Resources for Episode #010: Howard Rugg: Master Luthier of CapriTaurus and Early Folk Roots Dulcimers
Listen Now (Duration 32 min.)
Howard Rugg is the master luthier behind the well-known CapriTaurus and early Folk Roots Dulcimers. The thousands of dulcimers built in his workshop are being played all over the world by amateur to accomplished musicians. Howard has recently started making dulcimers again under the name CapriTaurus. With commentary by Lance Frodsham and Laura Devine Burnett. All the music in this episode was played on dulcimers created in Howard’s workshop.
How to donate to The Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast
Guest:
Howard Rugg
Music:
• Breton Lullaby - performed live by Neal Hellman and William Coulter
• March of The Kings of Laois - Peter Tommerup and Karl Franzen from Along Celtic Lines (2004)
• Wayfaring Stranger - Laura Devine Burnett and Bob Burnett Personal recording
• Untitled - live by Michael Rugg
• Arthur McBride/Fairflower of Northumberland - Dan Eyde
• An Comhra Donn/Byrne's Hornpipe - Peter Tommerup and Karl Franzen from Along Celtic Lines (2004)
• Gabhaim Molta Bride/Breton Tune - performed live by Neal Hellman and William Coulter
• Dulcimania - Dan Eyde
Website Resource Links:
Howard Rugg’s YouTube Channel
Folkcraft Instruments
Hearts of the Dulcimer (film)
Videos & Photos
Neal Hellman and Dan Eyde testing a 2013 CapriTaurus dulcimer
Michael Rugg and Peter Tommerup playing their CapriTaurus dulcimers
Howard Rugg bending dulcimer sides
Wayne Jiang playing Morning Has Broken on his 2014 custom CapriTaurus dulcimer
Howard Rugg and Michael Rugg 1969
Howard Rugg in an early 1970s Folk Roots Dulcimers catalog
Howard Rugg, Michael Rugg and Steve Jackel with CapriTaurus crew, early 1970s
Howard Rugg and Steve Jackel 1976
Folk Roots Dulcimers ad from an early 1980s catalog
Page 1 from the CapriTaurus 1974 Fall catalog
Left: Howard Rugg, mid-1980s with a Folk Roots custom teardrop 6 string. Right: Howard Rugg in 2015 with a short scale CapriTaurus dulcimer
Howard Rugg, 2014
Howard Rugg on the Hearts of the Dulcimer DVD disc. (The DVD is no longer available.)
Howard Rugg with his Hummel Dulcimer prototype
Laura Devine Burnett with her custom 2014 Angel CapriTaurus dulcimer
Wayne Jiang, Howard Rugg, and Patricia Delich at one of the Hearts of the Dulcimer screenings in Pacifica, CA (2013)
Howard Rugg and Wayne Jiang with Wayne's 1970 and 2014 CapriTaurus dulcimers
Howard Rugg and Patricia Delich with her 2014 "Lil' Sweetheart" CapriTaurus dulcimer