If you can find someone who paints Roses & Castles for narrowboats, or other maritime art, they would be able to help with the artwork.

Looks okay to me too Amanda, as long as it plays okay too. My first dulcimer was much the same, but a bit rougher looking - just a fretboard actually nailed onto a triangular box I nailed together out of cheap 1/4 inch plywood! It worked but the wood was too thick to get a decent sound out of it. By the way, greetings from Pembrokeshire.

ooh! thanks for the info, perhaps I should do some research into it!

Amanda, I am glad you are enjoying your dulcimer. I think it has a good classic look. That shape was used in a crafts book from Readers' Digest showing how to make a simple dulcimer. Tom Yocky used a similar pattern with his Boy Scout troop to make dulcimers to sell as a fund raising project for the troop.

thanks! I'm getting a new phone (after 2 years) on Thursday and will be sure to take some better pictures!

We might be able to make a guess as to the wood with a closer picture. My first thought was a birch laminate which would show up on the edges as having a layered look to the wood.

The trapezoid shape is quite traditional for a dulcimer and is a nice shape. And it's the sound that is the most important part of the instrument (IMO). If you like the sound then you've got a winner. Enjoy your new baby.

thanks for the advice, i would probably take it to someone who specialises in stuff like that.

Nice looking Trapezoid shape dulcimer. It does remind me of a kit build, but I can't think of whose.

Painting over the existing finish should not be a problem if you use enamels (like those for model airplanes) or acrylics top coated with a clear sealer. I would not sand or steel wool first; just wipe it clean with a damp cloth and let that dry before painting.

I got it off ebay used, unfortunately I know next to nothing about what wood it's made from. my father in law is handy with stuff like that, so if I asked him he could tell me. I don't have a noter, lost it (honestly, it might be at the bottom of my kid's toy chest). I bought it from a UK seller (as I'm in the UK) and they said it was a home construction but not by them. hope that answers your questions, terry! If you know anything about being able to paint/stain it I'd love your input. I have an itch to have some trees painted on the back.

Looks just lovely to me, Amanda!

Amanda, I like your dulcimer. Has a box look to it and it appears to be begging to be played noter/drone. Tell me, did you buy this new? If so, from where? Do you know the wood construction? Every now and then I go on ebay and craigslist to shop for a boxey lookig dulcimer. I like it.