The Galax Model
The Galax-style dulcimer is a form of lap dulcimer which was developed in the vicinity of Galax, Virginia.  Galaxes are lozenge-shaped, with deeper sides than most other dulcimers, usually 2 1/2 to 3 inches (Kudzu Patch Galaxes are usually made 2 5/8 inches deep.)  The instrument is strung with four strings, all tuned to the same note.  The first two strings are usually played with a noter (a small smooth dowel or stick of wood); the remaining two act as drones.  It is designed this way to produce a sound that will stand out when playing with an old-time or bluegrass band, instead of being drowned out by other instruments as most other dulcimers would be.  The Galax dulcimer can be played in either Ionian or Mixolydian modes without re-tuning.  The Galax is sometimes built with a false back, which rests on the player's lap, freeing the actual back to resonate with the vibrations of the strings and add to its volume.  

The Gaskins/Melton Style Galax Dulcimer is built in the tradition of the Melton Family dulcimers, with the fretboard, tailblock and endblock built as one piece of wood. 

 

See Prices & Terms page for ordering information.

Endorsement of Kudzu Patch Galax dulcimers by noted dulcimer historian Ralph Lee Smith Ralph Lee Smith endorsed Ben Seymour's Galax-style dulcimers on page 33 of the February-April 2001 issue of Dulcimer Players News in his column "Mountain Dulcimer Tales & Traditions:"      Postscript:  Ben Seymour is Making Galax-Style Dulcimers "I must sadly report that Jacob Ray Melton of Galax, Virginia, the great maker of traditional Galax-style dulcimers, passed away.... "For some time prior to his death, Jacob Ray had discontinued making dulcimers.  This left interested persons virtually without a source for obtaining a traditional-style instrument of the Virginia type.  I am glad to be able to report that Ben Seymour of Tryon, North Carolina has stepped in to fill this important need."  Ralph Lee Smith's book The Story of the Dulcimer provides a complete background on Galax and other lap dulcimers.  (For more information, see http://www.owlmntnmusic.com/dulcimerresources.htm.)

      

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Listen to Sail Away Ladies, played on a Kudzu Patch Galax.

Here is a video of Ben playing a Galax dulcimer.


A Gallery of Ben's Galaxes
(click on thumbnails to see larger photos)

	Galax with false back and custom case. SOLD		Lisa Johnson's Galax is built of figured cherry--back, top and sides.  (See her comment below.) SOLD		Bill Collins' wormy chestnut Galax. SOLD
	Gaskins/Melton Galax I built this dulcimer made entirely of wormy chestnut for Phyllis Gaskins as she wanted a Galax built the “old” way.  I put frets all the way across and a 6½ was added to this instrument by request.  SOLD		Greg Gunner's Gaskins/Melton Galax has walnut back and sides and a wormy chestnut top.  (See his comment below.) SOLD		A chestnut Galax. SOLD
	Gorgeous Galax made for Terry Dadzitis. SOLD		Sycamore Galax The wood of this instrument possesses a beautiful dappled pattern. SOLD		Cherry Galax made for Tina Pond, with Passamaquoddy pattern wood inlay.