Although I have never been to the Appalacian Mountains of the eastern United States, I do play an instrument which developed in this region–the mountain dulcimer.  The instrument actually originated in Gemany, probably in the fifteenth century, and later spread to several countries in northern Europe.  It was brought to this country by those who later became known as the Pennsylvania Dutch.  Early instruments made in America resemble their European predecessors, but gradually the instrument evolved into its present shape and tuning.

The instrument I play is made of walnut by McSpadden.  Here are some examples of dulcimer playing from my CD Simple Gifts which I produced in 2005.

As part of my study of the history and development of the dulcimer, I made copies of two early instruments surviving in this country which are very much like the original German scheitholt.  Both are made of walnut.