Dallas’ Complete Tutor for the Dulcimer
In Ipswich, Stanley Shemming‘s dulcimer was thought to have been made, or perhaps supplied, by the firm of J.E. Dallas and Son – better known as banjo-makers.
They were based in central London, and the only actual evidence we have for them in relation to dulcimers is a 40-page tutor published between 1914 and 1926, mostly consisting of popular tunes written out for the dulcimer, but also containing a couple of tuning diagrams and pages of advice.
We have come across other dulcimer makers and suppliers from London, but so far I am unaware of any instruments or documentation to support the assertion that Dallas made or supplied actual instruments. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has further information.
- The dulcimer tutor book was published by John E. Dallas & Sons, 202 High Holborn, London WC.
- The company were at that address from February 1914 to sometime in 1926.
- It was written for them by Walter Webber.
- There are several tuning diagrams – first one is for a G dulcimer with 23 bridges.
- It shows (and describes) an “improved” system of “tubes” (i.e. continuous bridges) rather than “bridges” (i.e. single chessman type bridges).
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