Making Musical Instruments: Banjo, Snare Drum, Dulcimer, Tambourine, Hardanger Fiddle, the Dolmetsch Recorder

From the dust jacket: The construction of six musical instruments covering a cross-section of string, percussive, and wind instruments are here described in comprehensive detail. The instruments -- banjo, tambourine, snare drum, dulcimer, Hardanger fiddle ,and alto recorder-- were carefully chosen to give a broad, general introduction to the art of instrument making. Construction techniques include pearl and ivory inlay, engraving, lapping and mounting of skin heads, fabrication of metal parts, carving , gilding, and surface decoration. A simple lamination process devised by the author enables the amateur craftsman to make drum hoops, and banjo and tambourine shells of great strength for a modest cost. This new process does away with the difficult and laborious steam bending techniques that have made the building of these instruments inaccessible to amateurs. Over two hundred photographs in black-and-white and color along with diagrams give a clear understanding of each stage of building procedure.