When I get your assignment, I sit down with a pencil and a piece of drafting paper, and draw out your instrument. On a mountain dulcimer, I will draw a unique headpiece and tailpiece and when I'm done building it, I throw the drawing away. I'll start from scratch with the next order. This way, no two instruments are exactly alike.
I have standardized the dimensions of the soundbox within a set of parameters so that the voice of my instruments is predictable, and is the best voice I know how to achieve.
I have taken pains to give my hourglass dulcimers what I believe to be most graceful curves to match the graceful voice of this uniquely American folk instrument.
