Purchasing a Mountain Dulcimer
I've purchased approximately 30 different mt dulcimers over the years and I've played well over 100. Here are a few tips to get the instrument that is best suited to you ...
Begin with a "beginner" instrument ...
By all means purchase an inexpensive but good quality "student" dulcimer to start off with. Believe it or not, cardboard dulcimers are really good to start with ... They sound great, are easy to play and are very inexpensive. Two places to purchase cardboard dulcimers are at:
Once you decide you want a better-than-cardboard dulcimer ...
If you are buying a used instrument -
It's hard to go wrong when buying a known and modern brand-name dulcimer like Folkcraft, McSpadden, Blue Lion, McCafferty, etc. Not only are these excellent dulcimers, if it turns out you can't continue playing for some reason, these brands are easier to re-sell and you'll get most of your money back.
You may also choose to purchase an instrument from a less known, but still high quality builder. Often with less known builders you can purchase a very high quality dulcimer for a much lower price then the "name" brands.
If at all possible play the instrument before purchasing it. Play tunes you know well. How easy or hard are those tunes to play on this new-to-you dulcimer? Do those tunes sound right to you? Also, bring a tuner and play every fret position on each string to check the dulcimer for correct intonation. Meaning ... is the correct note playing more-or-less at each fret position? Is there any buzzing on any of the frets? Are there dull sounding notes?
If purchasing at a distance - ask the seller to do a zoom call so you can at least hear the instrument before you purchase it.
It's helpful if the seller turns on "Original Sound" in their Zoom software
Don't forget to check the dulcimer for any damage. Dulcimers, like any wooden instrument, are subject to cracking and warping.
Consider if it would be better for you as a player to save your money and, when you can, purchase a really good quality dulcimer. Often buying a high quality dulcimer encourages you to practice more so that you become a better player. It's the only way to do justice to a truly fine instrument.
