• 3½ octaves
• solid sapele soundboard and back
• piano dulcimer tuning
• 3½ chromatic octaves
• 16/6 configuration with a 6 course superbass bridge (16/6/6)

The piano dulcimer represents a great new concept in the dulcimer world - an affordable and simple way to bring the unique sound of the dulcimer into any keyboard player's realm, whether it is in a church, a band, a recording or composer's studio, at home, or around the campfire. Invented by long-time hammered dulcimer designer and builder Sam Rizzetta and based on the piano keyboard, it is a compact, fully chromatic instrument.

The tuning pattern uses half-step intervals across the bridge. Each course of strings crosses two markers on the top of the bridge. White marks the naturals or C scale, and black marks the sharps and flats - just like on a piano. To play a C scale, just follow the white markers up the instrument. Once you learn the pattern for any scale it's easy to change keys, since all the scales follow the same pattern or a mirror pattern. The sharps and flats are where you'd expect to find them, next to the naturals.

This version includes dampers. This sustain control device creates a wide range of tonal effects, from the rich and complex natural voice of the undamped strings to a wonderful, wholly muted marimba-like tone with no sustain. 

Price includes dampers, a C45 transport case, single-sided wooden hammers, T-shape tuning wrench, note guide strips, owner's guidebook.

Click here for our dulcimer hammers.