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2024 Recap And The Path Forward
First, let me say thank you to all of my customers who have enthusiastically supported the Hybrid dulcimer project and in turn, the...
Bob Stephens
Jun 27, 20244 min read


Big Z gets a Big Upgrade
This short blog is for any nerds that my be following my 3D printing adventures. If you are not into 3D printing, none of the following...
Bob Stephens
Jan 29, 20242 min read


Taking orders for 2024 delivery of wood dulcimers
Now is the time to get on the list for the delivery of either Aaron O'Rourke nylon string or Butch Ross steel string dulcimers for 2024. ...
Bob Stephens
Dec 9, 20231 min read


Last call for a wood dulcimer that is ready to ship
There is still one unclamed walnut dulcimer that is ready to ship. It can be set up for nylon or steel strings, in standard, baritone or...
Bob Stephens
Nov 19, 20231 min read


Two Wood Dulcimer Are Available!
For the first time in the five year history of Stephens Lutherie there are two wood dulcimers in stock. They are virtually identical...
Bob Stephens
Nov 15, 20231 min read


The Hybrid introduction at the Black Mountain Music Festival was a a great success!
In the first week, four hybrid dulcimers have been sold representing over $2500 raised for charity. The first HyVibe smart dulcimer was...
Bob Stephens
Oct 24, 20231 min read


Wow, 3D printed hybrids are now a real thing!
The latest hybrid designs were delivered to Aaron O'Rourke and Butch Ross a few weeks ago and the initial feedback has been very...
Bob Stephens
Sep 4, 20232 min read
Planning on attending Black Mountain Music Festival October 14-19
I just wanted to let everyone know that I plan to have instruments available to try out and purchase at the Black Mountain Music Festival...
Bob Stephens
May 2, 20232 min read


Is the world ready for a smart dulcimer?
This blog summarizes my initial impressions of the installation and use of the HyVibe System in a special version of my 3D printed/wood...
Bob Stephens
Apr 23, 20235 min read


Meet Big Z, the new mega printer!
After a gestation period of nine months, I am very happy to announce that the new, custom built 3D printer is up and running. Designed...
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Dec 14, 20221 min read


Hybrid 3D Printed and Wood Dulcimer
Today I wrapped up months of work building prototype dulcimers that combine traditional wood and 3D printed components. The goal is to...
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Dec 27, 20212 min read


Everything and more!
I was able to scrounge enough old parts and pieces together to get my first impressions of the 3D printed dulcimer. Put aside all you...
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Aug 13, 20212 min read


Houston, we have liftoff!
At 1:15 AM, one day, nine hours and two minutes after the print started, there it stood like a rocket on the launchpad. Amazingly, with...
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Aug 1, 20211 min read


Looking good at 16 hours
So far so good, but still another 16 hours to go. It will be interesting to see if there is a loss of accuracy when printing 27.5 inches...
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Jul 31, 20211 min read


Print a Dulcimer?
Setting up my shop has taken so long that I couldn't wait any longer to start building dulcimers again. So what do you do when you have...
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Jul 30, 20212 min read


Progress Report
Progress is being made toward a functioning lutherie shop. As the snow melts away and the distinctive cry of cranes returning can be...
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Mar 21, 20212 min read


Timing is Everything!
Stephens Lutherie is moving to Madison, Wisconsin in the middle of the the snowiest winter in a decade. The forecast for this weekend is...
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Feb 3, 20212 min read


Taming the Mando X-braced Beast
Yet another dulcimer has emerged from the Stephens Lutherie Skunkworks. To satisfy my curiosity, I whipped up a new instrument that...
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Aug 7, 20203 min read


A new path forward for Stephens Lutherie
After considerable thought, I have decided to focus my future work on design advancements of the dulcimer and other instruments rather...
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Jul 25, 20202 min read


It's a Micro Bass- can you dig it?
While I derive considerable satisfaction from completing and delivering instruments to my clients, there is nothing so satisfying as...
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May 8, 20203 min read
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