10 best dulcimer

The dulcimer is a musical instrument that belongs to the family of string instruments. It is characterized by its distinctive trapezoidal shape and its strings, which are typically stretched over a sounding board. There are various types of dulcimers, but one of the most well-known is the Appalachian or mountain dulcimer. Here are key aspects related to dulcimers:

Design and Structure:
- The traditional mountain dulcimer has a narrow, elongated body, often made of wood. It features a soundboard with strings stretched over it and usually has three or four strings.
String Arrangement:
- Dulcimers typically have strings arranged in courses, with each course consisting of two strings tuned to the same pitch. The strings are often played using a variety of techniques, including fingerpicking and strumming.
Tuning:
- Dulcimers are commonly tuned to a diatonic scale, and the tuning can vary based on the player's preference or the musical style. Common tunings include DAA, DAD, and DAC.
Playing Techniques:
- Players can use a variety of techniques to produce sound on the dulcimer. This includes fretting the strings with the fingers to change the pitch, using a noter (a small stick) to slide along the frets, and employing various strumming and picking techniques.
Musical Genres:
- While the dulcimer has its roots in traditional and folk music, it has found its way into various musical genres.It is often associated with Appalachian folk music, but contemporary musicians have incorporated it into genres such as bluegrass, country, and even some forms of rock.
Geographical Origin:
- The mountain dulcimer has its origins in the Appalachian region of the United States. However, variations of the dulcimer exist in different cultures around the world, each with its unique design and playing style.
Accessories:
- Dulcimer players may use accessories like picks or noters to enhance their playing experience. Additionally, electronic pickups can be added to amplify the sound for performances.
Cultural Significance:
- The dulcimer holds cultural significance in Appalachian and American folk traditions. It is often associated with storytelling and is used to accompany ballads and other narrative songs.
Evolution and Variations:
- Over time, various types of dulcimers have emerged, including hammered dulcimers and electric dulcimers. Each type has its own unique construction and sound.
Contemporary Usage:
- Contemporary musicians and enthusiasts continue to embrace the dulcimer, and it is not uncommon to find workshops, festivals, and gatherings dedicated to this instrument.

The dulcimer's sweet and melodic tones make it a distinctive and charming instrument, appreciated for its simplicity and versatility across different musical styles.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best dulcimer on the market

Apple Creek, 6-String Dulcimer (GV-ACD100K)

Apple Creek

Based on 23 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dulcimer outfit. Made by applecreek.A great package for the beginning Dulcimer enthusiast! This package includes a quality applecreek Dulcimer, teardrop shaped with walnut fretboard, as well as a padded Dulcimer case.

Laminated spruce top, richly stained back and sides, and geared guitar style tuning machines for easy tuning applecreek dulcimers are made using the most tested construction techniques for long life and precise fretting for perfect intonation

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this item easy to use
Answer:	zook...Looks to me like it will tune any instrument it can clamp on to,so long as the material of the instrument resonates. It tunes fromthe vibrations transmitted through the wood (or whatever). Sincea uke falls under that description, I'd say absolutely YES....Antoine
Question:	What is the tuning for this instrument
Answer:	Yes. All guitars. It has to be clipped on the guitar for it to work. I believe it works by the frequency of the vibrations. Your electric guitar does not even have to be plugged in.
Question:	Would like some sort of description for this dulcimer
Answer:	Just clip it on the top part of your guitar headstock (the very top of the guitar as it would look if you stood it up). Turn it on and hit the strings one at a time. What you are looking for is the tuner to show you that the string you played is in the in the green (middle). If it is in the red the string is flat if it is in the yellow area the string is sharp. Turn the tuning pegs on the headstock one way or the other to get the string to the right note and in tune. Make sure you are tuning it to the right note. Starting from the lowest string (6) to the highest (1) the notes should be E, A, D, G, B, E. Clipping it to the top of the headstock the tuner works of the vibrations of the strings. It's a nice little tuner for the price. If you should have any more questions please feel free to ask... :)
Question:	Why is this listed as a 6-string dulcimer when it has only 4 strings
Answer:	I use it for acustic and it works just fine. I was recommended it from I guy I know at Guitar center.

Seagull Merlin Mahogany SG Dulcimer Guitar Natural

Seagull

Based on 173 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Inspired by the dulcimer, the Seagull Merlin is a portable 4-string diatonic acoustic instrument that's just simply fun to play and hard to put down. The Seagull Merlin Natural Mahogany SG features a solid Mahogany top with a mustache-style Tusq bridge, compensated saddle, 3-piece rock maple body with drive-through neck design and tune-up with vintage style open-geared tuners.

Solid mahogany top
Rock maple, string-through body.
Rock maple neck, drive-through neck design
Nut Width : 1.280"
Tusq nut by Graph Tech

User questions & answers

Question:	How do the lengths of the frets compare to a d-33 grand strumstick? is less finger stretching required to play chords
Answer:	Sorry, I'm not familiar with the d-33 strumstick.
Question:	What does "string-through" body mean? Doesn't that make it very difficult to put on new strings
Answer:	The strings literally string through the instrument, because You put the strings through the body from the back. The string through design makes it very easy to restring the instrument. Manny electric guitars are set up this way.
Question:	What does the SG stand for
Answer:	SG Stands for Semi Gloss. Thank you, guitarVault team.
Question:	What is the scale (neck) length and what is the body length please
Answer:	Body Depth 1.13 inches Body Length 14.75 inches Lower Bout 7 inches Nut Width 1.28 inches Scale 20.75 inches Upper Bout 4.88 inches Waist 3.94 inches

Applecreek ACD200 Hourglass Solid-Top Cherry Dulcimer Pack

Apple Creek

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dulcimer outfit. Made by Applecreek.

For the demanding dulcimer player, this beautiful package offers a host of deluxe features, including an hourglass-shaped dulcimer with solid cherry top and Grover tuning machine heads. Also includes injection-molded hardshell carrying case.

Full size dulcimer in classic hourglass shape
Made of select cherry
Includes hardshell case

User questions & answers

Question:	Where was this instrument made
Answer:	I use the DAD tuning. I found it online. Nice instrument. Well made and has a nice sound.
Question:	what is best make for beginner dulcimer
Answer:	all wood -Maple neck and fingerboard -Laminated spruce top, back, and sides -31 1/2 inches long- 6 1/2 frets-- one of the easiest instruments to play! hold down two of the strings with your finger and strum! hope this helps!
Question:	Are the strings the same as a violin, E, A, D, @ F
Answer:	It Only has 4 strings

Seagull 039227 Merlin Spruce SG Dulcimer 4-String Diatonic Instrument

Seagull

Based on 126 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Merlin Spruce SG Dulcimer Guitar Natural. Inspired by the dulcimer, the Seagull Merlin is a portable 4-string diatonic acoustic instrument that's just simply fun to play and hard to put down. The Seagull Merlin Natural Spruce SG features a solid spruce top with a 'mustache' style Tusq bridge, compensated saddle, 3-piece rock maple body with drive-through neck design and tune-up with vintage style open-geared tuners.

Solid spruce top
Rock maple, string-through body
Rock maple neck, drive-through neck design
Nut Width : 1.280"
Tusq nut by Graph Tech

User questions & answers

Question:	How is it a "neck-thru" with a soundhole like that? Where's the rest of the neck
Answer:	It just means that it’s not a bolt on neck.
Question:	What is the scake length of this instrument
Answer:	Merlin M4 nut to bridge on mine is 21 inches. 7 frets full octave with no blues fret. I put in a temporary blues fret at 5-1/2 with a cutdown paper clip and some bandage tape. Got to look out for string height at that position though so you don't mess up the whole note that lives at that spot.
Question:	What is the difference between the SG and the M4 models
Answer:	Sg is spruce and M4 is mahogany.
Question:	How do you know if your Merlin is DAD or G tuning? i bought mine just about the time when Seagull changed it
Answer:	The Merlin will have heavier (wound) strings - at least three. This is because the G tuning is lower. If your strings are more like those on a guitar, and your bass string is the only wound string, you have a dadd-type Merlin. Also, I believe that only the mahogany ones are G; I haven't seen on that was spruce.

D'Addario EJ64 4-String Dulcimer Strings

D'Addario

Based on 518 reviews Check latest price

Product description

EJ64's are designed specifically for the 4-string dulcimer and its unique picking and stemming styles. D'Addario offers a wide variety of ethnic instrument strings designed to the exacting specifications of our artists, instrument patterns and international customers. Our computer-controlled winding machinery, laser micrometer inspection, and closed-loop tension control systems promise unrivaled quality and consistency, set after set.

Designed specifically for the 4-string dulcimer
Contains 3 plain steel strings and one nickel-plated steel wound on steel string
Distinctive bright tone and excellent intonation
Environmentally friendly, corrosion resistant packaging for strings that are always fresh
Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance

User questions & answers

Question:	are these good for the G tuning
Answer:	I've not used that tuning, but would expect them to work. I've tuned these strings to both D A AA and D A DD.
Question:	I dislike squeaking when playing. Do these strings squeak
Answer:	We all get use to it. Guitar and especially violin players incorporate the “squeak “ for style. There is a spray “Finger Ease” that may lessen the squeak, but try not let it bother you, all stringed instruments squeak when running your fingers down the strings. New strings squeak the most. It’s normal.
Question:	Do these work well with DAA tuning
Answer:	Yes work well for me . I make dulcimer occasionally that what tune them daa
Question:	What is the length of these strings
Answer:	27" scale length Actual length more to allow for bridge or tail connection and to reach tuning pegs.

Product features

D'Addario 4-String Dulcimer Strings

It is a nickel plated steel wound string set optimized for use with 4-string Dulcimer, tuned DADD. D'Addario's portfolio of products designed specifically for World Instruments is based on research and product testing with instrument builders, educators, and professional musicians.

3 String Trail Dulcimer

Roosebeck

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Fun, lightweight, and easy to play, our Trail Dulcimer has the rich sound of a mountain dulcimer with just a little bit of banjo twang. The body style of the Trail Dulcimer allows it to be played like a guitar instead of the traditional "flat in the lap" position of the mountain dulcimer. With a spruce soundboard over a carved lacewood body, the Trail Dulcimer produces a lot of volume for such a compact instrument.

The Trail Dulcimer has three string courses: a wound string at the top, a plain center string, and a plain string at the bottom. Many tunings will work, but we recommend the G3 D4 G4 to make it easy to pick up and play. The frets are arranged in a diatonic scale, just like an Appalachian mountain dulcimer. The possibilities are many; playing the Trail Dulcimer can be as easy or as complicated as your care to make it. Explore!

SPECIAL NOTE ON STRINGS: There is no warranty on strings. Manufacturers recommend that you change the strings on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey before it ever begins the final leg to your home. During this time the elements affect the strings and may shorten their lifespan. It occasionally happens that a string will fail during that final leg of the journey. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings soon after it arrives. If you are a student you may want to change your strings every 3-4 months. If you are a rock star you may need to change your strings every week. If you store your instrument, you should consider changing the strings when you pick it up again.

Features:

No warranty on strings

Shipped insured

Brand new

Played like a guitar instead of the traditional "flat in the lap"
Recommend tuning: G3, D4 & G4
Fun, lightweight & easy to play
Total Length: 25.75"
Item weight: 1.25 lbs

Dulcimer Hanger Wall Mount Hook by String Swing - Black Wanut CC01D-BW

String Swing

Based on 91 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hardwood Home & Studio Dulcimer Hanger - Black Wal

Put that beautiful dulcimer up on the wall in the most secure and trusted hanger available. Best for use with scroll type dulcimer headstocks. For guitar style headstocks we recommend the CC01K Guitar Keeper
Responsibly harvested solid North American Black Walnut hardwood block milled on a local family farm
Hand welded and powder coated steel, and heavy duty rubber will last a lifetime
Hand made in the USA for 30+ years
Please note that dulcimers vary greatly in the shape of the headstock so this hanger will not work for all dulcimers

User questions & answers

Question:	How many come in one order
Answer:	That would be one...
Question:	How wide is the opening that holds the dulcimer
Answer:	One and one half inches.

Dulcimer Capo

Based on 36 reviews Check latest price

Product description

When you play the dulcimer, you will often run into a song that just doesn't "sit right" in DAD or DAA. Adding one of our mountain dulcimer capos to your instrument changes you instantly to a different tuning, without the hassle of adjusting your strings. Instead of playing in just one key, you can easily add variety and versatility to your dulcimer playing with our "easy on, easy off" capo. Made specifically for a mountain (Appalachian, lap) dulcimer, our capo for sale won't hurt your dulcimer's finish. It is easy to use, sounds great, and is highly recommended for all players, beginning through advanced.

This capo is made in the USA, and will accommodate fretboards as narrow as 1 5/16", and as wide as 1 9/16".

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this capo made mostly of plastic or wood
Answer:	Yes fairly easy, but it is kind of high on the frets, but good for a beginner

Roosebeck Mountain Dulcimer 4-Str, Loop

Roosebeck

Based on 44 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Roosebeck Dulcimer 4 String Set contains 3 plain steel strings and one nickel plated steel wound on steel string. The strings are designed to provide a bright, rich tone. All of the strings have loop ends. The unwound first or D course has double strings tuned in unison.

Handcrafted Quality, Value Priced
Satisfaction Guaranteed! 30-Day Return Policy!

User questions & answers

Question:	Dulcimer has three 0.012 diameter steel loop ended strings and one 0.022 diameter steel wound loop ended string. Does yours match
Answer:	Yes, there is a 6.5 fret on this dulcimer.
Question:	is there a case for the simplicty dulcimer
Answer:	This capo is 100 percent plastic (an acetal homopolymer, specifically). No wood at all. It works very well - I've used one as my primary capo for 5+ years, and not a lick of trouble. Richard
Question:	Hello, What is the scale length of this dulcimer
Answer:	Inside the Applecreek Dulcimer I bought last year for my wife is a sticker that says: Handcrafted in Romania for Trophy Music Co., Cleveland, Oh
Question:	I need to buy replacement strings for this, what do I need to search for to make sure I get the correct ones
Answer:	There is no one "best" maker. Most all mountain dulcimers will be playable at all levels of experience. I would suggest that one spend at an intermediate level -- not a cheapie (which could fail by not holding the strings tight, etc nor at the high end level UNTIL you are sure this is the instrument for you. There are commercial makers and artisans that make dulcimers. I would also check used ones at your local music stores, Ebay and similar places as well. One can get a really good deal on a 'better' made one by luck of timing!!! Enjoy M
Question:	Does this Dulcimer have a 6&1/2 fret
Answer:	The common tuning is D,A,D or D,A,A. There are really 4 strings, two strings are very close together, tuned the same note, and strummed together.

3 Pack! John Pearse Strings Appalachian Dulcimer Set Bundle #5000

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

John Pearse is happy to bring you their Appalachian Dulcimer strings! In this purchase, you will receive 3 packs of appalachian dulcimer strings, each containing 4 individually wrapped strings. A beautiful blend brought to you from one of the industry leaders.