VINTAGE 1970S MOUNTAIN DULCIMER HANDMADE TEXAS MASTER LUTHIER STINSON R. BEHLEN
Vintage 1970s handmade Stinson R. Behlen Mountain Dulcimer. This instrument features beautiful woods and inlays, and traditional four hearts sound holes, and has nice sound. It was made by Stinson Behlen (1917-2004), luthier and master craftsman of mountain and hammered dulcimers, accordions, concertinas, fiddles, and guitars. Behlen made dulcimers for many well-known bands and artists, including the dulcimer that was used by Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones on “Lady Jane” and “I Am Waiting” on the 1966 album Aftermath.
Mr. Behlen maintained a shop, Southern Highland Dulcimers, in the small West Texas town of Slaton. The last photo shows Mr. Behlen holding a very similar dulcimer, with the caption: “Stinson R. Behlen with Dulcimer 1972. Stinson Behlen, resident of Slaton, Texas, with a dulcimer that he made for the Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair. 1972 May (Kerrville, Tex.)”
This dulcimer has four strings and has been well cared for. It is 34 1/4 inches long and 6 3/8 inches wide at the widest point. The body is 2 1/8 inches deep. Vibrating String Length (VSL) 27 inches.
The tuners and pegs appear to be working properly. There are a few tiny scuffs (which disappear when the instrument is polished), and a chip on the bottom (shown in the photos). A short piece of the binding on the bottom of the instrument has been replaced. (You can see that it is slightly brighter than the other binding which is all original.) There is a hairline crack in the headstock running between two of the screws that hold the tuners in place that does not affect playability or tuning. The condition is excellent for a 50-year-old instrument.
The instrument has been professionally restrung by Sylvan Music in Santa Cruz, California.
Mr. Behlen’s personal label is inside the dulcimer:
Southern Highland Dulcimers
Stinson R. Behlen (Maker)
1010 South 14th Street
Slaton, TX 79364 USA
A beautiful example of the luthier's craft that can be played or displayed.