Gallier Dulcimers - The A Frame
The A Frame is another Gallier design innovation that is a fusion of the characteristics of a traditional style dulcimer coupled with the progressive elements of acoustics learned from my development of the Starsong model. It was created to fill the needs of those wanting a smaller dulcimer, with a shorter scale, and at a more moderate price. The 25″ scale has proven to work well for those with smaller hands, and since the instrument was designed from the ground up to go together efficiently, it is less than half the cost of the Starsong. The unique cantilevered bridge design helps give this little instrument that trademark Gallier sound… full, round, and with plenty of volume. Even at it’s mid price, details like wood edge trim and hardwood fretboard overlay have not been neglected. The A Frame is built by the other half of the Gallier Brothers, Les Gallier. Here are a couple of YouTube links of an A Frame being played by it owner, Josh Noe, to give you an idea of it’s sound. The Trip Home is an original composition by Josh…nice tune.
***NOTE*** The Gallier Starsong underwent a 30 year process of tweaking the design…scale length, bridge mechanism, bracing, shape, etc….before it was standardized. The A Frame is undergoing the same process and frequent design changes, as they prove to be beneficial to the sound, will be on going. Most will be very subtle. We are currently working on a major design change involving the bridge mechanism, and this sight will be updated with pictures and description when that is complete.