Wade Martin Appalachian Dulcimer

This Appalachian dulcimer was made by Wade Martin in Swannanoa, North Carolina, undetermined date. It is a single-bout dulcimer made of sumac wood, with a wood nut and bridge, 15 metal frets, 2 stylized diamond-shaped sound holes, carved out pegbox with 4 wooden friction tuning pegs, and a violin-like head.

Marcus Martin was one of the Smokey Mountains’ best-known fiddlers and a traditional fiddle maker. His son, Wade, a professional baseball player, apprenticed with his father, also became a noted instrument maker. Collector Anne Grimes considered their instruments among the best. This was Grimes’ first dulcimer and her performance instrument for many years.

Anne Grimes (1912-2004) was an American journalist, musician, and historian of American (particularly Midwestern) folklore. Grimes studied voice and piano at Ohio Wesleyan and initiated graduate studies at Ohio State University. Following her education, Grimes was a music teacher, music and dance critic, and radio host. After WWII, Grimes began collecting and documenting folk songs throughout Ohio, as well as collecting Appalachian dulcimers and zithers. She would continue this work, performing, recording, and lecturing on instruments from her collection throughout the rest of her career.