11/22/22: We are very sad to report that Dulci-Tunes will not be available in the immediate future. We’ve discovered that the Snark tuner model we’ve been using for many years has been upgraded in a way that makes it somewhat unreliable for tuning a dulcimer, especially in the higher ranges. The goal of the Dulci-Tune has been to take some stress out of tuning, and we’re acknowledging that tuning will actually get more frustrating if we continue using the currently-available Snark tuners. Therefore, we are putting the beloved Dulci-Tune product on hold until we can find an alternative tuner. Thanks for your patience!
As builders and players, we've tuned many thousands of hammered dulcimer with many types of electronic tuners, and we've been inspired to create what we feel is the best yet - the Dulci-Tune.
Compact, simple and elegant, it sits on any tuning pin and is ready when you need it and out of the way when you don't. The flexible shaft and 360-degree rotating display allow for easy viewing, and it will accurately pick up the entire range of the instrument from one position. The colored LCD display is easy to read in the dark, making this an ideal tool for performers needing to quickly check their tuning in between pieces.
If you're used to carefully balancing a tuner on your dulcimer so it doesn't buzz or slide onto the floor, tuning with the Dulci-Tune will seem like a dream! If you have discovered the joys of compact, clip-on tuners, you'll appreciate the Dulci-Tune's durable reinforced connections and precision-machined metal parts, and the convenience of leaving it attached while you play.
Yes, we know the price tag is up there. We really tried to make it for less, but our ultimate goal was an electronic tuner tailored specifically to the dulcimer that was flexible, professional, unobtrusive, and durable, and this is what we kept coming back to. It meant three separate custom-machined metal parts and a detailed assembly process in our Seattle workshop, all of which dictate this price tag. We know it won't be everyone's cup of tea, but as players, it gave us a functionality we haven't found in any other setup. Basically, we couldn't resist!
The Dulci-Tune works on any instrument with zither pins, including hammered dulcimers, psalteries, harpsichords, autoharps, kanteles and zithers.
Note: It is possible to replace the Snark tuner head on an existing Dulci-Tune, and we have reinforced heads available if anything happens to yours. There is a 1-year warranty against defects in the manufacturing.
"I saw a prototype of the Dulci-Tune in the summer of 2014 when I began taking lessons from Carl Thor in Portland, OR. At first glance it looks a little like a meat thermometer sitting atop a tuning pin, but on closer inspection I knew it was a "must have" to replace the tuner I had been using.
The Dulci-Tune is compact and easy to use. Pop it over a tuning pin, turn it on and you're ready to go. No fumbling with a cord and where-do-I-put-the-tuner? The display on the Dulci-Tune is large, bright, and in color - much easier to read than small sized and low-contrast displays. The head of the Dulci-Tune swivels which makes it adjustable for readability. Another awesome feature is the very STRONG magnet on the guitar pick that is included with the tuner. The magnet sticks to the stem of the Dulci-Tune so you always have a pick at the ready. The tuner comes in a clear plastic case, and Dusty Strings even includes a spare battery!
I am COMPLETELY satisfied with my Dulci-Tune purchase and highly recommend this product."
-Barbara Cummings (Portland, OR)
"In my work with the Trail Band I tune up on a crowded stage. I'm usually setting up between our drummer, while he warms up his full drum kit, and our plectrum specialist, who is running instruments through three different amplifiers. Before a show most of the 8 band members are checking out their gear at full stage volume. The Dulci-Tune worked remarkably well in this loud setting. I never missed my bulkier "plug in" tuner. As a bonus, this device, unlike the old rubber banded tuner on a stick rig, looks quite sharp - so if I forget to remove it before a show, my HD still looks good!"
-Mick Doherty (Portland, OR)
"I just have to tell you that today I received my Dulci-Tune, and I just finished tuning my bowed psaltery. It made the job so much easier! Thank you for inventing and crafting this wonderful tool. I'm looking forward to showing my friends."
-Leah Kirchner (Traverse City, MI)
