Social-impact Luthiery

Anthony Parsons, a luthier at Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Co. More than 150 years ago, in the heart of Appalachia, James Edward Thomas, known as Uncle Ed, loaded up a handcart and pushed it along the banks of Troublesome Creek, selling his handmade mountain dulcimers in Hindman, Kentucky. Today, at Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Co., the making of these same dulcimers, as well as guitars, mandolins and banjolynns, have helped dozens of people recover from substance abuse addiction and find fulfillment as luthiers and musicians. “There are a lot of dulcimer makers who have been connected to this place,” says Doug Naselroad, luthier and founder of Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Co. “So it’s sort of like a firmly rooted tree right here in Hindman – the music, the instruments and the people keep coming back.” The Origins of Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Co. Nearly 15 years ago, in an effort to further revive Hindman’s luthiery roots, the Appalachian Artisan…