This Appalachian dulcimer was made by Terry Hennessy in London, England, between 1961 and 1962. It is a single-bout dulcimer with a mahogany plywood back and Sapele mahogany sides, African walnut fretboard, Taiwanese spruce top, and a plastic pick guard. The dulcimer has 4 heart-shaped sound holes, 18 metal frets, 4 mechanical tuners, and a round head inlaid with an “H”.”
This dulcimer was the played by folk singer Richard Fariña on his first album. A few original banjo strings placed by Fariña remain. It was accessioned with a custom case said to have been made by Paul Arnoldi. Hennessy made two reproductions of this instrument in between 1999 and 2001.
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