no analysis of the acoustic dynamics of it. Models and half models will be available for clarification and example.

The following major areas will be covered:

• Choosing and shaping tonewoods for specific tonal qualities.
• The contribution of various wood species to voice
• Bracings, lininings, and bending techniques
• The fretboard design
• "Floating" versus "Fixed" fretboard/top coupling
• Energy propogation
• Finish

Bear Meadow Workshops
Shaping the Dulcimer Voice