Note that I am not taking orders for custom dulcimers. I will be producing both all wood and 3D printed/wood instruments that will be offered first to those on my waiting list. Feel free to contact me to be added to the list.
Aaron O'Rourke Fingerstyle Dulcimers
Note that Stephens Lutherie is not taking orders for custom dulcimers at this time. I am focusing on the development of the instrument rather than production. If this situation changes, I will update this page.
Signature Model
The Signature Model is aimed at the lap player who wants the unique sound and playability of nylon strings at a more economical price point. The tone of the instrument is virtually identical to the Pro Model because it has the same fully vibrating soundboard and elevated fretboard. The Signature Model has a double back so your lap will not diminish the volume or the rich texture of the sound. Inside, the sound chamber and beam construction are identical to the the Pro Model. In order to keep costs in line, the Signature Model forgoes the radiused fretboard, the gold EVO Frets and the bevel (which would serve no purpose). If you prefer playing with your instrument in your lap, as many of us do, the Signature Model was designed for you. It compromises nothing in terms of the unique sound of an Aaron O'Rourke Fingerstyle Dulcimer.
PRICING
Standard Aaron O'Rourke Signature Model $1585
Optional plastic binding 175
Optional four tuner headstock (includes four string bridge) 25
Optional Artec under-saddle pickup and special bridge* 100
Custom shipping crate 50
Pro Model
The Pro Model incorporates all of the bells and whistles of the instrument that Aaron plays in performance. It too has a double back, since Aaron found that there was a difference in tone when the back was dampened by contact with the player's body. It has a radiused fretboard with larger EVO gold frets that suite Aaron's style of play. To significantly reduce arm and shoulder strain, the Pro model incorporates a large bevel that works for a variety of right hand positions.
PRICING
Standard Aaron O'Rourke Pro Model $1975
Optional plastic binding 175
Optional four tuner headstock (includes four string bridge) 25
Optional Artec under-saddle pickup and special bridge* 100
Custom shipping crate 50
SPECIFICATIONS
Signature Model Pro Model
Acoustic design Floating fretboard Floating fretboard
Structural design Internal beam, bolt-on neck Internal beam, bolt-on neck
Overall length 36.4" 36.4"
Width at major bout 7.9" 7.9
Height of body 2.70" at foot- tapered 2.70" at foot- tapered
Number of frets 2 octaves 2 octaves
Width of fretboard 1.5" 1.5"
Scale 25.0" 25.0"
Frets 18% Nickel-silver EVO Gold
Dimensions of frets (H xW) .045 x .095 .047 x .107
Number of strings (standard) 3 3
Fretboard radius Flat 10"
Zero fret (Y/N) Y Y
Bevel (Y/N) N Y
Brand and model of tuners Gotoh UPT silver Gotoh UPT gold
String set Nylon standard/Steel upon request Nylon standard/Steel upon request
Bindings plastic optional plastic optional
Exterior body wood solid tonewood solid tonewood
Neck carbon reinforced Sapele carbon reinforced Sapele
Headstock overlay Richlite Richlite
Fretboard Richlite Richlite
Pickups Custom Dual JJB standard Custom Dual JJB standard
Optional pickup Artec under-saddle system Artec under-saddle system
Note: Stephens Lutherie is constantly improving their instruments and reserves the right to change specifications without notice.
Since all instruments are made to the clients order, they are not returnable. If possible, it is best to play a Fingerstyle Dulcimer prior to ordering to be certain that your style of play is a compatible with the instrument.
* When the Artec under-saddle is ordered, it is wired to the tip of a single stereo jack. The ring of the jack is wired to the Dual JJB pickups. These two signals can be split with a splitter cable and either signal can be plugged into whatever amplification system you choose, or both signals can be fed into a pedal like the Boss AD-10 where they can be blended and/or modified to suite.