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Folkcraft LAP-JO® Pro, Mahogany Body, Fiberskyn Head

Item Number 81224224

Regular price $1,855.00

Bing Futch playing his Folkcraft LAP-JO

Wendy Songe playing her Folkcraft LAP-JO

Dulcimers ship for free, worldwide!

Woods used
Rim, neck, head: African mahogany
Fretboard veneer: Ebony
Tone ring: poplar

Head
11" Remo Fiberskyn banjo head

String setup
Three strings (.012, .015, .026SS)
Standard, DAD tuning

Dimensions
VSL (scale length): 25"
Fretboard width: 1 1/2"
Body dimensions: 12" x 12" x 3"
Overall length: 40"
Overall height: 3.25"

Nut, bridge, frets
Diatonic, plus 1.5, 6.5, 8.5, and 15.5 frets (more information about frets)
Micarta nut material
Maple bridge
EVO fret wire, jumbo size
Mother of pearl position dots at frets 3, 7 (double), 10, 14 (double), and 17

Features
LR Baggs piezo pickup installed in the bridge
Contemporary flat head
Enclosed gear tuners, black finish

Also included
Strap buttons
Padded case with shoulder strap

Luthier
Jim Ash

If you haven't yet heard a LAP-JO, here's the lowdown: A Folkcraft LAP-JO is a dulcimer/banjo hybrid. The fretboard is 100 percent mountain dulcimer, and the instrument is played just like a standard dulcimer. The tone-generating end of the instrument is 100 percent banjo. Banjo rim, hoop, ring, lugs, tailpiece, bridge. Our hybrid banjo dulcimers for sale actually sound like a banjo. It can be played quietly, but is also loud enough to hold its own with a guitar, or with a hammered dulcimer. There are plenty of videos on YouTube where you can see a LAP-JO in action. Go to YouTube.com, and search for "Folkcraft LAP-JO".

The Folkcraft LAP-JO (our dulcimer/banjo hybrid, which is Loud And Played JOyously) is handmade in our Woodburn, Indiana workshop. Built of solid mahogany, this instrument has a dulcimer neck/fretboard with a banjo body - play it like a dulcimer, get the sound of a banjo.

We do have a rigid case available for this banjo dulcimer for sale - our item number 2325855 fits just right!

Why should you choose a Folkcraft mountain dulcimer? Sound quality, appearance, and durability. We've been handcrafting mountain dulcimers since 1968, and many of the world's finest players, both amateur and professional, choose our dulcimers. Click here to see our roster of endorsing artists. You may also enjoy following the links provided to see each of them performing (with their Folkcraft dulcimers) on YouTube.

Are you ready to purchase this banjo dulcimer for sale and start playing? Click the "Add To Cart" button below, and we'll ship the dulcimer right away with free UPS shipping. Questions? Call Folkcraft (weekdays 8 AM to 4 PM, Eastern time) at (317) 539-1855. Maybe this instrument isn't perfect for you? Design your own mountain dulcimer, from classic to exotic, with our "design your own" tools found here.

Customer Reviews

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J
Joan Hines
New lapjo

It's going to be fun learning to play this banjo style lapjo! It looks just like a banjo and is fairly heavy! Finger rolls here I come!!

O
Oscar Stern
Very cool

I was thinking of a MaxDAD version because you'll get quite a fun range. A Low, Medium, High Action Nut would allow me to adjust the action so I can also play slide blues as well. A 10 string Chromatic version w/ 5 pairs of strings (also a version that you can hold like a Guitar) could double as what I call a "Banjo-Cittern" or Banjittern.

C
Chuck Bennett
Fun Hybrid between a banjo and dulcimer.

Work is first rate and African Mahogany is really eye catching.
Had rosewood fret veneer and looks really nice. Richard is easy to work with and will do basically any custom work you desire. The instrument plays very well and will stack up with any customs made. I would recommend Folkcraft and Richard’s work without reservation.
If you ever wanted to play the banjo and was afraid it was too difficult give the Lap-Jo a try. Easy as playing a dulcimer but sounds like a banjo!

K
Kate Humphrey
LapJo is fun

I am having a blast with this instrument. Everyone who hears it thinks it’s a banjo! (Which is basically the point) it’s great to have a new instrument that you can pick up and play right away. I’m sure there are plenty of new things to learn, but it’s playable right from the get go if you already play a dulcimer. It has a really great sound and is just -lain fun!!

S
Suzanne Benoit
Beautiful Lap-jo

I love my Folkcraft Lap-Jo! It is beautifully made and sounds terrific. It has a real banjo sound with the ease and simplicity of playing a dulcimer. I have always loved the sound of banjos and have wanted to learn to play one. Now, I can learn with my new Lap-Jo.