Hammered Dulcimer Wood Choices

The following are examples of just a few of the combinations of wood other people of chosen over the years. There are many others. Look over photos of actual instruments in all the sizes to get more ideas. The frame, pin panels, trim and binding have no influence on the tone. These choices are purely aesthetic. The soundboard and the bridges are the tone producers. Click on this link to see actual photos of the woods I'm referring to.

soundboard color frame pin panels trim/binding bridges redwood natural mahogany goncalves alves wenge walnut redwood dark stained walnut lacewood curly maple cherry cedar black walnut lacewood curly maple maple redwood natural mahogany birdseye maple ebony ebony redwood black birdseye maple birdseye maple bubinga paduak redwood black mahogany santos rosewood paduak paduak redwood natural curly maple curly maple paduak paduak redwood natural mahogany birdseye maple cardinal cardinal cedar black cherry curly maple cardinal paduak redwood black cherry brazilian cherry paduak paduak mahogany natural brazilian cherry dark mahogany curly maple ash redwood natural cherry lacewood cocobolo cherry redwood natural curly maple lacewood cocobolo paduak cedar black cherry bubinga curly maple cherry redwood natural cherry cocobolo curly maple maple redwood natural birdseye maple birdseye maple ebony ebony redwood natural curly maple curly maple walnut walnut redwood natural mahogany cocobolo birdseye maple maple redwood natural birdseye maple birdseye maple wenge paduak redwood dark stained cocobolo cocobolo curly maple paduak redwood natural mahogany cocobolo ash ash