Psaltery: Without question, the Waynie Psaltery line of Compact models represents the most innovative change in the unique instrument since its inception. The mindset is in place that all psalteries must be in the triangle shape. I beg to differ. Some would claim the triangle is traditional. Keep in mind, the bowed psaltery is not the psaltery dating to biblical times. That was a plucked psaltery. The bowed instrument, by all accounts, was developed by a German music teacher in the late 1940's. The plucked instrument was limited in the number of notes, and rather boring. On the other hand, the bowed instrument can be utilized for the melody or create a droaning sound when combined with other instruments in a small group. Everyone in a group can't play the melody since there must be backup, right?

My bowed psalteries are far more logical in that they are easier to hold and approach upon playing. Travel distance from side to side is around three inches up and down the entire scale. The triangle shaped instrument starts close, near the top, yet spreads up to ten inches apart on the lower notes on a larger forty string model, requiring both wrist and arm movements to accomodate. Not so with the Compact model. This is my design. Since I started making them, they represent better than ninety percent of my sales. I still make a limited number of what is called the traditional model. Once you change the mindset you'll discover an entire new way to play the psaltery. If you are new to the instrument, try it and I believe you will like it. The instruments are stronger, they weigh less and are considerably smaller in size. Logical!

My calf hide mountain dulcimer, lap dulcimer, or what have you, is also somewhat unique and totally different in its development and construction. As a luthier, I seek the unusual, not only in appearance, but voice as well. My mountain dulcimers are constructed of hardwoods. They have a 28 and 1/2 inch fret scale, are tuned DAD and come complete with a piazo pickup carefully mounted internally at the time of construction. In addition, a one watt amp and speaker are mounted inside as a power booster. Check it out on the dulcimer page.

All of my instruments come with everything required to get you up and running. Included for the price is a case made for me by Royal Case. Also included is a matching bow, rosin, tuning wrench and tuning chart. {Tuning charts are on following pages.} The dulcimers come with case, extra set of strings and a pick. Boasting the 'Waynie' brand, you can be proud and trusting that the instrument is crafted from some of the best woods and will last a lifetime.

Rest assured that I use no veneers in my instruments, only hard and soft woods from around the world and the United States. Veneers can be beautiful, but do you remember your grandma's old veneer furniture with thin surface cracks, chips and peels? Veneers are generally glued to plywood or even cheaper woods. Very pretty at first but not very durable with high humidities and age. Even my rosettes are real wood.

My bows are as important to me as the instrument. I believe a psaltery bow is a psaltery bow. I prefer the sound of horsehair over synthetic. A small amount should be used for the best sound. A violin bow is flat and doesn't produce the sound for a psaltery, as a psaltery bow would not be best on a violin. I think a small round ball of hair is best. My bows are balanced, they sport the one inch rosette. The one that comes with the instrument matches the wood of the psaltery and has a 15 inch draw. A twenty inch bow for longer draws can be found on the accessory page. Below is my double bow.

Go to YouTube	Go to my YouTube space to see and hear the instruments. Learn how to restring; rehair a bow; the difference between compact and traditional, and a virtual tour of the Ultimate.	email Wayne

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For the best hammer dulcimers it's David's Dulcimers at www.davidsdulcimers.com

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