by Steve Eulberg
A few years back my spouse, Connie, and I had a warm and welcoming visit with Janita and Bob Baker of Blue Lion Instruments in Santa Margarita, California.
Watching people work through their rhythms and share their craft is a treasure and joy (for me: especially when there is a sawdust smell!)
A hallmark of these beautiful mountain dulcimers is the inlay that Janita creates for the fretboards, at the request of the new owners of the instruments. (Picture above)
But these hand-crafted instruments are also beautiful in tone and in well-earned reputation. The “secrets” of how this happens are actually not secret to anyone who builds wooden instruments. Patience, attention to detail, good materials, thoughtful design.
I am excited to share this video here: