No comments about AppleCreek ACD100 Dulcimer.

3 comments about 3-String Simplicity Dulcimer.

1. I use this model to teach approximately 130-150 students in 6th grade music each year. When I ordered them from David (owner of Backyard Music) he was extremely helpful, even including teaching pointers!
   
   My models came completely assembled, included picks, Easy as 1,2,3 dulcimer book, noters, and extra sets of strings. Each was packed in it's own plastic rain bag in which it still resides.
   
   The dulcimers are easy to play, have a really good sound, and are very easy to fix if someone breaks a string, removes a bridge, or plays with the tuning gear. The 250 lb cardboard soundbox is a better resonator than cheap plywood dulcimers, too. I have a 'better' spruce wood model from a reputable company, but I'd rather play my Simplicity. For classroom use, it's the best!
   
   At first I was disappointed that it did not have a 6-1/2 fret, but that would really confuse my students. They only get to play these once a week, and it's amazing how quickly they learn to play beautifully.
   
   My students have been using them for 3 years now, and have had no problems with the dulcimers themselves. The soundboxes hold up well, the strings stay in tune fairly well (weather is not friendly to us here), and the tuning gear holds together well. I recommend this product to anyone who wants a good beginner dulcimer at a good price, customer support, and quality workmanship.



2. I received one of these dulcimers for Christmas. The burgundy soundbox (i.e. the body part) with heart-shaped soundholes resonated quite prettily, despite the fact that it was made of cardboard.
   
   The dulcimer comes with a sheet of common songs and the fret numbers that correspond. This makes it incredibly easy to learn to play. I literally pulled everything out of the box, tuned the dulcimer (I play the violin and knew how to do so), and strummed out a tune within 5 minutes.
   
   There are several options on how to play your Simplicity dulcimer. You can either press down next to the metal frets with your fingers or use the "toner" stick to do so. You can opt to use a dulcimer or guitar pick on the strings or you can strum them by hand.
   
   Tuning the Simplicity is a cinch. You can tune the melody and middle strings to the same note; just make sure that it sounds decent. Tune the bass string (lowest-sounding, thick one) so that it sounds the same as the middle or melody string's fourth fret pressed down. The instruction booklet shows people familiar with music and tuning how to tune the dulcimer to scales and keys.
   
   All in all, the Simplicity dulcimer is a great, economical gift that will keep poeple of all ages happy and busy.



3. If you buy this dulcimer pre-assembled, you will get a reasonably good instrument with a surprisingly strong sound.
   
   There's nothing inherently wrong with cardboard, and it is a very appropriate choice for classroom settings, if only because the instrument can be dropped will little or no damage. The Backyard Music dulcimer is probably the best cardboard dulcimer available.
   
   Note, however, that the instrument probably will not intonate perfectly (meaning not all the frets will produce accurate notes). The nut and bridge will begin to move if played with any regularity. If you already play the dulcimer, you're likely to be disappointed with the performance.
   
   If you buy this instrument as a kit, be extra careful not to over sand the grooves for the bridge and nut. If you do, the instrument is essentially unplayable.
   
   I give it just three stars just to balance out the presentation here. If I were to judge solely against other dulcimers in the same price range, four or five stars might be warranted.
   
   A cardboard dulcimer makes a lot of sense, especially in institutional settings. But for an individual with musical experience seeking to take up the dulcimer with some seriousness, it makes more sense to invest in a hand-crafted, solid wood instrument that will stand the test of time.

2 comments about Nylon Case for Mountain Dulcimer.

1. I received this case to carry my new Christmas present, a Tennessee Mountain dulcimer. Not only was this case much to small to accomodate the instrument, it seemed cheaply made. The case would not protect an instrument from ANYTHING, except perhaps a light drizzle. Invest in a better case for your treasured instrument rather than subject it to the elements in this dreadful carrier.



2. Even if it were not poorly stitched and made with shockingly flimsy nylon, the case is way too small to fit most modern dulcimers. Avoid.

No comments about Applecreek Dulcimer Carry Bag.

No comments about American Hammered Dulcimer, Hearts.

No comments about EMS Mt Dulcimer, 5 String, Hearts, Case.

No comments about Hammered Dulcimer Hammers, Cook.

No comments about Applecreek Dulcimer.

No comments about Courting Dulcimer.

No comments about Dulcimer Stand.