I play 5-string resonator banjo, Earl Scruggs style. I had a wonderful teacher who first taught me fingerpicking guitar (46 years ago), then I moved on to fingerpicking (aka Earl Scruggs style) banjo. Don't play as much as I should, but it is still fun to pull out now and again.
I really enjoyed that Robin, thanks for sharing.
Anne, Biddy is adorable. Sure looks like the cat is keeping an eye on him. Thanks for the photos.
A couple of questions for those up north and in the Midwest who keep their instruments out all the time. Don't you have a problem with the instruments drying out and cracking when the furnace is running and the air in the house dries out? Isn't that why a lot of musicians keep humidifiers in their instrument cases?
We live in Northern MI. In addition to the 4 dulcimers, we have 6 guitars, and many other wooden instruments. We also have a house made of wood, lots of wood furniture and trim and us and the dogs. For the instruments, structure, belongings and living creatures, we have 3 whole house humidifiers for the 3 levels of the house. In the summer, we use Central A/C and a dehumidifier. We keep the relative humidity controlled between 40% and 60% all year. But, given that, I've have always stored my instruments in their cases (since 1973). It's a personal choice I know, there's no one right way. I fully respect those who choose to have their instruments out.
Funny thing, I played a bunch of 12 fret Taylor guitars today at our local store. They have more bass and a bit more volume than their 14 fret siblings. Like I need another, I have 5 Taylors now (after selling a 6th one)
That looks great Ken. Is it going to have nylon strings? I see it is a 12 fret. I bet it will be a fun little parlor guitar when you are done. Keep us posted. Would love to see it when it's done.
Very nice, thanks for sharing.
Kevin, welcome back. I remember corresponding with you about our Olympia Walkabout Dulcimers. I have a Folkcraft Custom Baritone, tuned to A. I haven't yet sat down to try to play with others. For me, it's about my personal use and loving the lower tones in all the standard tunes. So, I use my regular music when playing my baritione.
I have read a few articles that may help. Just google "playing baritone dulcimer with standard dulcimers". Hope this helps.
Congrats, looking forward to your report after you get it. I think you should be real happy with a McSpadden. Usually, you can't go wrong.
Did you win the Ebay auction for the McSpadden?
That is really cool. I didn't realize that Sears was still selling instruments as late as 1979. It looks to be well taken care of. What a special instrument. How does it sound?
Did anyone get a new dulcimer for Christmas? 
I'm not a brass instrument player, but I'm a retired saxophone and flute player. My involvement in band from age 9 has caused me to want some continued connection with wind instruments. As a result, I play Native American Flute(s) now.
Good advice so far, I won't expand on that. But one thing that I will add is this (something I have done for 46 years)....
always end your practice session playing some songs that you are pretty good at, that you enjoy. It allows you to end on a good note (pun intended), rather than ending your session being frustrated with something you haven't quite conquered yet. You will feel good and be ready to sit down to your next practice session, having ended in a positive way. Just a suggestion that has worked for me.
That's great news, sounds like a win-win for all. We'd love to see pictures of it, if you get the chance. You're going to love having that McSpadden!
I think the very same way, since beginning my music journey in 1973. 
I hate it when a injury interferes with my playing guitar or dulcimer. I truly feel blessed as long as I can play.
I play Native American style flutes also. Three of them are High Spirits flutes and are very well made. I have another made by Stellar flutes. I love the mellow, haunting sound.
Another HS flutes player here....I have 7. 
That was a really neat video. Loved the song and the music. Thanks for sharing.
@susie I came-by the instrument used yet it has been used very little. I've not contacted the builder, Paul Conrad, to ask him just what variety of instrument he called it. It has a very deep voice with which I am smitten.
For me, it actually changes as I learn new songs. I have so many. Currently, I'd say:
My Heart Will Go On (the Titanic song)
Goodbye is Not Forever (Bing Futch)
This Old Guitar (John Denver)
Matthew, happy to hear you're making music again!
Enjoy that beautiful Appalachian dulcimer, Susie!
Thanks, I am!
Thanks! I did a short concert for my husband this morning. 
That's a beauty, @Susie! Congratulations.
Thanks Dusty, I appreciate it.
Just received this yesterday. A Folkcraft Custom Baritone Dulcimer in Cherry, with a galax back. East Indian Rosewood fingerboard and accents. The cherry adds a little sparkle and volume to the overall lower tones. A beautiful instrument in tone and looks. Love it!
I agree with the others, it is beautiful!
New strings can often be the best, quick fix. So happy for you. I had a dulcimer that I had put new strings on that I love on another dulcimer. When I played it, it had lost all life...it sounded muted and lifeless. I love the strings on my other dulcimer. So, I changed strings to a different type and tada, it had it's life back. For whatever reason, that dulcimer just doesn't like those strings. Lesson learned.
If I had a new/new-to-me dulcimer I'd post!
Me too. I thought I'd see some activity by starting this thread. I guess there aren't nearly as many purchases being made of dulcimers here as there is on my other music sites. It's always fun to see the new stuff, but maybe dulcimer players are more conservative. Well, the thread is here, maybe someone will get something new some day. 
Most of us just post a separate thread when we acquire or make a new instrument, rather than having a single thread of new dulcimers.
But here's my newest build. This Holly Leaf is shape based on one of two Civil War or earlier instruments known to have been made in this recognizable pattern -- one in North Carolina and a similar but different holly leaf shape made in Virginia by a different builder. Great minds think alike and all that.
Mine is not an exact replica of the one which was built in Burnsville, NC. Rather, I 'softened' the original rigid straight lines by curving the shoulders and tail. Walnut and Maple. Rosewood tuning pegs. Staple frets for the melody string only. Width 7.5", Length 34.5". Side height 1.5". Fretboard 1" high x 1.125" wide.
Yes, I have seen a few NDD threads, but not many. I thought a thread like this might get more people to post. Just a thought. We will see.
That's a really cool dulcimer, thanks for the details on it. How does it sound?
No, not today. 
I belong to several music forums. It is quite common for folks to share their new instrument acquisitions with pictures and details. It's interesting to see what folks are getting and hear their stories.
As dulcimer players, I know we quite often acquire new or new-to-us dulcimers.
What are your thoughts on sharing your NDD's right here? Who wants to start?
Kendra has so much musical history to share and is quite talented. I enjoyed the article, thank you.
Doug is a great guy and a wonderful friend. One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He builds some of the most beautiful dulcimers. His wife is a beautiful soul too.
Nice article/interview, thanks for sharing.
My mandolin had a similar tailpiece. It was also very tight. I very carefully bent the sides out a tiny bit to lessen the tightness of the fit and it was much easier from that point on getting it off to change strings. It didn't need much, you still want a snug fit. I took it off the instrument when doing it, because you don't want to put any pressures on the other parts of the tailpiece or instrument when doing it. Again, ever so slight, not even enough to feel a movement.
