Experience
We’ve been in business since 1979, and our harps and hammered dulcimers have brought joy and pleasure to many people. Even though we’ve built over 17,000 dulcimers and more than 10,000 harps, we know there is always room for improvement and are continually working to make our instruments even better.
Consistency
Our high degree of consistency from instrument to instrument helps people know that when they’ve played and liked a particular harp or hammered dulcimer, they can order that model for themselves with confidence. Even though each piece of wood has its own individual characteristics, the general quality of sound and construction will be the same. The only differences in the performance of our models are those that result from small, cumulative design improvements made over time.
We focus on quality and consistency, using CADD (computer aided design and drafting) techniques to design our instruments and to produce precision jigs and fixtures. We use a computer numerical controlled (CNC) router, which is the ultimate tool for accuracy and repeatability, to help make the jigs and some of the instrument parts. Together with our crafts people’s attention to detail and their skillful use of a host of woodworking tools, this use of technology ensures that the parts we make fit tightly and exactly every time.
Design improvements
Our design process involves careful analysis of proposed tonal and structural changes. We build a series of prototypes, compare those to the current standard, and make only those changes that are a clear improvement. In this way, we can keep a firm handle on the direction in which we’re going while we continue to make small improvements in tone and structure. Over time, these changes add up to better instruments.
Blending the benefits of technology with traditional woodworking techniques and tools of the luthiers craft, we create timeless high-quality musical instruments in a modern, manufacturing environment.