Prelude
Prelude
Overview
NOTE: As of January 2021, the Prelude has been discontinued.
- 2½ octaves
- laminated Finland birch soundboard and back
- traditional 5th-interval tuning
- 12/11 configuration
The Prelude is the perfect setup for a beginning hammered dulcimer player. Built with a laminated Finland birch soundboard and back, it is an exceptionally sturdy, stable instrument that offers a sweet, balanced sound. The 2½ octave, 12/11 arrangement corresponds to all the well-known instructional materials. The Apprentice model is the same instrument, but with black finish.
The Prelude comes with the basics to get someone started playing: single-sided wooden hammers, a T-handle tuning wrench, note indicator strips and the Hammered Dulcimer Owner's Guidebook. Additional options include a case for protection and transportation, and choices of playing legs or folding stands for supporting the instrument.
Prelude (Discontinued): $545 (includes T-handle tuning wrench, regular single-sided wood hammers, note guide strips, owner's guidebook)
Options
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Padded carrying case Price: $175 |
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Variety of stand and leg choices |
Tuning & Specifications
Range
The Prelude, Apprentice and D10 have 2½ octaves of range; the lowest note is the G below middle C. There are 12 courses of strings on the treble bridge and 11 courses on the bass bridge. This configuration is often referred to as 12/11. Easily available keys are G, D, C and F, along with their relative minors. There are a variety of chromatic notes available in each key.
Tuning and Strings
Click here for downloadable string charts and string ordering information.
Dimensions
- Top rail: 20 inches
- Height: 15 inches
- Thickness: 3¼ inches
- Weight: approx. 13 pounds
Woods
- Soundboard and back: laminated Finland birch
- Pinblocks and rails: Eastern hard maple
- Main bridges: maple
- Side bridges and soundhole inserts: sapele or walnut
Reviews
Reviews & Testimonials
1 Review(s)
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DavidApr 7, 2018I bought my Prelude on a trip to the US from the UK in '99, having been captivated by the sound of the dulcimer playing on the Rich Mullins Homeless Man film. It's still going strong today with a beautiful tone. It's the perfect entry level instrument which came with helpful instructions for the complete beginner. I'd love to progress on to one of the chromatic models, but I'll still keep my Prelude.
"I'm enjoying every minute of exploring this great instrument!"
-Mitzi Barker (Chugiak, Alaska)