@rick-probst, I just wanted to alert you to this discussion.  

@amaiorano, Rick's dulcimers have such a distinctive sound that I don't think the wood choice will matter for anything but looks.  I am a traditional guitarist and think spruce is still best for the top, but see what Rick has available.  You should also check with him about a case. I think the DulcimerBagLady has a soft case that fits his dulcimers.

Thanks Dusty.  I’ll query Rick.  I have his email.  By the way, your videos playing a Probst dulcimer prompted me to contact Rick regarding a dulcimer.  I’m excited that he and I have connected.  Will be a bit of a wait but will be worth it!  Any advice or suggestions as I work toward picking woods, etc?  Feel free to send me a note at amaiorano@aol.com!!  Thanks again!

Hi @amaiorano.  The luthier had the case custom made.  I think he had 10 or 12 produced, and I got the last one.  I can check with him and see who made it.  It was probably someone in the LA area.  From the outside it looks like one of those classic old Telecaster cases.

Dusty, any idea who built the case?

Dusty-Turtle, thanks that helps.

@steve-c, I've had the Probst strung as a baritone for the last year or so.  Here is a video of me playing it from a few months back.  The dulcimer has a really big, warm, round, sound.  I'm sure traditionalists would say it sounds more like a guitar than a dulcimer.  But I love it.

Do you still play this? What do you like most about it?

Hi Julie. Yes, Rick Probst (who is a member here) has developed a totally unique design to his dulcimer, one that borrows a lot from guitar design, which is one reason the instrument is so loud.

And Shawn (who posted many many months ago), I posted a couple of videos with this dulcimer.  Check out this version of a Charles Mingus tune  in the Rockin' in the Free World group.

Beautiful, beautiful! Can't wait to hear a video of it in action.

The case was custom ordered by Rick Probst to fit his design. He had at one time ordered 10 or 12 and I got the last one! Yes, Kristi, according to the info you provided, the top is made of Carpathian spruce. I can't thank you enough!

Glad case fits your baby. The spruce is something special & I think that info was in case pocket.

Well...that looks like a big box of awesome!

LOVELY!