Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
Traditions of Appalachian Dulcimer Making
Dear Potential Participants,
Greetings! My name is Sunshine Brosi, and I’m a faculty member in the Biology Department at
Frostburg State University. I’m writing to you because my undergraduate Ethnographic Field
Techniques course is conducting a research project. The students are interested in documenting
Appalachian dulcimer making. We are planning on conducting a series of interviews which we
will be recording to determine various information about dulcimer making. The purpose of the
study is to document and increase awareness of this important traditional craft. If this is a project
that you are interested in participating in please contact me at: 301-678-4213,
slbrosi@frostburg.edu for additional details and information. Thank you for your time and we
look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers!
Sunshine L. Brosi
Biology Department
Frostburg State University
101 Braddock Road
Frostburg, MD 21532
Project Overview
The Appalachian region has a rich history of artesian crafts. One specific Appalachian craft is
the traditional Appalachian dulcimer. There is concern regarding knowledge of creating
Appalachian dulcimers is not being passed on to future generations. Cultural preservation of this
knowledge is vital to ensuring cultural awareness and pride. There is also concern regarding the
availability of materials for the continuation of Appalachian dulcimer making. For instance, the
American chestnut is one species that historically was used for dulcimer making and is now
extirpated throughout its range. Other species preferred by either artisans or consumers may be
unsustainably harvested. Ecological preservation of species used in dulcimer making will ensure
the continuation of the craft for future generations. Interviews with artisans will be conducted
regarding the practices of obtaining materials and creating dulcimers. It is hoped that this
cultural information may be passed on to future generations. Recording interviews and
documenting dulcimer making will allow for greater access to this knowledge. By learning
about their traditions, it is hoped that Appalachians will be able to build positive cultural esteem.
Making this information available to a broader audience will increase awareness of Appalachian
culture.
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
Consent Form: Traditions of Appalachian Dulcimer Making
You are invited to participate in a research study conducted by Sunshine Brosi, from Frostburg State
University’s Biology Department. The study will be completed by undergraduate Ethnobotany Majors.
Ethnobotany is the study of the relationship of plants and people. We hope to learn about the species used by
Appalachian dulcimer makers in the past and present. We hope to learn about what methods of obtaining
materials for making dulcimers and what species are preferred by artisans and consumers. We hope to
document how to produce dulcimers and teach others about this Appalachian tradition. You were selected as a
possible participant in this study because of your knowledge about dulcimer making.
If you decide to participate, you will be asked to voluntarily be videotaped during a series of interviews. You
will be asked about tree species preferences, materials obtained, and how it has changed over time. If possible,
you may be asked to demonstrate how dulcimers are made. Interviews will be videotaped for educational
purposes. Videos will be publicized on the internet on Frostburg State University’s website.
We hope that recording Appalachian traditions for educational purposes will encourage others to take pride in
their culture and the arts. The research group determines that there is minimal perceived risk in participating in
this research. Information will be available on the internet and may help promote awareness of Appalachian
dulcimers. However, we cannot guarantee that you personally will receive any benefits from this research.
We value your participation in the project; however, funds are not available for compensation of your time.
Any information that is obtained in connection with this study that can be identified with you will remain
confidential and will be disclosed only with your permission or as required by law. Any written surveys will
remain anonymous. Videotaped interviews will be the property of Frostburg State University, and will only be
used for online learning modules. Interviews will be viewed by the general public, but will be used only in
educational settings.
The overall purpose of the project is to revitalize Appalachian culture. Your participation is voluntary. Your
decision whether or not to participate will not affect your relationship with the Frostburg State University. If
you decide to participate, you are free to withdraw your consent and discontinue participation at any time
without penalty. Should you feel any discomfort you are not required to answer questions presented during the
interview.
If you have any questions about the study, please feel free to contact Sunshine Brosi, by phone at (301) 6874213, or by email at slbrosi@frostburg.edu. This research study has been reviewed and approved by the
Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Frostburg State University. For research-related problems or questions
regarding participants' rights, contact the IRB through Mr. Frank Peto, Director, Office of Research and
Sponsored Programs at 301-687-3101. You will be offered a copy of this form to keep.
In accordance with legal requirements and/or professional standards, we will disclose to the appropriate
individuals and/or authorities information that comes to our attention concerning (past or present) child abuse
or neglect or potential harm to you or others. I have read and understand the explanation provided to me and
have been given a copy of this consent form. I have had all my questions answered to my satisfaction, and I
voluntarily agree to participate in this study.
Participant
Signature: _____________________________________________
Name :
_____________________________________________
Date:
_____________________
Principal Investigator Signature: _____________________________________________
Date:
_____________________
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
Questionnaire: Traditions of Appalachian Dulcimer Making
Section 1: Background Information
1. What sparked your interest to get started in production of dulcimers?
2. Did you learn the craft of dulcimer making from someone?
Yes
No
Yes
No
8. Were dulcimers your primary interest?
Yes
No
9. Did you learn about dulcimer making through a different craft?
Yes
No
3. If so, from whom?
4. Was it someone whom you are related to?
5. If so, how are you related?
6. How many years have you been making dulcimers?
Years
7. What is your training in dulcimer making?
10. If so, what was the other craft?
11. What improvements have been made in your technique that has made the craft easier?
12. What specific tools do you use for making dulcimers?
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
13. What specific tools would you purchase, if you could, to increase your productivity?
14. How many other dulcimer makers do you know?
15. Do you know of other dulcimer makers who might be interested in this survey? Yes No
16. If so, could you provide their contact information?
17. Do you know more dulcimer makers now than 5 years ago? Yes No
18. 10 years ago? Yes No
Section 2: Materials
19. What tree species do you use the most to make Appalachian dulcimers?
20. What other species do you also use?
21. Why do you use these species?
22. What tree species do you prefer?
23. What tree species do customers prefer?
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
24. Circle the species that you have used:
black walnut
yellow-poplar (tulip tree)
butternut (white walnut)
black cherry
red maple
sugar maple
American chestnut
sassafras
eastern red-cedar
white oak
northern red oak
white pine
eastern hemlock
white ash
green ash
other:
25. Do you often use more than one species of wood in a dulcimer?
Yes
No
Yes
No
26. If so, what species do you prefer for the soundbox?
27. What species for the top?
28. Where do you get the wood for your dulcimers?
29. Do you ever collect the wood yourself?
30. If so, for what percentage of your dulcimers?
31. Do you ever purchase the wood?
.
Yes
32. If so, for what percentage of your dulcimers?
33. How often do you purchase wood? Weekly
No
.
Monthly
34. How much do you purchase at once?
35. What does this usually cost?
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Twice a Year
Once a Year
Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
36. When you buy your wood, is it bought for a specific project?
Yes
No
37. Are projects based on the wood that you purchase?
Yes
No
38. What kind of uniqueness do you look for in the wood?
39. How do you treat the wood before and after dulcimer making?
40. How do you dry the wood?
41. Do you prefer different qualities of wood for different parts of the dulcimer?
42. What do customers they seem most concerned with?
species
craftsmanship
sound quality
aesthetics
shape
durability
price
uniqueness
other
.
43. Is dulcimer making different now than from when you learned your craft?
Yes
No
Yes
No
44. If so, how?
45. Do you use different tools now then when you learned the craft?
46. If so, what tools have changed?
47. How long does it usually take to make a dulcimer?
48. What is percentage of time required for:
Accumulating materials
.
Preparing materials
.
Assembly
.
Finishing
.
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
Other
.
49. What techniques have you developed for reducing time and cost?
Section 4: Music
50. What sounds correlate with the specific types of wood that you use?
51. How many ways do you use to tune a dulcimer?
52. When did you first hear the sound of a dulcimer?
53. Do different shapes correlate with different sounds?
Section 5: Customers
54. How specifically do you cater to the customer?
55. What’s the most popular wood type you use?
56. On average, what price range are your dulcimers?
57. Do you barter with your dulcimers?
Yes / No
58. What is the reason that the prices for dulcimers vary?
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
59. What quality/qualities seem to be in highest demand?
60. How have demands changed since you've been making dulcimers?
61. How would you describe your typical customer? (circle all that apply)
musician
local
non-local
Other
repeat customer
collector
artisan
.
62. On a scale from 0-10 what do customers look for when purchasing a dulcimer?
0= least important 10=most important
Craftsmanship
Durability
. Uniqueness
.
Aesthetics
. Sound quality
.
Other
.
Shape
.
.
General Questions:
63. What do you value most in your own craftsmanship?
Do you make any of your own tools?
Yes / No
Do you have any trademarks of your own?
Yes / No
Do you make multiple styles of dulcimers?
Yes / No
Do you produce any other products than the dulcimer?
Do you make furniture?
Yes / No
Yes / No
Do you make anything unique with left over pieces of wood?
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Yes / No
Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
Have you ever used any unique type of wood species?
Yes / No
Has the selection of species you have used changed over time?
Yes / No
Do you prefer to use native tree species when making a dulcimer?
Yes / No
Is there a tree species that you once preferred but now cannot obtain?
Yes / No
If so what species?
Do you use wood from trees that have undergone stress?
Yes / No
Do you prefer old or new growth?
Yes / No
Does the age of the wood make a difference in the sound of the dulcimer?
Yes /
Does the age of the wood make a difference in the look of the dulcimer?
Yes / No
No
Have you ever used any unique type of wood species?
Yes / No
Has the selection of species you have used changed over time?
1. How many years have you been making dulcimers?
Yes / No
Years
2. Did you learn the craft of dulcimer making from someone? If so, from whom?
3. Do you have a family history of dulcimer making?
Yes No
4. What sparked your interest to get started in production of dulcimers?
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
5. What is your training in dulcimer making?
6. Were dulcimers your primary interest of woodworking?
Yes No
7. If not, what other craft lead you to making dulcimers?
8. What improvements have been made in your technique that has made the craft easier?
9. Does anyone in your family also make dulcimers?
10. Do you play the dulcimer?
Yes No
and if so has it been for at least the past ten years?
11. Does anyone in your family play dulcimers?
Yes No
12. Do you have traditions that you do when making your dulcimers?
Yes No
13. Where do you make your dulcimers?
14. What is the best environment for you to make your dulcimers?
Yes No
15. Do you know any other people within your region that also make dulcimers? Yes No
16. If yes, how many?
17. Are there many venues in your region that have dulcimer performers? Yes No
18. Is there anywhere in your region where someone can be taught how to make dulcimers?
Yes No
19. Is dulcimer making your only occupation? Yes No
20. If not, what is your other occupation?
21. Have you ever taught anyone else how to make a dulcimer? Yes No
22. Have you taught other family members how to make dulcimers? Yes No
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
Section 2: Material (Tommy and Mitra)
1. What species do you use to make the Appalachian dulcimers?
2. Why do you use this species?
3. Is this your preference as a woodworker? Yes No
4. Is this the preference of the customer? Yes No
5. If not, what species do customers usually prefer?
6. Have you always used this species? Yes No
7. Has your selection of species changed over time? Yes No
8. If so why?
9. Where do you get the wood for your dulcimers?
10. Do you ever collect the wood yourself? Yes No
11. If so, from where?
12. Do you ever use dead trees?
13. Who do you purchase the wood from?
14. How often?
15. How much?
16. At what costs?
17. When making dulcimers are there specific techniques for different types of wood?
18. Do certain woods make certain sounds?
19. Explain?
20. Does the age of the wood make a difference in the sound or the look of the dulcimer?
21. With the pieces of wood that are left over do you make anything unique with them?
22. Is there a specific style to the dulcimers that you make?
23. Have you ever used any unique type of wood species?
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
24. If so what was your success?
25. Do you prefer a particular age of wood?
26. What is the oldest piece of wood that you have used to make a dulcimer?
27. Are the species you prefer native or non-native?
28. What kind of uniqueness do you look for in the wood?
29. Do you prefer to work with the unique characteristics of the wood?
30. How do you dry the wood?
31. Do you use wood from trees that have undergone particular stresses?
32. Do you prefer different qualities of wood for different parts of the dulcimer or do you use
the same type of wood for the entire construction?
33. Do you prefer softer or harder woods?
34. Do you prefer heartwood or sapwood?
35. Is there a tree species that you once preferred but now cannot obtain?
36. What tree species is the hardest/easiest to work with and why?
Section 3: Product Production (Austin,
1. Are their different styles of dulcimers that you make? Yes No
2. Do you make hammer dulcimers? Yes No
3. Do you make furniture? Yes No
4. Do you make any other instruments? Yes No
5. Do customers ask for any unique sounding dulcimers? Like a higher pitch or a lower
register?
6. Do you ever specialize a dulcimer for a customer? Yes No
7. On a scale from 0 to 5 rate the following in importance from a production standpoint
Least important
Most important
A. Species
0
1
2
3
4
5
B. Age of the wood
0
1
2
3
4
5
C. Aesthetics
0
1
2
3
4
5
D. Sound Quality
0
1
2
3
4
5
E. Construction Time
0
1
2
3
4
5
F. Availability
0
1
2
3
4
5
G. Cost
0
1
2
3
4
5
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
H. Durability
0
1
2
3
4
5
I. Request from Customer
0
1
2
3
4
5
8. On a scale from 0 to 5 rate the following in importance from a consumer standpoint
Least important
Most important
A. Species
0
1
2
3
4
5
B. Age of the wood
0
1
2
3
4
5
C. Aesthetics
0
1
2
3
4
5
D. Sound Quality
0
1
2
3
4
5
E. Availability
0
1
2
3
4
5
F. Cost
0
1
2
3
4
5
G. Durability
0
1
2
3
4
5
9. Do you make any of your own tools?
Yes No
10. Would you say you have any signature traits of your dulcimer? Yes No
11. On a scale from 0 to 5 rate which takes up the greatest amount of your time?
Least time
Most time
A. Accumulating materials
0
1
2
3
4
5
B. Preparing materials
0
1
2
3
4
5
C. Assembly
0
1
2
3
4
5
D. Finishing
0
1
2
3
4
5
12. What techniques have you developed for reducing time and cost (increasing profit)?
13. Section 4: Music (Chris)
14. What sounds correlate with the specific types of wood that you use?
15. How many ways do you use to tune a dulcimer?
1. Who is your favorite dulcimer player?
2. When did you first hear the sound of a dulcimer?
3. Would the change in shape create a different sound?
Section 5: Customers (Brittany, Elizabeth)
1. What tree species do customers prefer?
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
2. Appalachian dulcimers are particularly interesting instrument known only to the
Appalachian region.
3. Why would someone outside of this region in a big city be interested in owning one?
4. What’s your most popular wood type?
5. Historically what types of people play dulcimers?
6. What is the reason that the prices for dulcimers vary?
7. Do you cater to a certain type of artisan or collector?
8. What quality/qualities seem to be in highest demand? Yes No
9. How have demands changed since you've been making dulcimers? Yes No
10. If so, how?
11. On average, how much do you sell your work for?
12. Have you ever bartered with your dulcimers? Yes No
13. If so for what?
14. What do you value most in your own craftsmanship? ajp
15. How would you describe your typical customer? (musician, local, repeat, gender,age)
16. How frequently are dulcimers purchased by:
A. Musician
B. Non Musician
C. Local
D. Non-local
E. Female
F. Male
G. Collector
Uncategorized Questions:
1. Do you know less dulcimer makers now than 5 years ago? Yes No
2.
10 years ago? Yes No
3. Would you consider the dulcimer a threatened art form? Yes No
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
1.
1. What sparked your interest to get started in production of dulcimers?
2. Did you learn the craft of dulcimer making from someone? If so, from whom?
Lmf
3. How many years have you been making dulcimers?
4. Do you have a family history of dulcimer making or playing?
5. What is your training in dulcimer making? Lmf
years
6. Were dulcimers your primary interest or did you learn about them through a
different craft? Lmf
7. Have you been making dulcimers for at least the past ten years? Lmf
8. Do you play the dulcimer, and if so has it been for at least the past ten years? Lmf
9. What improvements have been made in your technique that has made the craft
easier? Lmf
10. Do you have traditions that you partake in when making your dulcimers? Lmf
11. Do you know many people within your county that also make dulcimers? Lmf
12. Are there many venues in your county that have dulcimer performers? Lmf
13. Do you know of a tradition of playing and making dulcimers in your county?
Lmf
14. Is there anywhere in your county where someone can be taught how to make
dulcimers? Lmf
15. Is dulcimer making your only occupation? Lmf
16. Have you ever taught anyone else how to make a dulcimer?
Section 2: Material (Tommy and Mitra)
17. Has your selection of species changed over time?
18. What species do you use to make the Appalachian dulcimers?
19. Why do you use these species?
20. Is this your preference as a woodworker or the preference of customers or both?
21. Where do you get the wood for your dulcimers?
22. Do you ever collect the wood yourself?
23. Who do you purchase the wood from? How often? How much? At what costs?
24. Does the age of the wood make a difference in the sound or the look of the
dulcimer?bmw
25. Have you ever used any unique type of wood species?bmw
26. Do you prefer old or new growth?MK
27. Are the species you prefer native, non-native?MK
28. What kind of uniqueness do you look for in the wood?MK
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
29. How do you treat the wood before and after dulcimer making?MK
30. How do you dry the wood?MK
31. Do you use wood from trees that have undergone stress?MK
32. Do you prefer different qualities of wood for different parts of the dulcimer or do
you use the same type of wood for the entire construction?MK
33. When do you prefer softer or harder woods?MK
34. Is there a tree species that you once preferred but now cannot obtain?MK
35. What tree species is the hardest/easiest to work with and why?MK
Section 3: Product Production (Austin,
36. Are their different styles of dulcimers that you make?
37. Do you produce any other products than the dulcimer? Lmf
38. Do you make furniture?
39. With the pieces of wood that are left over do you make anything unique with
them?bmw
40. Do customers ask for any unique sounding dulcimers? Like a higher pitch or a
lower register?bmw
41. What do they seem most concerned with? (species used, craftsmanship, sound
qualities, shape, durability…) ajp *(similar to customer q's)
42. How is dulcimer making different now from when you learned your craft? ajp
43. Do you make any of your own tools? ajp
44. Would you say you have any trademarks of your own? ajp
45. What is the time required for:
Accumulating materials? ajp
Preparing materials? ajp
Assembly? ajp
Finishing? ajp
46. What techniques have you developed for reducing time and cost (increasing
profit)? ajp
Section 4: Music (Chris)
47. What sounds correlate with the specific types of wood that you use?
48. How many ways do you use to tune a dulcimer?
49. When did you first hear the sound of a dulcimer? * (similar to background
information also may not remember this)
50. Would the change in shape create a different sound?bmw
Section 5: Customers (Brittany, Elizabeth
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
51.
How specifically do you cater to the customer?bmw
52. What tree species do customers prefer?
53. What’s the most popular wood type you use?bmw
54. On average, what price range are your dulcimers? ajp
55. What is the reason that the prices for dulcimers vary?
56. Have you ever bartered with your dulcimers? For what? ajp
57. What quality/qualities seem to be in highest demand? ajp
58. How have demands changed since you've been making dulcimers? ajp
59. How would you describe your typical customer? (musician, local, repeat,
gender,age) ajp
60. What do they seem most concerned with? (species used, craftsmanship, sound
qualities, shape, durability…) ajp *(similar to customer q's)
Uncategorized Questions:
61. How many other dulcimer makers do you know?
62. Do you know more or less dulcimer makers now than 5 years ago?
63. 10 years ago?e
64. What do you value most in your own craftsmanship? Ajp
1. When did you first become interested in dulcimers?
2. When did you start making dulcimers? At what age?
3. What sparked your interest to get started in production of dulcimers?
4. Has your selection of species changed over time?
5. Are their different styles of dulcimers that you make?
6. Do you make hammer dulcimers?
7. Do you have a family history of dulcimer making or playing?
8. What species do you use to make the Appalachian dulcimer?
9. Why do you use this species?
10. Is this your preference as a woodworker or the preference of customers or both?
11. What tree species do customers prefer?
12. What tree species do you prefer to use in dulcimer making?
13. Have you always used this species? If not why did your species choice change?
14. Where do you get the wood for your dulcimers?
15. Do you ever collect the wood yourself?
16. Who do you purchase the wood from? How often? How much? At what costs?
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Frostburg State University
Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project
17. Who are the customers who buy dulcimers?
18. How much do you charge for dulcimers?
19. What is the reason that the prices for dulcimers vary?
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