Custom 18/17 Tsimbls
Beverly Woods and I have developed this Custom 18/17 Tsimbl to meet the needs of the more advanced players interested playing Eastern European and Klezmer music. Thanks also go to master Tsimbl player Josh Horowitz for his contributions to the tuning scheme and to Kurt Bjorling who is attributed to developing the split treble bridge.
This Custom 18/17 Tsimbl has a Mahogany frame and matching pin panels, Spruce soundboard, Cardinal wood trim and dampers and Paduak bridges. Size: back rail 50 1/2", front rail 20 1/2", front to back 20" weight without dampers 18 lbs, with dampers 20 lbs. The dampers on this particular tsimbl are reverse dampers in that the dampers are always on unless you press down the pedal which removes the dampers. I also can build the instrument with dampers that are pulled down when needed which is the way I normally build them. The instrument has 1" string spacing with 3 strings per course on all the treble courses and 2 strings per course on the all bass courses

The 18/17 Custom Tsimbls are available only in the Custom version. Wood selections would be the same as any of my Custom hammered dulcimers. Go to the main hammered dulcimer page for options available. This instrument has 1" string spacing and 3 strings per course on all the treble courses down to the F#4/B3. Dampers can be installed. Soundhole designs may be customized.

I also make a 13/12 Student Model Tsimbl
18/17 Tsimbl Tuning Chart