Tsimbl

Although I don't sell a lot of them, I offer another version of the hammered dulcimer, the tsimbl.  This fully chromatic instrument is a close relative to the full sized cimbalom.  The layout is quite different then the traditional fifth interval American version of the hammer dulcimer but seems to suite players who play more Eastern European folk and Jewish Klezmer music. I make a couple of different sizes; a small 13/12 and an 18/17,  One of my most far flung sales was to Ignat Karmalito  who resides in Russia and plays with the group Digital Samara.  You might be interested in checking out their music.  If you'd like to see the instrument I built him as well as a tuning chart, visit my tsimbl page.

Here are some additional links to information about Tsimbls and Cimbaloms

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cimbalom.
http://www.tsimbl.com/  
http://www.klezmershack.com/articles/horowitz/horowitz.tsimbl.html

Christmas

I hope you all have had a chance to explore the variety of instruments and accessories I have that would be suitable for gifts this holiday season.  There is nothing like giving a gift that can be used creatively.  One of my most popular instruments is my two octave zither.   At only $58, this affordable, easy to play instrument, is ideal for the children on your list.  Another favorite is my bowed psalteries.  I make two sizes, the two octave soprano at $180, and the two and half octave alto, at $250.  This instrument can be played by novice and accomplished musician alike.  The best place to check out what I still have available is my current stock page. 

I also have a wonderful selection of the finest looking cutting and cheese boards available, which also make very reasonably priced gifts.   They range in price from $10 to $30. 

Please place your order early as I often either run out of instruments or time.

Thanks and I do hope you have a wonderful holiday season.   James

Precautions

As we approach the heating season, I'll throw out my usual advice about instrument care.  Keep the humidity up!  Wood in an instrument remains hydroscopic for most of its life.  That means that the cells in the wood will absorb or release moisture in response to the relative humidity in the environment.  In layman's terms that means that wood swells when the humidity is high and shrinks when low.  The swelling is not usually a problem for instruments.  It is the shrinking that is.  If wood is glued or bound on its edges, if it shrinks to much it can split.  To avoid that scenario, keep a humidifier going in your house or practice room.  Your instruments will thank you and I won't have to do the repair.  For more tips on instrument care visit http://jamesjonesinstruments.com/hdaccessories/instrumentcare.html