SOUNDS LIKE OLD TIMES : Fans of the dulcimer will gather to savor its sweet, multihued sounds--and dispel myths about the centuries-old instrument.

This stringed instrument is practically synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll. We’re talking of course, about . . . the dulcimer?

“There is a perception out there of this woman in a long dress sitting on a cabin porch somewhere strumming the dulcimer,” said Steve Dulson, president of the Santee-based Southern California Dulcimer Heritage. “But it’s just a false image.

“A prime example of its possibilities is Andy Robinson,” said Dulson, citing one of the performers scheduled for a concert his group will host Saturday in Laguna Niguel. “He’s opened shows for the Kinks, the Tubes and [Jefferson] Starship. . . . He’s been playing rock ‘n’ roll on the dulcimer for years now.”

While rock ‘n’ roll isn’t always the first connection made when the dulcimer is brought up, it was what led Dulson to the instrument back in the ‘60s.

“The first time I saw the dulcimer was on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ “he recalled. “Brian Jones played one when the Rolling Stones performed the song ‘Lady Jane,’ and I got hooked. In addition, if you look at photos of string bands in the ‘20s and ‘30s, you’ll probably find a dulcimer in there.”

Dulson and other participants in Saturday’s benefit concert at Shade Tree Stringed Instruments hope the event will dispel other myths about the instrument, as well as foster greater appreciation for its sweet, multihued sounds. Along with the Andy Robinson Band, the lineup includes Orange County’s folksy, old-timey Cottonwood Stringband and the all-female, Celtic sounds of Tintangel.

Proceeds will go toward plane fare for Karen Ashbrook and Lois Hornbostel--noted dulcimer players from Maryland and North Carolina, respectively--to attend the Harvest Festival of Dulcimers in Dana Point on Sept. 26.

That yearly event will offer workshops for players of all abilities, jamming and open-mike areas, vendor displays and booths and performances by a varied lineup of both hammered- and fretted--a.k.a. Appalachian--dulcimer players.

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Other scheduled performers at the September event include Connie Allen, Patti Amelotte, Ruth Barrett & Cynthia Smith, Jeff Bratt, Michael Eskin, Jim Hayes & European Union, Susan Howell & Neils Andersen, the Andy Robinson Band and Karen Williams.

“Because some of the best players don’t get out to the West Coast that often,” said Dulson, “each year we try to bring in at least one out-of-towner to the Harvest Festival. That way, local dulcimer enthusiasts get the opportunity to see them perform and attend one of their workshops.”

Dating to the 9th century Middle East, the hammered dulcimer has 58 metal strings, which a player strikes. Its tone is commonly described as soothing and gentle.

The fretted-dulcimer typically features four strings, an hourglass shape and hardwood construction. It was brought to America by German settlers in the early 1700s. Players can either pluck the strings with a wooden plectrum or goose quill or saw them with a bow. It’s usually played with an open tuning, which means it’s not necessary for the player to press fingers on the strings to create pleasing chords.

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Dulson, who plays fretted dulcimer in the Costa Mesa-based Celtic folk group Tinker’s Own, said the instrument’s rippling sounds seem to transport listeners.

“The purity of the notes, the way it resonates . . . it does take me back to another time,” said Dru Wood-Golden, the hammered dulcimer player in Orange County’s Tintangel. (Related story, F30.)

“The sound just lends itself to Medieval times of Irish cliffs and castles and hard-charging horses. . . . It’s very chivalrous and beautiful.”

Margie Mirken, who owns Shade Tree with husband Greg, says the dulcimer is right for just about anyone--another hallmark of rock ‘n’ roll, not to mention traditional folk music.

“The world of dulcimer kind of epitomizes folk music in that it’s very inclusive,” said Mirken, who plays Appalachian dulcimer, banjo, guitar, Irish harp and bass fiddle. “It’s not you and them--it’s us. And it’s so user-friendly because it’s so easy to just pick it up and play it.

“Everyone should experience this thoroughly American musical voice,” she said. “It’s just like clear water flowing down a stream, or a bite of a little, crisp June apple. The dulcimer is a non-urban, unspoiled thing that we can all bring into our suburban lives.”

* The Southern California Dulcimer Heritage society benefit concert takes place Saturday at Shade Tree Stringed Instruments, 28062 Forbes Road, Laguna Niguel. 7:30 p.m. $10. (949) 364-5270.