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An Internal Pickup System can be a boon when playing amplified in tight situations, where microphones and boom stands would be cumbersome. A pickup is also not as prone to feedback as a microphone, so it can be used at a higher volume level. If the pickup provides the only signal into the monitor speakers, feedback problems are also often erased.
After a long period of dissatisfaction with the sound and durability of commercially available systems (which are really designed for things other than hammered dulcimer) I was driven to devise one of my own a few years ago. It works. The pickup is hidden, and as it's not held by tape or adhesives there's no possibility of it coming loose or coming apart., and the sound is better than with other HD pickup systems. The cost includes installation.
Please note that as some alteration of the instrument is required, I do not offer this for sale without the installation, but I can install the system on almost any hammered dulcimer. Although this installation has to happen in the shop, it can usually be done within two days… call or email for details.
There are two systems available, the Basic and the Full Set Up.
The Full Setup consists of one piezo sensor mounted inside the treble bridge, and a buffer/preamp, adapted especially for the dulcimer, mounted in the instrument. It's powered by an easily-accessed 9 volt battery (with a hinged battery compartment in the back of the instrument which looks very elegant). The 1/4" unbalanced output means that you can plug it directly into any amp.
The Basic Setup has one piezo sensor in the treble bridge connected to a jack in the back of the instrument. You supply your own preamp.
I also make a Cable Amp, consisting of a simple buffer/preamp in a cable that's phantom powered. With the Basic Setup and Cable Amp together you can plug directly into a PA system, or anything with an XLR balanced input and phantom power.
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