About
Whether you are a musician who wants to learn woodworking techniques, or a woodworker who would like to learn the elements necessary to create stringed musical instruments, or just someone looking for a fun learning experience, this is the class for you!
Over two weekends and the Friday evening between them, you will make an intriguing three-stringed instrument that's tuned as a dulcimer. But whether you know how to play that instrument doesn't really matter because you will be able to play this instrument simply by placing the finger of one hand on a string while your other hand strums. The strings are tuned so that great music results, which is why the instructor likes to call these "strumsticks."
In the class, you will be guided through the safe use of tools, including the bandsaw, router, drill press and stationary sanders. You will learn to shape with hand tools, lay out scale lengths, and then string and strum the dulcimer guitar you create. And, finally, you will embellish your instrument. Options for the finish include milk paint, clear finishes, stains and designs that you burn into the wood.
Details:
- Registration will close on Wednesday, August 18th at 12:00 PM PST.
- Ages 14+ are welcome.
- This class is designed for both beginning and experienced woodworkers.
- Tuition assistance is available. Click here to apply.
- BARN is practicing safety measures for the health and well-being of all participants, in accordance with state and CDC guidelines. Please click here to read more. Studio-specific safety policies are here.
- You must wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid loose-fitting clothing and jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.
Instructor: Ted Newman. Ted is a BARN safety monitor and instructor. He studied woodworking and has worked as an assistant at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine. He worked with the inventor of this instrument, Beth Ireland, at three of the country's top craft schools: Penland School of Craft in North Carolina, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Tennessee and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine. He made the instruments in the picture above.