Dulcimers 101: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

As a musician, it’s easy to be seduced by the allure of the dulcimer.

Not typically known as a main instrument, the simple yet versatile dulcimer makes an ideal side instrument for any string player…

And can be particularly appealing to guitar players.

If you’re reading this now, chances are you fall in this category.  

So as an introduction to this instrument, in this ultimate guide I’m going to give you a quick crash-course on everything you need to know. And share some links to the top dulcimer models on the market today.

First up…

Appalacian Dulcimers vs All the Rest

A little known fact about dulcimers is: There are around a dozen different types, originating from pretty much every corner of the world.

In Western Music though, it is the Appalacian Dulcimer specifically, that everyone thinks of when referring to the instrument.

So it is this instrument specifically, that we will be covering in this article. Now up next…

Traditional vs Guitar-Style Dulcimers

With appalacian dulcimers, there are two distinctly different designs popular today (which you can see in the image):

• Guitar-Style – where the body and neck are two distinct pieces
• Traditional – where the body and neck are merged into one.

Other common variations between models include:

1. Fret Count – Traditional dulcimers typically have MORE frets than guitar-style dulcimers.
2. String Count – the vast majority have either 3 or 4 strings

The more frets and strings you have, the more tonal options there are for advanced players.

The less frets and strings you have, the easier it is to start playing for beginners.

With that in mind, let’s now take a look at some specific models.

First up…

1. A Great Default Option for Beginners and Guitar Players

With a guitar-style body and 4 strings, the Seagull Merlin SG features the standard 4 string-layout which we’ll see throughout this post:

• 1 bass drone string
• 1 mid string
• a doubled melody/treble string…

This doubled string effectively makes it play the same way as a 3 string dulcimer….

But with a treble string that plays around twice as loud as the two lower drone strings.

For any guitar players looking to make their first transition over to this instrument, this dulcimer just might be the ideal choice.

Additionally, it’s available in both mahogany and spruce.

• Merglin SG Mahogany – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)
• Merlin SG Spruce – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)

Up next…

2. A Long, Light, Portable Option

Similar to the last pick on the list, the McNally Grand Strumstick works perfect as a starter option for new players…

Although it’s not quite a true dulcimer in the traditional sense.

• It features a 3 string design
• The neck is super long.
• The body is very compact.
• And it’s extremely light and portable.

And despite these beginner features, it’s still a high quality hand made instrument, made from a unique wood known as padouk.

If these combinations of features sound appealing to you this might just be dulcimer for you.

• McNally Grand Strumstick  – (Amazon)

Up next…

3. An Affordable Model with a Traditional Body

Moving on the next pick, we have the Apple Creek ACD100 – (Amazon).

With a 4 string design and traditional body style, this dulcimer would be great for anyone interested in becoming a true student of the instrument.

At the same, because of the fact that it’s extremely affordable, it’s no big loss for anyone still unsure of their commitment.

All-around, it’s a great option for beginners of all shapes and sizes.

Up next…

4. A 5 String Model With a Unique Bonus Feature

A significant upgrade compared to all the models we’ve seen so far…

The Roosebeck Grace Mountain adds various high-end features we haven’t seen yet, such as:

• Solid wood – on all parts
• Vaulted fretboard – for increased body resonance

It also comes in either the standard 4 string layout, OR…

A unique 5 string layout with a doubled mid string….

As well as an extended fretboard with 2 additional frets, allowing for way more melodic options, and making it more than just a simple diatonic instrument.

While it may not be the ideal choice for complete beginner musicians, if you already know your way around the guitar pretty well, this dulcimer might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Check it out:

• 4 String Version – (Amazon)
• 5 String Version – (Amazon)

Up next…

5. A Dulcimer Modeled After the Mandolin

Not quite a “guitar-style” body, the Roosebeck Wildwood Series Dulcimer (4 string) looks more like a mandolin than anything else.

And just like with mandolins, they come in two options:

1. F-holes Bodies
2. Round-hole Bodies

And while this is purely an aesthetic difference, it’s one that many mandolin players are fiercely loyal to, so I recommend checking out both to see which you prefer.

Just like the previous model we covered, these also feature an additional fret for tonal options beyond a simple diatonic scale.

Check it out:

• F-Hole – (Amazon)
• Round Hole – (Amazon)

Up next…

6. A Dulcimer That Looks as Great as it Sounds

As arguably the most beautiful dulcimer on this list…

The Applecreek Hourglass Dulcimer features:

• double f-shaped soundholes
• beautiful head and tuning pegs
• and an included case

In terms of it’s more practical features, it’s a standard laptop, 4 string design, with a high fret count, but no unique features really worth mentioning.

• Applecreek Hourglass Dulcimer – (Amazon)

Up next…

7. A DIY Dulcimer Build Kit for a Fun Project

For the last pick, we have the most unique option of all: the Jaromin DIY Dulcimer – (Amazon)…

Which is essentially a do-it-yourself kit that you can assemble yourself.

Regarding the technical specifications:

• It’s a standard 4 string design
• Featuring Baltic Birch plywood
• And 100% Made in the USA

So if you’re the handyman type looking for a new project, or maybe just want a fun task to do with your kids, this dulcimer might serve as the perfect opportunity.

Up next…

Changing Your Dulcimer Strings

With dulcimer strings, the options are extremely limited.

Very few of the mainstream string manufacturers even make them.

The 3 that do however, are:

1. D’Addario
2. Martin
3. GHS

If you play the guitar or almost any stringed instrument, you’re no doubt already familiar with these industry standard names.

So rather than go into more detail on the subject, I’ll just give you the links to the top options from each brand:

• D’Addario Nickel Wound – (Amazon/Sweetwater/Thomann)
• Martin Nickel Alloy – (Amazon)
• GHS D20 Stainless Steel – (Amazon)

Now, something Dulcimer manufacturers won’t always tell you, is that you can actually use ANY steel guitar string for your dulcimer…

As long as you use the correct gauges, which are:

• For both melody strings: .010 to .012
• For the middle string(s): .012 to .014
• For the bass string: .022 to .024

As for how to restring your dulcimer, I’ll just refer you to this video

---