A new design for Slate Creek Dulcimers!

Coming soon! The Honaker Pattern:
I've wanted to introduce a Virginia replica from before 1900 for some time now and some of my customers have even asked me if I built one.
My current Hogfiddles are pretty much a combination of features form Traditional Virginia patterns with a few of my own designs thrown in. So I've been searching for a vintage pattern I could do as a replica.
Problem is, with most Virginia patterns being the teardrop, or boat paddle style there's only subtle differences here and there, and no matter what I made as a replica among that pattern style it wouldn't turn out much different than what I already make.

So in my search I got out my copy of Ralph Lee Smith's book: Appalachian Dulcimer Traditions. I had also searched the internet for images of vintage Virginia dulcimores trying to maybe find something that stood out from everything else, or at the least was very different than I already made.
Finally in Ralph's book on page 134 (figure 8.3) I found what I was looking for. A holly leaf shaped pattern made by James A. Honaker in Bland County Virginia/Mercer County West Virginia somewhere around the mid 1800's. (It was all Virginia if built before the Civil War)
I was especially interested after I found it was from that area because it's the closest vintage dulcimore found that I know of in location of my home in Buchanan County Virginia.

Then, a little bit of discouragement hit me. As I recalled one of my fellow traditional luthiers had built this pattern and I didn't want to intrude upon his sales. I found out it was Kevin Messenger so I messaged him asking if he would mind if I built them. He said go for it and even gave me all his info about the dulcimore to help me out! Thanks Kevin! I want to post his website in case you would like to order one from him, rather than me: https://www.kmdulcimers.com/
He's an excellent luthier and will do you a great job!

It will take me a while to get this pattern sorted as the sides will be quite a challenge. Once I'm confident I can do it I will be offering 3 versions:
The Replica: Will be as close as possible to the original as I can get it with the info I have.
27 inch vsl.
17 diatonic frets.
4 strings tuned Daaa or dddd. Other tunings may be possible.
Wood violin style tuning pegs.
1-1/4 inch tall Fiddle sides.

The Hogfiddle version:
27 inch vsl.
17 diatonic frets standard, extra frets possible.
3 or 4 strings, various tunings.
My design peghead with zither tuning pins.
1-1/4 inch tall Smooth sides.

The Buchanan version:
27 inch vsl.
19 frets standard. 6+ and 14+ frets included.
3 strings. various tunings.
1-1/2 inch wide cantilever fretboard.
My design peghead with zither pins and violin fine tuners.
2 inch tall Smooth sides.

I'm currently working on a Hogfiddle version so stay tuned for photos!

Introducing the Whistlepig

Say hello to the Whistlepig!
19.5 inch VSL. Can be tuned Daa but normal tuning is Cgg.Other tuning possible.
This one has a Sycamore soundboard and the rest is Mulberry.

Below the Whistlepig compared to the Sow for a size comparison.

Another Shoat Hogfiddle

A beautiful Shoat with Sassafras soundboard, red maple and birdseye maple peghead and tailpiece. Red maple back and sides, and birdseye maple fretboard.