Beard Instruments

Beard Instruments A Universe of Sound. Creating quality stringed instruments for over 40 years.

We start with fine woods and deliver to your hands the ability to fill the world with wonderful music.

Breaking news! I have obtained some very rare, extremely desirable American chestnut. Since the species was wiped out ...
09/01/2026

Breaking news! I have obtained some very rare, extremely desirable American chestnut. Since the species was wiped out by a blight in the 20th century, only reclaimed wood is available, and it is often full of worm holes, nail holes, and other defects. This wood is not only completely clean, but also quarter sawn. The tonal characteristics of chestnut are excellent. I have enough for three dulcimers, and then, who knows if I will ever find more -- and not of this quality. I will start these instruments later in the year, your chance to hear the sound of the ancient forest. Contact for details.

More zouks and octaves on the way. Left is a cedar/figured walnut zouk. (sorry....on hold) middle is a spruce/figured ...
09/01/2026

More zouks and octaves on the way. Left is a cedar/figured walnut zouk. (sorry....on hold) middle is a spruce/figured mahogany zouk, and on right the latest octave, cedar top and rosewood body. Currently applying lacquer.

The two newest dulcimers now for sale on Reverb. Butternut/walnut, and Alaskan spruce/highly figured cherry body. both ...
07/11/2026

The two newest dulcimers now for sale on Reverb. Butternut/walnut, and Alaskan spruce/highly figured cherry body. both have the standard 26 3/4" scale.

Many thanks to customer Ed for his input on this custom dulcimer. I was skeptical about six strings, but it turned out f...
07/11/2026

Many thanks to customer Ed for his input on this custom dulcimer. I was skeptical about six strings, but it turned out fantastic. He suggested the bottom course should only have one bass string, plus a melody string like a 12 string guitar, which was the perfect touch. And what a sound.........Outrageous bear claw spruce from Alaska, and local figured cherry. Standard 26 3/4" scale length.

This is a modern dulcimer going soon to a customer in Colorado. I have made a few of these, but it is not a regular cat...
05/29/2026

This is a modern dulcimer going soon to a customer in Colorado. I have made a few of these, but it is not a regular catalog item. Wonderful bear claw Sitka top, figured cherry body. Ebony fingerboard. Deep body, deep sound. 6 strings (3 courses) with black mini Gotoh tuners and an ebony bridge. Ready to string.

Several folks have wanted to know if I am still building guitars. The answer is yes, but. usually only on commission. H...
05/29/2026

Several folks have wanted to know if I am still building guitars. The answer is yes, but. usually only on commission. However, I will soon have this very cool OM style guitar ready. Outrageous bearclaw Sitka spruce top and some cocobolo I have been saving for a good purpose. I think cocobolo is the closest thing we have to Brazilian for tone, and it does not disappoint. Pearl rosette, figured maple binding. Mahogany neck with diamond volute, ebony fingerboard with slotted diamond inlays. This instrument should be ready in about 90 days.

The latest group of dulcimers are being buffed and will soon be strung ip. A variety of woods but all will sound great ...
05/29/2026

The latest group of dulcimers are being buffed and will soon be strung ip. A variety of woods but all will sound great once completed. Completion slated for mid-June.

The next two octaves for sale from Beard Instruments, now on sale at Reverb.com. Model on left is my standard octave, AA...
04/07/2026

The next two octaves for sale from Beard Instruments, now on sale at Reverb.com. Model on left is my standard octave, AAA sitka spruce soundboard and Shedua body. The GOM on the right has some lovely woods, a Carpathian spruce soundboard with highly figured walnut body. Mahogany necks with ebony fingerboards and bridges. 22 3/4" scale length. These are ready to boogie. Cases included.

I'm currently out of dulcimers. -- but will have more ready shortly! Contact for details.
04/01/2026

I'm currently out of dulcimers. -- but will have more ready shortly! Contact for details.

The next three zouks heading for a new home. Left to right, sitka spruce/shedua body. standard octave, middle is a ...
03/20/2026

The next three zouks heading for a new home. Left to right, sitka spruce/shedua body. standard octave, middle is a cedar/rosewood full scale cittern. ( #100). and far right is a standard octave, redwood top rosewood body. Completion in about a month. Contact for availability.

All three are equipped with Grover mini-rotomatic tuners and an Allen tailpiece. Mahogany neck with two way truss rod, ebony fingerboard and carved ebony bridge. Fun guaranteed.

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Rutherfordton, NC

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

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