History of the Dulcimer and Jean Ritchie

Discussion of the dulcimer. Jean Ritchie popularized it.

• Category

  Music

[Stephen Seifert]

Asking where the mountain dulcimer came from is like asking where balls, fishing hooks, and blankets came from. Instruments like the mountain dulcimer have popped up all over the world at different times throughout history. It's not a late instrument. I believe anyone with a little ingenuity could make one from scratch believing they were the inventor. The incarnation Jean played might be considered late but I think that's splitting hairs.

[FLgrammy17]

I've heard Jean Ritchie say that her father played the dulcimer and she learned from him.

Also and aunt of mine who grew up same time same area as Jean Ritchie had the opinion that was an 'old timey instrument' educated people don't play it. No, 20 years later, she has one and plays it.

[FLgrammy17]

I've heard Jean Ritchie say that her father played the dulcimer and she learned from him.

[MyMoppet52]

I heard the International Dulcimer winner a few years ago and he could play it like so many instruments. He made it sing. He made it sound like a banjo, a guitar...it was magical. I don't know how he did it. I fell in love with it when I could see the many applications it could have. Thank you so much for your video. I am glad Jean kept it alive over the years!

[shodobe1]

The dulcimer has become an integral instrument to Ozark folk music. Many of the acoustic "jam sessions" in this region often include mountain dulcimers or even hammered dulcimers (all zithers).

[dulcimerlover]

I'm a player in Singapore and I hope to introduce it to as many people as I can, hopefully, it'll be as popular as the guitar in the years to come:)

[dholeton]

Thanks John for bringing the dulcimer out in the open again. Also, the Appalachian Museum is a true treasure and the music of times gone by is well represented there with both your instrument collection and your music activities.

Dave

[Carla Linkous Maxwell]

Unfortunately, there are still many, many people who don't know what a dulcimer is. I'm glad you're discussing it and sharing your findings. Thank you for publishing this video!