Sam Rizzetta Celeste Dulcimer DulCeleste Glockenspiel

Celeste Dulcimer/Glockenspiel made by renowned dulcimer maker Sam Rizzetta (d. 2021). This instrument came to us as part of a larger estate collection of hammered dulcimers, mostly Rizzetta instruments. It has 35 notes, in the style of a 12/11 dulcimer.  It is in excellent condition, with padded Coon Hollow case included. Shipping is $50 within the continental US.

Description from Rizzetta's archived website:

The Hammer Dulcimer-Celeste, or DulCeleste, is a new Rizzetta musical invention that combines the celestial sound of an orchestra bell set, or glockenspiel, with the note layout and playability of a hammer dulcimer. And in some ways it improves on both instruments. Unlike dulcimer strings, the metal bars never need tuning and do not break. The sound volume is enhanced with a light weight resonator-frame unlike conventional bell sets which require bulky resonator tubes.

Anyone who can play a dulcimer can play the DulCeleste. The note arrangements are the same. The note bars are a special aluminum alloy which provides beautiful tone and light weight portability. Each note bar is accurately hand-tuned. The sound has been described as “angelic” and “celestial.”

As with dulcimers, a variety of hammers and mallets can be used. You can even use your dulcimer hammers. Mallets that are a bit heavier than average dulcimer hammers work best. Soft padded hammers give a mellow, vibraphone like tone, while hard hammers provide a sharper bell like sound. Musical range is similar to dulcimer models but in higher octaves.