How to Buy an Appalachian Dulcimer

For centuries, the Appalachian dulcimer has been expressing the traditional folk music of the Appalachian mountain people. As a descendant of a European instrument, the German scheitholt, its three or four strings make the dulcimer very easy to play. With its gentle and unique sound, most people would agree that the sweet melodious tone of the Appalachian dulcimer is one of the most beautiful instruments in the world.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Find a store that sells dulcimers. Call music stores that sell stringed instruments, such as guitars, and ask if they sell Appalachian dulcimers. Look for folk bands in the area and talk to them about the best place to buy a dulcimer.
2. Pick the size and shape. There are a few different shapes and you need to decide if you want a teardrop-shaped dulcimer or one that is hourglass shaped. They are about the same size, but the teardrop shape has a slightly stronger bass tone than the hourglass-shaped dulcimer.
3. Choose the wood. Black walnut has a rich brown color and good acoustics, while butternut has a nice tan color with a beautiful grain. African mahogany is another fine wood, with its mottled color that, allows a well-defined tone range.
4. Decide how much you want to spend. Dulcimers range in price, depending on the brand and the wood used, in the making of the instrument. Some woods, such as Madagascar rosewood, will cost more than oak or spruce because of its cost to the manufacturer to ship over overseas.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for groups and bands that play folk music. Go to folk music festivals and search out vendors.
• Keep your instrument out of the cold and wet because the wood will warp and this throws the acoustics off.