![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Lynn1.jpg)
After she saw Jean’s new dulcimer, Lynn and I have worked out most of the details of her new teardrop instrument. Here is the first post of the initial sketches and raw fretboard.
![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Lynn2.jpg)
I like working with paper when planning a project that differs from my standard hourglass shape. Modifications are easy to accomplish.
![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Fret-cut.jpg)
The fretboard requires the most precise work. Here, I have already measured, marked and started the fret slots. I finalize the slots with a Japanese fret saw.
![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/fretboard.jpg)
The board is complete,
![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/head-and-tail-clamps.jpg)
and the rough shapes of the peg head and tailstock are cut and clamped.
![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/peg-head-shaped.jpg)
This is my standard scroll pattern that I use on most of my dulcimers. It has evolved over the years.
![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/pieces.jpg)
All the pieces (except for the sides) are ready to assemble.
![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/strips-installed-on-back2.jpg)
Strips are added to the back to support the sides.
![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Holes.jpg)
I cut out the sound hole designs,
![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/fretboard-install.jpg)
and attached the fretboard.
![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Top-and-Back.jpg)
The back is added,
![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/side-1.jpg)
and the sides.
![](https://www.naturecoastdulcimerworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/completed-45.jpg)
After a couple of coats of hand-rubbed polyurethane, I installed the Grover “Sta-tite” friction tuning pegs and the Vega banjo strings. Dulcimer #45 is complete and ready for delivery.