Dulcimer.

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Instrument

Dulcimer

Instrument Family

Strings

Date Made

Late 19th or early 20th century

Description

Technical description: Sides and wrestplank of beech, soundboard of spruce, baseboard of spruce or pine. Nuts and right-hand bridge of oak, Central bridge of sycamore (?), possibly not original. Brass wires on top of the bridges and nuts, diameter 3.2. The right-hand nut has been raised by gluing a strip of wood height 8 underneath. Bridges not solid, having a `semi-chess-piece' style with a solid base but gaps between so that the strings can pass through. Hitchpins of machined brass diameter 4.8. Square-headed tuning-pins diameter 7.2. Two sound-holes in the soundboard, each diameter 58. Two soundposts currently supporting soundboard, one near each sound-hole, another (loose) soundpost inside the instrument. Soundboard thickness 8, baseboard thickness 17, sides of instrument 26 thick. Soundboard has cracked on both sides, and the tension of the strings has caused the soundboard to curve under the stress both from side to side, and front to back. 25 courses of strings in total, 12 sets which are for the bass strings, 13 courses divided by the central bridge. Handle attached to the tuning-pin end, formerly at the front. Strap holder at each end, one of which is not original. Overall size: 879. Body length: 554 - 879. Body width: 466. Body depth: 78 (body), 83 (wrestplank), 114 (maximum at bridge). String length: long strings, 391 - 645; divided strings), 278/417 - 170/255. No inscriptions on instrument; tuning key (1711) stamped "RZAOHARIAS / LEIPZIG". Decorative features: Varnished in a clear colour. Playing accessories: Folding stand. With cover, two coils of wire for strings and wire clippers, and tuning key (1711). Lent with and probably formerly used with dulcimer beaters (1728/2) and (1728/3) and three tuning forks (1715).

Other Information

Specific usage history: Previously used by a Mr Cameron (d. c December 1979) who used to play it at a men's club; previously played on a Clyde steamer.

Notes

D.P. Martin, 1996-1997.

Measurements

Stand: 30.48cm wide, 6.35cm deep, 90.17cm long. ; 879.

Provenance

Given to Glasgow Museums and Art Galleries by a Mr Brown of Rothesay, 8.4.80. ; Lent by Glasgow Museums and Art Galleries, A8017.

Collection

MIMEd

Accession Number

1727