Wood-n-Strings Dulcimer Shop in Townsend, Tennessee

[@jasonscott6478]

There must be dulcimers in Heaven. I would be surprised if anyone could say they don't like the sounds these beautiful instruments make. I would love to live in that part of Tennessee.

[@VTXCageSC]

I enjoyed visiting the Shop during a motorcycle vacation in the area about 4 years ago. I was really planning on getting one, learning to play something simple and enjoy the rest of my life. When I went in, the shop was beautiful neat and a class was in session. Unfortunately I was greatly taken aback, if not floored by the prices! Mike himself must have sensed my distress, he took a great deal of time to explain what went into making them and I was impressed, but no less restrained by my humble blue collar budget. No worries, though. Mike took me into a corner where he was also offering High Spirits made Native American (style) Flutes or NAF. He let me try one (hygienically) and I was amazed I could almost instantly play what sounded like music...and pleasing music at that! I purchased a drone version in Am and have never looked back. Now my problem is where do I put all the flutes I've come to collect over the last couple of years? I'm appreciative of Mike for taking that extra time to tend to both my needs and concerns even though it was obvious I wasn't going to leave with one of his hand-built beauties. He still led me down a path of music that has not only been fulfilling but unexpectedly rewarding. Playing the NAF has lowered my blood pressure dramatically due to the measured breathing to play the instrument, allows me to sleep fully through the night for the same reason as well as the calming affect of the music itself...AND last year my doctors took me completely off all my former PTSD related meds! We even got to fire my Psych Counselor because he was no longer needed. That all started in Mike's Shop. Thanks so very much, Mike. Wish I could all who read this the same promise of success, but visiting the Shop alone is as wonderful a stop as you could hope to make anywhere else in the Smokies.

[@rationallogo]

That's a great story. Thanks for sharing it; it brought a smile to my face!

[@sradie]

At last I can say my Clemmer Dulcimer has arrived. It was a Christmas present from my wife Judy. It is exactly as I ordered it and it sounds beautiful. The tone is incredibly rich and full. Next time we come through Townsend I will be able to play it some and we will stop in and see you and Connie. Thanks for crafting a fantastic instrument.

[@wa1ufo]

Gorgeous instruments and beautiful country there, very much like here!

[@MrRiddle44]

i bought a baritone dulcimer form Mike at Townsend, Tn. back in the '90s, I think it was. I have enjoyed the sound since then. I am not as well versed as Mike in playing the instrument, but it has brought lots of joy.

[@Juraberg]

Beautiful instruments out of beautiful wood. The hammered dulcimer is very popular in eastern Switzerland.

[@judithpringle1989]

Great demo and explanation. Thanks! I hope that I can make it to your shop one day.

[@Silverhorse32]

I will be in Gatlinburg next Week Saturday August 10, 2019 for a couple of days. I might stop in and visit you all.

[@wa1ufo]

Love that hammer dulcimer!

[@EnemyBikeCo]

What's a good set of dulcimer strings for tuning C G C?

[@TutTheTwo]

A combination of a banjo and a dulcimer... Purely genius.... Must be terribly expensive, though...

[@sradie]

Very nice Mike. Quit playing the ban jammer and the dobro dulcimer, I'm having enough trouble trying to save enough money for one of your fine regular dulcimers.

[@N8DulcimerOld]

The dulcimer is not a 'truly american' instrument it's just a german Scheitholt with a bigger fretboard.