Creator Record
Metadata
Name |
Robert "Bob" R. Mize |
Other names |
Robert "Bob" Roy Mize Robert Mize Bob Mize |
Dates & places of birth and death |
b. 1921 - Clayton, Georgia d. 2003 |
Nationality |
American |
Occupation |
The following biography was submitted by a Reece Museum volunteer in October 2024. "Robert Roy "Bob" Mize (1921-2003) was born in Clayton, Georgia but lived in Blountville, Tennessee for many years. He began making dulcimers after his son, Stephen, came home from a craft fair with a kit made by acclaimed dulcimer maker Homer Ledford. Ledford eventually gave Mize a pattern, encouraging him to build more instruments. Ledford offered beneficial and practical tips on sound and construction. (Note: Homer Ledford's pattern came from Jethro Amburgey (1895-1971) which came from Uncle Ed Thomas (1850-1933).) Mize began his dulcimer business in 1967. In the ensuing 36 years he built over 3,800 dulcimers. His wife Maude, affectionately called Mamma Maude, assisted him until her death about two years prior to his passing. His children Stephen and Jane also contributed to the dulcimer business. A forum about a Mize dulcimer indicates Jane was a dulcimer maker, as the instrument being discussed had Mize's name and was signed J-10. Most of Mize's instruments were custom orders allowing the buyer to choose between native woods such as cherry, walnut, or exotic woods like bubinga, an African hardwood similar to rosewood. His dulcimers have a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and are highly sought after. In 1975 Mize was featured in Foxfire Series #3 in a chapter titled, "Banjos and Dulcimers" (pages 185-207). In October 2004, the Paramount Theater in Bristol, Tennessee hosted a gathering to honor the memory of Bob and Maude Mize. Musicians from as far away as Texas and New York attended. Folks shared stories of how the Mize family "adopted" them. The large group of musicians gathered on stage for a photograph with each holding their own Mize dulcimer at the conclusion of the program. In a 2005 issue of Dulcimer Player News, the "In Memoriam" section said that luthier and bowed dulcimerist Ken Bloom talked about visiting with Bob Mize: "I visited him several times at his home. When I would call him up to say I was coming out his way, his response would always be, "Great! We'll go and kill one of the neighbor's chickens!" In a Facebook post from 2023 a person talked about his Mize dulcimer stating that Mize had started assembling it during a demonstration on dulcimer making at the Dulcimer Players Workshop at Appalachian State University in 1995. He had told Mize when it was finished he would like to buy that dulcimer, which was described as being comprised of black walnut and wormy chestnut on top. Mize's obituary said "Bob was a world-class dulcimer maker." Bob Mize built dulcimers for the Tennessee governor's office, which were given as gifts to state and foreign dignitaries. His instruments are said to be in the collections at the Smithsonian Institution, the Tennessee State Museum, as well as the Birthplace of Country Music Museum which has/had a Mize dulcimer on loan by The Carter Fold. That specific dulcimer belonged to the legendary Mother Maybelle Carter of the Carter Family." |
Notes |
Sources: https://revelsmusic.co.uk/dulcimers-for-sale/historicunusual-dulcimers/mize_hourglass/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homer_Ledford https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXH5faiVItU https://issuu.com/dulcimerplayersnewsinc/docs/120823190208-24b1ef20f89d4e1e9cbb6004cdabb332 https://athensdulcimerclub.wordpress.com/dulcimentaries/dulcimentary-articles-pt-iii/bob-mize-maybelle-carter-dulcimer-connection/ fotmd.com 1977 Robert Mize-Forums https://reverb.com/item/7495020-robert-r-mize-mountain-dulcimer-1979-cherry-price-drop https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php/?story_fbid=2508653395861588&id=2147896168603981 |
Publications |
In 1975 Mize was featured in Foxfire Series #3 in a chapter titled, "Banjos and Dulcimers" (pages 185-207). |
Relationships |
Wife: "Mamma Maude" Mize Children: Stephen and Jane Mize |
Places of residence |
Clayton, Georgia Blountville, Tennessee |
Role |
Artist |
Titles & Honors |
Bob Mize was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army as a forward observer for the artillery under Patton’s Third Army 20th Corps. |
Related Records
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2000.015 - Dulcimer
This is dulcimer #1055 made by Robert "Bob" R. Mize of the Mize Dulcimer Company in Blountville, Tennessee. This is a Kentucky-style dulcimer in an elongated hourglass pattern. The dulcimer features four strings with extra string slots in the nut and the bridge. It also has 13 and 1/2 frets. The head is hand carved into the shape of an eagle's shoulder and head. Dulcimer (.a) and wall hanging parts (.b-d).
Record Type: Object
