| 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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