Yes, many of us knew of Gary's health issues but you wouldn't know speaking with him.
You are right, I spoke with him last summer to place an order through his store and he was so pleasant and kind. It was his nature. Similar to my dad, fighting a battle, but strong!
Enjoy that special dulcimer!
Like Robin, I knew of his health issues. Gary was such a pleasant person, whether seeing him at festivals or conducting business with him through his store. I'm sad to hear of his passing. We lost another great one. 
Total agreement that David has recognized this is what he needs. I commend him on his decision and wish him nothing but a bright future.
Another suggestion is to contact Richard Ash who owns Folkcraft. They do all their cases in their shop and Richard is always up for a challenge and is very accommodating. He welcomes custom orders (new ideas) on his dulcimers and I'm sure he'd have no problem doing a case that would fit your Galax dulcimer. His cases are well padded and very nicely done. If you had him do an envelope style case, it would be more streamlined from what you have. I'd give him a call.
https://www.folkcraft.com/pages/contact-us
Just a thought, have you called Toni and Steve Binkley (the daughter and SIL running the Dulcimer Bag Lady business) and asked if they could do something custom for you, more streamlined?
The dulcimer is 39” in length, 11” wide, and 4.5” deep.
Thank you for that. Unfortunately, the one I had in mind won't work for you. Hopefully, you'll get some good suggestions still.
What is the width and length of your dulcimer? That may help. I have one in mind, but not knowing the dimensions, I'm not going to recommend it unless I know it would work.
Thank you for sharing, what a great program.
https://troublesomecreekguitars.com/
While respecting and loving dulcimers' traditional, diatonic roots, there's no reason why the instrument needs to be limited to that.
I know some people question whether or not a chromatic should be called a dulcimer, but the instrument doesn't care what you call it.
So, again, whether you should get a chromatic depends on what you want to do with it. It's totally okay to get one, and it's totally okay not to.
Sam
Well said, Sam.
This is my approach to music and all my instruments. Explore and play for yourself and don't try to fit inside a box created by others.
ErthLing, have fun!
Welcome Mivo. You have a beautiful McSpadden and it sounds like you are well on your way. I agree to take the time to find your style. There are many paths to follow; all are good.
Regarding fingerpicking vs flatpicking, I have a similar background. I've been fingerpicking guitar since 1973, and also fingerpick banjo, both with fingerpicks. However, I've chosen to follow the chord-melody route on dulcimer, with a flatpick. I am enjoying that, despite my fingerpicking experience. It's all about you and your own choices.
Milo and Frankie are real cuties!
Daffer and Annabell....gotta love the goats!
Well, I have another one! I found it on the goodwill site. It looks like a Black Mountain, but has no label.
I'll post some pictures of some of my dulcimers a little later.
This one came with only one string (the bass string); also the saddle is a bit damaged and the nut is a bit out of place. So I'm going to take it to my favorite luthier down the road.
Neat, congrats! Would love to see pics when you have time.
"Always the best hello, but also the hardest goodbye" ... says it well.
Hugs to all who are missing their sweet furry companions... 
We lost our beautiful Cody on January 5, 2022, just before his 14th birthday.
A sensitive, loving, and funny boy.
As you all know, losing a pet is very difficult. They live on in our hearts. We got this canvas print, which was so appropriate for him.
As Dusty said, this is a common solution. When I first started playing dulcimer, I took this approach. It worked well. The warnings given already about not storing the material against the wood of the dulcimer are valid. Eventually, I did move on to using straps, which works better for me now. Don't rule them out, maybe it's something that will work for you later. If not, using the non-slip liner is just fine. Another case for straps is at festivals when people are moving around you. A strap helps secure your dulcimer in the event of an accidental hit.
Buddy is my 11 year old Jack Russell terrier.
Such a cutie!
I have six. My wife purchase a McSpadden for me years ago, a banjo style and four that I made myself.
Welcome to the forum! Thanks for sharing your dulcimer collection!
Congratulations on acquiring your eighth dulcimer. It is beautiful and I am sure it sounds great. Enjoy.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Thanks Ken! It does sound really nice. BTW, it's only #7, I surely don't expect a #8. 
Hi Susie! That is so beautiful! As it turns out, Bob and I actually saw it a couple of weeks ago at Folkcraft. ☺️ Richard showed it to us and told us about the wood. I drooled over the cat paw sound holes…lol…🐾🐾 Congratulations!
Wow, that's neat to hear. I saw the pictures of your visit to Folkcraft. It's cool you saw it. Richard and crew picked out a fabulous set of Hickory for it. I've been playing it today. It has such a pretty voice and the sustain is remarkable. Of course, the workmanship is fabulous. But one correction, they are dog paws, haha. I do think he has cat soundholes too. Since I've had 7 family dogs in my life so far (#8 is on the way), you can officially call me a dog person.
Looks beautiful. Congrats on your new baby.
Thank so much, Dusty!
Update, I just added dulcimer #7. My last. 
I've wanted a Hickory dulcimer for awhile now. This is it. A Folkcraft FSH. I also had Richard engrave a maple leaf at the 5th fret, since my husband and I have been producers of Michigan Pure Maple Syrup since 2008. I'm really happy with this dulcimer....it sounds great and plays perfectly.
Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI was the first to start carrying them (when I got mine....I have two). They are made in Chelsea, MI, just south of me. Elderly has been my go-to store since 1974. They are very helpful. I would give Elderly a call and see if they can resolve this for you, by either getting you the dense rubber pieces you need, or getting you the contact information for the company.
https://www.elderly.com/pages/contactus
Getting the younger generation excited about music is awesome, Erin. I started into music when I was 9 and have made it a life-long passion.
Your new dulcimer is beautiful! Keep us posted after you get it set up and are able to play. I bet it's got a nice voice too.
I own 3 guitars one which I got as a gift in 1978 made by Eagle and two Taylor’s. I am learning Native American Flute…..I have too many to count. I have a McNally Stick, Djembe. I was given a mountain dulcimer for a my birthday and I bought another mountain dulcimer while on vacation . I am not sure if I have enough mountain dulcimers. Lol 😆 Along with miscellaneous musical instruments
There's a group of us here with interest in Native American Flutes. You fit right in with your growing collection of them, along with your growing collection of dulcimers.
Wow Kendra, thank you for sharing. Impressive, to have have so many heirloom instruments. I have one.....my grandpa's fiddle, that he got when he was 16 (1914). I also wondered about Bob's guitar stable. I was up to 7 at one point, but have thinned the herd to 4. Bob needs to catch up to your collection, haha.
I didn't think of your simple solutions. I think the beads are pretty. Maybe I'll get some rainbow beads and really dress up my headstock! 💐
Nothing wrong with that....it's all about having fun and making it your own. You may even start a trend in the dulcimer community. 
Cute idea. I cut my string ends to about 1/8-1/4" which keeps them out of harms way. But, with (currently) 4 guitars, 7 dulcimers, and 3 other stringed instruments, I have had my share of string pokes while changing strings (since I started playing 49 years ago).
RoyB, one of the things I love about mountain dulcimer is what you've observed-- how different they each can sound.
I will second this, and will add that their varying sizes come in handy for different applications....playing at home, taking to a festival, going in an RV, etc. Depending on where I'm playing and if I will be playing with others, I decide which one to grab. Also, you can have them tuned differently. Not to mention the beauty of dulcimers.....different woods and appointments. So, as you can see, we NEED many dulcimers. 
I use a combination string turner/wire cutter made by D'Addario. I actually have a few of them and keep them in instrument cases. They make changing strings super easy.
D'Addario PLanet Waves Pro Winder
I have one of these too, that is part of my travel kit, in case I break a string and need to do a quick change while on the road. My normal cutters and battery string winder stay at home for all my scheduled string changes on all my instruments. Yes Dusty, these do work good.
I went to my local hardware store and looked at all the choices. I bought the size I wanted and the pair that felt best in my hands and were a quality brand. I change lots of strings on my dulcimers, guitars, etc., etc., etc. and they are still working great. Again, I'd stress a quality brand, RATHER THAN the cheapest set you can find on Amazon. Like they say, you get what you pay for.
I have a couple more dulcimers since I last posted!
I have a Cripple Creek "Aspen Leaf," which is shaped rather like a Galax dulcimer--more of an oval than a teardrop. Came from eBay and needed some work to get it playable. But I love the leaves-and-vines soundholes, and it sounds good now.
And, a no-name dulcimer, also from eBay, all mahogany, built by a shipwright.
I previously forgot to mention that I have two "travel size" dulcimers, one from the Dulcimer Factory and one by Rugg and Jackel.
Most of mine are diatonic, and I'm thinking of having the 6+ fret added to a couple of them.
Sounds like your family is growing.
The 6+ fret is quite useful.
Only one (so far), but it's not here yet - just shipped and will be here next Thursday. It's built by Dan Daniels of New Traditions Dulcimers in Indiana.
Rene
Exciting. I've heard wonderful things about Dan's dulcimers. Maybe you could show it to us after you get it.
That's a real beauty! A deal too good to pass up. Enjoy!
A strap is what I use. Sure there is a tiny bit of getting used to it and 'fitting' the proper length, but it's soooo much easier than hauling around folding tables or footstools. I use loops and big buttons to make the strap adjustable depending on if I'm wearing heavy or light clothes.
I agree. An adjustable strap is pretty easy to get used to. I've even found as I have progressed, I've changed the positioning of the dulcimer by adjusting the strap (and my legs). So, the flexibility is an advantage. Experimenting with a strap is a cheap investment and might be a pleasant surprise for her.
Congratulations, very nice looking dulcimer. Hope it brings you years of music joy!
