Home » Shop » Hammered Dulcimers » Master Works DulciForte Hammered Dulcimer

Master Works DulciForte Hammered Dulcimer

$4,999.00$6,387.00

Secure Checkout

Joshua contributed to the design of the DulciForte. Russell Cook, the owner of Master Works, approached Joshua with the question, “what do you want in a hammered dulcimer?” After over four years of collaboration, the DulciForte was born. Joshua proudly plays the DulciForte, and you can hear it on his newest releases, including Pure Hammered Dulcimer.

The DulciForte is truly top-of-the-line in every way and, most importantly, is about quality sound and playability. It is for those who want the best without compromise. The increased size, along with Master Work’s unique design and techniques, creates a revolutionary instrument that is balanced, responsive, powerful, and pure. Once you hear it, you will understand! Like all Master Works instruments, the DulciForte is portable and only weighs approximately 18.5 pounds.

Range and Configuration

  • A1–A6 for 5 total octaves and nearly 4.5 fully chromatic octaves
  • 20/20+19 extended range configuration
  • Extended range bass bridge available on either right or left side — right is most popular

Materials and Design Technologies

  • Mahogany & redwood soundboard creates balance and adds a touch of attitude
  • Dual-response bridges (morado combined with cherry) controls sustain in the lower range
  • Carbon fiber core internal bracing enhances tuning stability and decreases weight
  • Internal sealant improves tuning stability in new weather environments and humidity changes
  • Slightly increased string spacing improves playing precision and accuracy
  • Precisely designed pinblocks reduce weight
  • Wound strings on lower courses add warmth and body
  • Corner caps slightly reduce physical dimensions and prevent bruises during transport

Visuals

  • Stained soundboard 
  • Curly maple inlaid bridge markers
  • Exotic wood endrails
  • Endrail bindings to improve contrast between the endrail and soundboard
  • Elliptical sound holes

Comparison of Master Works Hammered Dulcimers | Presented by Joshua Messick & Russell Cook

"Everlasting" from the album "Pure Hammered Dulcimer" by Joshua Messick. Recorded in the lush, rainy mountain forest of Montreat, North Carolina. A few raindrops sprinkled on my soundboard while filming. Don't try this at home. Composed and performed by Joshua Messick. Recorded with my Master Works "DulciForte" hammered dulcimer. https://JoshuaMessick.com

💰 Tip Jar: https://bit.ly/TipJarMessick
🎼 PDF Sheet Music: https://bit.ly/3019OzS
► Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36LoOnx
► Apple Music: https://apple.co/2MfkqDB
► YouTube Music https://bit.ly/2XnAg5v
► Google Play Music: https://bit.ly/2XoDhTf
► TIDAL: https://bit.ly/36Rd2YE
► Amazon MP3: https://amzn.to/36MA3fk
► Bandcamp: https://bit.ly/2ArqjLo
💿 CD / Vinyl: https://bit.ly/2KPQSvM

|| A Note from Joshua
I often record my improvisations to explore what my heart has to say through my hammered dulcimer--I try not to think about anything technical. This approach was used while composing Everlasting. After reviewing the recording, I realized the time signature was 11/8. Next, I pondered the developing composition with more technical insight to construct a chord progression and melody. Once Everlasting was completed, I learned my heart was longing to prioritize and value the most important things such as love, faith, family, and relationships.

|| Instrument
My Master Works "DulciForte" hammered dulcimer
https://youtu.be/c0t8_pcKonw
http://bit.ly/2INibJ9

"Everlasting" from the album "Pure Hammered Dulcimer" by Joshua Messick. Recorded in the lush, rainy mountain forest of Montreat, North Carolina. A few raindrops sprinkled on my soundboard while filming. Don't try this at home. Composed and performed by Joshua Messick. Recorded with my Master Works "DulciForte" hammered dulcimer. https://JoshuaMessick.com

💰 Tip Jar: https://bit.ly/TipJarMessick
🎼 PDF Sheet Music: https://bit.ly/3019OzS
► Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36LoOnx
► Apple Music: https://apple.co/2MfkqDB
► YouTube Music https://bit.ly/2XnAg5v
► Google Play Music: https://bit.ly/2XoDhTf
► TIDAL: https://bit.ly/36Rd2YE
► Amazon MP3: https://amzn.to/36MA3fk
► Bandcamp: https://bit.ly/2ArqjLo
💿 CD / Vinyl: https://bit.ly/2KPQSvM

|| A Note from Joshua
I often record my improvisations to explore what my heart has to say through my hammered dulcimer--I try not to think about anything technical. This approach was used while composing Everlasting. After reviewing the recording, I realized the time signature was 11/8. Next, I pondered the developing composition with more technical insight to construct a chord progression and melody. Once Everlasting was completed, I learned my heart was longing to prioritize and value the most important things such as love, faith, family, and relationships.

|| Instrument
My Master Works "DulciForte" hammered dulcimer
https://youtu.be/c0t8_pcKonw
http://bit.ly/2INibJ9

1.8K 316

YouTube Video UEw4eDRmaU95UDdndU1lM2NBallweWVTQUNrOTdjTDhXWS41MjE1MkI0OTQ2QzJGNzNG

Everlasting | Pure Hammered Dulcimer | Joshua Messick

Master Works attempts to have these colors and designs in stock for Joshua Messick customers. More colors and finish options are available for custom orders.

Brown

  • Brown stained soundboard
  • Canarywood endrails
  • Peruvian walnut endrail bindings and corner caps

Red/Brown

  • Red/Brown stained soundboard
  • Bubinga endrails
  • Curly maple endrail bindings and corner caps

Your DulciForte can be customized to reflect your personality.

Note: There are no upgrades to the sound quality of the DulciForte.

These custom options are available for an additional fee. Customization can also increase the build time of your instrument.

  • Schatten pickups & installation
  • Super exotic wood endrails
  • Curly maple pinblocks
  • Pinblock trim
  • Pinblock veneer
  • Stained back
  • Abalone endrail inlay
  • Abalone bridge marker inlay
  • Abalone soundhole inlay
  • Abalone damper inlay
  • Damper trim
  • Custom soundhole inlay

Custom Instrument Gallery

Instrument ships via UPS directly from the Master Works workshop in Oklahoma, USA.

Case
A case is required for shipping to ensure the safety of the instrument. Customers who wish to buy without a case can order now and schedule a pick-up at the Master Works workshop.

Domestic
The average cost to ship a DulciForte within the continental U.S. is about $450. Final shipping costs are determined when your DulciForte ships.

International
Please get in touch to place your order and receive a shipping estimate. Additional duties and taxes may apply.

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top