PAPAW'S DULCIMERS

"... a voice so clear, it almost speaks the words"

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Papaw's Dulcimers is located in Sevier County, Tennessee - about halfway between Knoxville and Pigeon Forge - in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Papaw's Dulcimers is run by Bill Rich ("Papaw" to his grandchildren: Daisy, and Avery: grandson Miles prefers to call me "grandpa").

Up in these hills I build Mountain Dulcimers. This allows me to combine my background and appreciation of music with my love of woodworking. There is the added benefit of meeting dulcimer players and builders from "far and wide." Most of the woods I use are indigenous to this part of the world. After all, we have a wonderful selection to choose from. They include: Black Walnut, Maple, Pecan, Cherry, Sassafras, Poplar, and Wormy Chestnut when available. Much of this wood comes from a neighbor who owns a saw mill. Some pieces come from friends or even from customers who have a piece of wood they would like preserved in a special way. And, some pieces come from an excellent wood specialty shop in Knoxville. Only thoroughly dried and carefully selected woods are used in my dulcimers.

Sweet Pea Dulcimer with Carry Bag and Lesson Book