A Complete Guide to Buying an Appalachian Dulcimer

Your Guide to buying the best Appalachian Dulcimer

Overview

The Appalachian dulcimer is a traditional folk instrument, steeped in history and full of soul. While it is a unique and relatively simple instrument, it is also a versatile one, capable of producing a variety of different tones and playing styles. This buying guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing an Appalachian dulcimer. You'll learn about the different types of construction, sounds, and playing styles, as well as the considerations that should be taken into account when making a purchase. Whether you're looking for an instrument to add to your collection, or a beginner looking for a unique and appealing instrument to start learning, this guide will help you find the perfect Appalachian dulcimer for your needs.

Key features

  1. Type of Dulcimer - Consider what type of Appalachian Dulcimer you are looking for. There are several types of Appalachian Dulcimers, including the traditional mountain dulcimer, the hammered dulcimer, and the bowed dulcimer.
  2. Size - Choose a dulcimer size that fits your body type and playing style. For example, if you are a beginner, you may want to start with a smaller and more affordable dulcimer.
  3. Material - Consider the materials that the dulcimer is made of. Dulcimers are typically made of a combination of woods, such as cherry, maple, walnut, and more.
  4. Tuning - Determine what type of tuning you will need for the dulcimer. There are several types of tunings available, including standard, diatonic, and chromatic.
  5. Price - Consider the price range of Appalachian Dulcimers. The price of Appalachian Dulcimers can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
  6. Brand - Take a look at the reputation of the brand of Appalachian Dulcimer you are considering. Reputable manufacturers often have better quality instruments.
  7. Accessories - Check what accessories come with the Appalachian Dulcimer. This can include a case, tuning wrench, strings, and more.

See the most popular Appalachian Dulcimer on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Affordable Price - Appalachian Dulcimers are relatively inexpensive compared to other stringed instruments, making them a great starting point for those who may not want to invest in a more costly instrument.
  • Easy to Play - The Appalachian Dulcimer is easy to pick up and learn, even for those who may not have had prior experience with stringed instruments.
  • Rich Tone - The Appalachian Dulcimer produces a unique, warm tone that can be quite pleasant to listen to.
  • Lightweight - Due to its construction, Appalachian Dulcimers are typically very light and portable, making them easy to take with you wherever you go.

Cons

  • Price - Appalachian Dulcimers are usually more expensive than other types of instruments.
  • Tuning - Tuning an Appalachian Dulcimer can be tricky and requires some practice.
  • Durability - Appalachian Dulcimers are generally made with wood, so they can be fragile and can be damaged easily with poor handling.
  • Sound Quality - Appalachian Dulcimers can sound a bit thin and lack the complexity of sound that other instruments have.
  • String Replacement - Replacing strings on Appalachian Dulcimers can be more challenging than replacing strings on other stringed instruments.

Best alternatives

  1. Autoharp - A stringed instrument consisting of a soundboard with a series of chords, each of which can be individually muted or activated by pressing a button.
  2. Hammered Dulcimer - A musical instrument that consists of a wooden box with strings stretched across it. It is played by striking the strings with two small hammers.
  3. Lap Dulcimer - A stringed instrument similar to the Appalachian dulcimer but played by laying the instrument in the lap and plucking the strings with the fingers.
  4. Harp - A multi-stringed instrument that is played by plucking or strumming the strings with the fingers.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Tuning Wrench - Used to tune the strings of an Appalachian Dulcimer.
  • Picks - Thin pieces of plastic or wood that can be used to pluck the strings of an Appalachian Dulcimer.
  • Fretted Dulcimer - A dulcimer with fret markers along the neck.
  • Hammers - Small hammers used to strike the strings of an Appalachian Dulcimer.
  • Stands - Can be used to hold a dulcimer while it is being played.
  • Strings - Different strings can be used to get different sounds out of Appalachian Dulcimers.
  • Cases - Protective cases for carrying around an Appalachian Dulcimer.
  • Capos - Devices that can be used to change the key of an Appalachian Dulcimer without re-tuning.

Common questions

  1. What size Appalachian Dulcimer should I buy? The most common size for Appalachian Dulcimer is the hourglass shape, which is usually around 30 inches long. However, it is also possible to find shorter sizes, such as the teardrop or baby dulcimer, which measure around 24 inches. The size you choose may also depend on your own height and arm length.
  2. How much should I expect to pay for an Appalachian Dulcimer? The cost of Appalachian Dulcimers can vary widely, depending on the materials used, the craftsmanship involved, and the type of instrument. Generally, an entry-level model can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, while a higher-end instrument can cost up to $1,000 or more.
  3. What kind of materials are Appalachian Dulcimers made from? Appalachian Dulcimers are usually made from a combination of wood and metal. The body of the instrument is usually made from wood, such as spruce, walnut, or maple, while the strings are usually made from steel or bronze.
  4. Are there any accessories that I should buy with my Appalachian Dulcimer? Yes, there are several accessories that you should consider purchasing with your Appalachian Dulcimer. These include strings, a pick, a stand, an electronic tuner, and a carrying case.
  5. What type of tuning should I use for my Appalachian Dulcimer? The most common tuning for an Appalachian Dulcimer is DAD (or DAA). This tuning is based on the notes of the major scale, and is easy to remember and play. You can also use other tunings, such as DGD or GDG, depending on the type of music you are playing.

Trivia

The Appalachian Dulcimer is known as one of the most unique and treasured folk instruments in the United States and has a long and interesting history. One humorous fact about the instrument is that it was originally made from a hollowed-out animal carcass, such as a deer or bear. While today the instrument is made from a variety of materials, it is believed that the original dulcimers were made from locally-sourced animal carcasses. This humorous fact is a testament to the resourcefulness of the early Appalachian settlers who used what materials were available to create their own musical instruments. Sources: Fret Not Guitar Repair

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.