| Dulcimer making has long been considered an art. The
exquisite design is also functional, and the best instruments sound as beautiful
as they look. Homer Ledford, a legend among dulcimer makers, is known for his
innovative but traditional craftsmanship. A biography and a step-by-step guide
to dulcimer making, this classic book illuminates and celebrates the work of a
master craftsman, musician, and folk artist. This new edition presents a
foreword by Ron Pen, director of the John Jacob Niles Center for American Music
at the University of Kentucky, and an enlightening afterword featuring a
conversation with Ledford. In an era when Americans are rediscovering their
musical roots, Dulcimer Maker offers a unique look at a bluegrass legend.
R. Gerald Alvey is a retired professor of English at the University of
Kentucky who has published numerous articles on Appalachian culture.
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Reviews:"Goes well beyond the numerous scholarly and technical articles written over the years about the dulcimer. Ledford’s comments complement Alvey’s writing and the fine photographs."—Choice
“One of the best luthiery biographies to be published in recent memory and a must-read for fans of the mountain dulcimer.”—Sing Out!
“Even if you don’t know a dulcimer from a dobro, this is a fine biography in its own rights, a slice of real life profiling an innovative master of his craft and practicing musician.”—Pegram (TN) Advocate
“There is a certain amount of how-to in the book (thank goodness someone cared enough to keep the written log) and even more who-does, but for musicians the core of this tribute and testament is the music-making instrument itself, the sound-in-the-ear as well as the visual object itself, which are both works of art.”—Rockland (ME) Courier-Gazette
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