The three-or-four string "Appalachian dulcimer," "mountain dulcimer," "lap dulcimer," or "plucked" dulcimer, while not unique to Kentucky, has long been associated with the highlands/mountains in Kentucky and other Appalachian states. Cf. the historical overview online.
A completely different instrument, the "Hammered Dulcimer" -- a forerunner of the piano -- is not associated with Kentucky, and is often confused with the "Appalachian dulcimer" because of the accidental similarity of its name.
One of the most celebrated modern Kentucky plucked dulcimer builders was Winchester, KY native Homer Ledford (1927-2006), who built nearly 6000 dulcimers during his long career as a luthier. A short highlight overview of Homer Ledford's career is on Wikipedia, under "Homer Ledford."
DULCIMER CRAFTSMEN
Amburgey, Jethro (1895-1971)
Dulcimer Craft (Jack Larwa - Lyon Co.: Eddyville)
Mark Eubank Stringed Instruments (Pulaski Co.: Eubank)
Jeff Lambert "Dulcimers by Jeff" (Fleming Co.: Flemingsburg)
Ken Bartley (Monroe Co.: Tompkinsville)
Warren A. May (Madison Co.: Berea)
Douglas Naselroad (Knott Co.: Hindman)
Thomas, James Edward (1850-1933)
Troublesome Creek String Instrument Company (Knott Co.: Hindman)
Wood Creek Designs (Michaeljon Flores - Laurel Co.: London)
DULCIMER VIDEOS
Sourwood Mountain Dulcimer (Appalshop, 1976)
KENTUCKY DULCIMERS MUSEUM/LIBRARY COLLECTIONS
Museum of the Mountain Dulcimer (Knott Co.: Hindman)
KENTUCKY DULCIMER PLAYERS and ORGANIZATIONS
Hills of Kentucky Dulcimers (Boone Co.: Florence)
Photo Below: J. Edward Thomas (Widely known as Uncle Ed) making one of his many dulcimers on his porch.
Born in Letcher County in 1850, he began making dulcimers at the age of 21. Selling them from a small cart, he traveled thru Letcher, Knott, and surrounding counties peddling his craftsmanship. He also sold them at the Hindman General Store, paying a small commission to the store owner.
The dulcimers sold for just a few dollars each, and sometimes he would trade one for food or supplies he needed. Uncle Ed hand made and sold an estimated 1500 dulcimers up until ill health caused him to stop, two years before his death in 1933.
Many recent dulcimer makers gave Uncle Ed credit as the premier and most influential dulcimer maker in Kentucky.
Photo:
If you look closely you’ll see Uncle Ed is wearing wire rimmed eye glasses.
