Applecreek is known for maintaining high-quality standards when it comes to design and construction, making this dulcimer an ideal choice to go with. ... With such a beautiful overall appearance, sound and solid construction, it is one of the most recommended dulcimers on the market.

Where are Applecreek dulcimers made?

Handcrafted in Romania by experienced luthiers, this Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer features a Spruce top, richly stained Maple back and sides and a Maple Fretboard. Geared machine heads are provided for easy and precise tuning. Apple Creek Dulcimers are well made using time tested construction techniques.

Are McSpadden dulcimers good?

Traditionally played on the lap, the Mountain dulcimer has a haunting lyrical sound and can have you picking out tunes within minutes. McSpadden dulcimers are top quality and suitable for professional use, live or in a recording studio.

What makes a good dulcimer?

The fingerboard should be very hard since it takes a lot of wear and tear. Also it should be moisture-resistant if possible. So mahogany and rosewood are popular choices. But, again, if you see a walnut or cherry dulcimer and the fingerboard is also walnut or cherry, that doesn't mean you should reject it out of hand.

How do I choose a dulcimer?

Finding and buying a mountain dulcimer is a matter of looking and listening carefully: ask around, listen to various players. Look for a solid wood instrument; ask about its finish, request geared tuners, check its action, and sight down the top of the fingerboard to make sure its dead flat.

Comparison between Mountain Dulcimer and Seagull Merlin/stick dulcimers

What is the best wood for a dulcimer?

Western red cedar is the most widely used of the cedars for dulcimer soundboards. The wood is softer and lighter than spruce but is less affected by changes in humidity. The sound properties of western red cedar are notable for very clear highs, excellent balance throughout the tonal range and a warm tone.

What are the different kinds of dulcimers?

The two main types of dulcimers heard today are the hammered dulcimer and the mountain dulcimer. These have evolved into two completely different instruments, but their precursors are the same instruments used for centuries in other cultures.

How much is a dulcimer worth?

Our dulcimers range from about $700 to about $4,500. To view, download or print a price list, click the links below. Prices can also be found on our harp and hammered dulcimer model and accessory pages.

Is dulcimer easy to learn?

Dulcimers are the easiest stringed instrument for beginners to play, ideal for children and non-musicians who want to play tunes or accompany singing. Dulcimers are a relatively quiet instrument. Their sweet quiet sound is well-suited to personal relaxation or playing in a cozy environment.

How many strings should a dulcimer have?

Number of strings: Dulcimers may have as few as two or as many as 12 strings (in up to six courses). Up to the 1960s most mountain dulcimers had three strings. The most popular variant today is four strings in three courses, with doubled melody strings.

What is a ginger dulcimer?

McSpadden Ginger Models are smaller dulcimers with a 23 3/16″ fretboard that can provide a high (Key of G) clear voice similar to that of a mandolin. On request they can be set up in the Key of D to be used as a smaller standard dulcimer for players who have difficulty reaching positions on a standard size fretboard.

Is a dulcimer?

dulcimer, stringed musical instrument, a version of the psaltery in which the strings are beaten with small hammers rather than plucked. ... The player's right hand strums with a small stick or quill, and the left hand stops one or more strings to provide the melody.

What is the easiest instrument to teach yourself?

• Ukulele. This is an incredible instrument to begin learning with as an adult. ...
• Piano. The piano enters this list not because it is exactly easy but because it appeals to our sight and its skills are easy to pick up. ...
• Drums. ...
• Guitar.

What is the easiest stringed musical instrument to learn to play?

Ukuleles are cheap and fun to play. They are one of the easiest stringed (and fretted) instrument to learn. The size makes them an easy start for both children and adults alike. They only have four strings, and they are closer together than on a guitar.

Where can I sell my dulcimer?

• Make an announcement on the hammered dulcimer bulletin board.
• Reverb.
• Craigslist.
• Ebay.
• Facebook Hammered Dulcimer Group.

How much does it cost to restring a dulcimer?

If you want me to completely restring your dulcimer, the cost would be: Small Hammered Dulcimers (12/11, 15/14, 16/15s) add $55 labor, $10 for new acetal, and return shipping to the actual cost of the strings.

Can you play a dulcimer like a guitar?

You can play tunes the very first time you pick it up, even if you can't read music. The neck of the dulcimer is fretted like a guitar. The first fret is “1”, the second fret is “2″, and so on. ... All you have to do is push down the string at the fret corresponding to the number and strum the strings with the other hand.

Is the lap harp easy to play?

The Music Maker Lap Harp is truly one of the world's easiest and fun musical instruments to play. Play beautiful music by simply sliding a song sheet under the strings and plucking the string above each printed note. In minutes anyone can sound like they have taken music lessons for years. It's that easy!

What are the notes of the four strings on a dulcimer?

Major Dulcimer Tunings

DAA (D Ionian): One of the most commonly used tunings, DAA has the bass string(s) tuned to D, the middle string tuned to A, and the melody string(s) tuned to A as well. DAD (D Mixolydian): DAD has the bass string(s) tuned to D, the middle string tuned to A, and the melody string(s) tuned to D.

How long is a dulcimer?

Geared tuners, 4 strings and round sound holes. Dimensions are: 29" long, 6" wide, 1 1/2" deep. The playing range spans 2 octaves. The Chord Stick can be played as a dulcimer you hold upright like a guitar, but its best feature is that it is an instrument you can play chords on using only one finger!