These pages are crammed with info about how I build dulcimers. My aim is to demonstrate the quality of my methods to prospective clients and students, help beginning builders, and exchange information with my luthier colleagues around the world.
I would just like to thank you for all the information you have given free on your website. As an amateur luthier, your guide to building dulcimers has helped me a great deal with many of the problems I encountered whilst building instruments, and has given me more insight into how to improve my designs. It's given me a lot to think about and has been very informative. The most useful resource I have found online. — Aeden Jenner, Plymouth UK
Design. A fine musical instrument begins with the musician's voice, repertoire, and range of performance styles, and methods for dynamic power, responsiveness, low action and sweet tone at every fret.
Materials. The woods, glues, and finishes used, and their contribution to the character of the instrument being built.
Building Methods. Here we delve into the details of building. Look here if you are after details of how I get a specific job done.
Classes, apprenticeships and workshops. If what you see here at the Bear Meadow website inspires you to build dulcimers of the highest quality, consider attending classes with Dwain.
Lutherie Tools and installation kits. These will enable you as a builder to achieve accuracy in your building, and allow installation of Bear Meadow custom equipment.
The Bear Meadow Shop. Look around if you are hunting for ideas about shop design. Mine is built on a 1-1/2 story two-car garage plan.
