3-String Model Appalachian Dulcimer, most likely made by Stanley Hicks, c. 1970s, made in Southern Appalachia, natural finish, Walnut.
This is a fairly standard but obviously competently built 3-string fretted Appalachian dulcimer from the Watauga County area. The slim-waisted body appears to be made of a darkly-stained walnut with all appointments of the same wood save a newly-made rosewood nut to replace the worn-down original. It bears thin wire frets and the strings are held by large hand-cut tuning pegs and at the back by a single Philips-head screw tailpiece.
While we cannot absolutely attribute this instrument to one specific luthier, it is likely that this one was built by the historically notable Stanley Hicks. The overall buildsmanship points to an experienced craftsman making this dulcimer, but traces of Hicks' signature style are visible here; the slightly folky hand carve of the heart-shaped soundholes and friction tuners, but critically the 3-piece scroll headstock and neck joint are most similar to Hicks' work than other notable local builders of this time and region. Most likely, this was made by Hicks (or whoever) either as a personal instrument or as a gift for a friend or family member.
Length is 35 1/4 in. (89.5 cm.), 6 in. (15.2 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) in depth at deepest point. Scale length is 28 in. (711 mm.). Width of nut is 1 9/32 in. (33 mm.).
Despite the lack of direct provenance, this dulcimer has obviously come from a bench of higher quality and was kept well through the years (and played). The wood has a few scratches and dings here and there from use over the years, but no major flaws and no visible history of repairs, and the stainless steel frets show minimal wear as well. The only notable change to the instrument is our addition of a new rosewood nut to replace a damaged original nut. The whole unit held close emits a faintly sweet woody aroma and plays very well. It does not come with a bag and almost certainly would not have when it was first made and sold. Overall this is a wonderful relic of this era of American folk lutherie. Excellent - Condition.
