My passion is to apply crystals to the musical experience. Crystal bridges enhance the tonal quality of a musical instrument. The musical vibrations activate the crystals, promoting a deeper level of musical communication; while also enhancing acoustical properties. I offer crystal augmentations for hammered dulcimers, guitars, mandolins, banjos, Native American style flutes and more. Derek builds personalized, custom design hammered dulcimers as well as small beginner models. He also builds Native American style flutes. Each instruments and augmentation includes a matching crystal (or hardwood) talisman to complement and connect you with the subtle vibrations of your instrument. Derek exhibits very innovative style in his work. He is inspired to create personal, custom instruments, keeping an open conversation in order to incorporate each individual customer's ideas for their instrument. Derek offers fully and linear chromatic hammered dulcimers, as well as the standard hammered dulcimer tuning. He specializes in using gemstones and wood as bridge caps, instead of commonly used plastic. Derek is confident that these earth-based materials enhance the tonal quality of instruments, as well as intensify the healing essence of music. Crystals, having a harder density than plastic/wood, allow more frequencies to be projected through the sound box of the instrument, giving each note a fuller depth. The crystals help the instrument sustain notes much longer, and on fretted instruments, the ability to play harmonics is increased. Derek builds hammered dulcimers of various proportions, from beginner models to custom built wide-range models. If you are interested in a custom design instrument, or replacing your instrument's bridges/saddle/nut with gemstones, please contact Derek to discuss details.
