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NICHOLAS BLANTON INSTRUMENTS

Hammered Dulcimer Models

The Forte

Compact

Forte

Rizzetta
Extended
Range

Rizzetta
Piano
Dulcimer

The Forte is an instrument that has been refined over the past 15 years, and has more of the brighter, traditional sound that comes with a longer scale length.  It also has a firm mid-range and solid bass. The low bass bridge is set to the left for good bass response, with  two chromatics (Bb and F)  set to the right for ease of playing in D and G minor. The longer scale length makes it possible to re-string the low bass bridge and re-tune it for more choices in bass notes and chromatics.  The mahogany back helps give it a clear commanding tone.  It has the comfortable string spacing of 1.125". 

Redwood top, mahogany back..  18lbs, 45" wide, 20" broad, 3.5" deep,  (8.2 kilos, 114.3x51x8.8cm).

Forte Tuning Scheme

D#6
C#6

E6-Bb5
D6-G#5
C6* F5
B5 - E5
A5 -D5
G5 * C5
F#5-B4
E5 - A4
D5 * G4
C#5-F#4
B4 - E4
A4 * D4
G#4- C#4
F#4- B3
E 4 * A3
D#4 - G#3

D#5
C#5
*Bb4
A4
G
4
*F4
E
4
D4
*C
4
B3
A3
*G3
F#3
E3
*D3


Eb
3
C3
B
2
A
2
G
2

      Bb3
       F3
            Eb 3

Nicholas  Blanton Instruments    P.O. box  1474   Shepherdstown, WV    25443     (304) 263-2531