Dulcimers ship for free, worldwide!
This instrument was named the DulciVox because it has a big, sweet voice, like that of a great singer. Thus the "Vox" part of the name - "Vox" is the Latin word for "voice".
The Folkcraft DulciVox is available in two varieties - the "Standard" version, available here for $1195, and the "Pro" version, available on this page for $1495.
These two instruments are identical, except that the Pro version has a built-in Fishman passive under-saddle pickup and an ebony fretboard veneer. Both versions of the Folkcraft DulciVox have tapered fretboards - higher at the nut than at the bridge - which allows the bridge and saddle to be at the optimum height for sound and tone, while still allowing a standard capo to be used at frets one, three, and four. We also undercut the fretboard beneath the last four frets, allowing the top to vibrate more freely.
The benefits of a Folkcraft DulciVox over a traditional dulcimer? This instrument has more power, more sustain, and an amazingly sweet voice. We accomplished this by having a bridge that wasn't built in to the fretboard - this allows the top to vibrate more freely. By bracing (internally) this instrument like a traditional guitar, volume and sustain were both dramatically increased.
The Folkcraft DulciVox is new for 2024, and we'll be adding photos as the first of the production instruments are completed in April, 2024. For now, you get a video of one of the final prototype versions - this will give you a great idea what to expect when your Folkcraft DulciVox is delivered.
To keep the cost down on the Folkcraft DulciVox Standard, there are few customization options. This instrument has the woods, scale length, fret pattern, and other options listed below. We can set up your instrument for three strings, four strings (double melody), or four strings equidistant, whatever you request. For a more customizable instrument, please select the Folkcraft DulciVox Pro.
For both the Standard and Pro versions, we've chosen mahogany and spruce as the woods, and won't be offering other options for wood choices. With the internal bracing featured on this dulcimer, we're offering only the "Classic F" sound hole option.
Woods used
Back, sides, head, fretboard: African mahogany
Top: Sitka spruce
Internal bracing: Sitka spruce
Dimensions
VSL (scale length): 25"
Fretboard width: 1 1/2"
Side height: 2 1/4"
Overall: 38 1/2" x 12" x 3 1/4"
Body: 31" x 12" x 2 1/2"
Nut, bridge, frets
Micarta nut and saddle material
Diatonic frets, plus 1 1/2, 6 1/2, 8 1/2, and 13 1/2, with fret 14 being the highest fret
Nickel silver fret wire, standard size
Features
Traditional flat head
Enclosed gear tuners, chrome finish
Also included
Strap buttons
Padded case with shoulder strap (we can embroider your name on the case for $30)
Here's a video of Bing Futch (Folkcraft Endorsing Artist) playing prototype number three of this instrument. The instruments we ship (the latest versions) will have a few refinements, but will look substantially like the instrument in the photo. The only big visual difference will be that the Folkcraft DulciVox Pro in this video has an ebony fretboard veneer - your DulciVox Standard will not have the ebony fretboard veneer.
