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PD30 "Piano Dulcimer" by Dusty Strings
The PD30 also called the “Piano Dulcimer” because of its innovative tuning scheme. Invented by long-time hammered dulcimer designer and builder Sam Rizzetta and based on the piano keyboard, it is a 2-1/2 octave, 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. The PD30 represents a new concept in the dulcimer world—a fully chromatic instrument at an entry-level price.

Keyboard players who love the sound of the dulcimer but who’ve never related to its traditional fifth-interval tuning will feel at home with the piano dulcimer. It’s also a fun approach to playing chromatically that offers existing dulcimer players new possibilities for tunes and techniques. Lightning-fast chromatic runs have never been easier or more intuitive to play on a dulcimer.

The PD30, like our popular Prelude and Apprentice models, is made with a laminated soundboard and back, and has a bright, cheerful sound.

Well-known dulcimer player Madeline MacNeil has written an instructional book called Playing the Piano Dulcimer, which sells for $14.95. We also make a 3-1/2 octave version with a solid mahogany soundboard and back called the PD40.

PD30 — Woods
Soundboard and back: Finland birch plywood.
Pinblocks: eastern maple.
Rails, bridges, and sound hole inserts: Honduras mahogany.

PD30 — Dimensions
Bottom rail: 38-1/2 inches
Top rail: 20 inches
Height: 15 inches
Thickness: 3-3/4 inches
Weight: 12 lbs.

PD30 — Price: $460.00      Call for More Information!
Includes regular hammers and gooseneck tuning wrench. Optional C35 case: $115.00

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Instruments - Parts - Accessories - Books/Courses - Software - Recorders - Videos/DVD - CDs