I have several wonderful dulcimers, and they serve different purposes. A tune that shines on one does not necessarily work so well on another. However, at any given time I usually consider one of them my "numero uno." Right now that would be my cherry/redwood McCafferty with a 25" VSL. It works equally well for fingerpicking and flatpicking. But ask me in a few months and my answer will be different.
Playing only one dulcimer is like drinking only one kind of wine.
Dusty,
I need another dulcimer/instrument, like I need a hole in my head. That said (haha), I've told myself, if I were to get one, it would be a McCafferty. I'm happy to see your response, that that would be your choice. Can you post a pic of yours? He makes beautiful dulcimers!
There's no way I can choose one. I have to choose two. My Doug Berch is my go to dulcimer for plugging in, and my Folkcraft Custom with a galax back is my go to dulcimer for when I'm unplugged (generally speaking). It's like having to choose your favorite child. 
Was finally able to see your photos Susie...in my Paint program. You are AMAZINGLY neat and organized...and anyone would be proud to have you own one of their instruments...they look so well cared for! OMG, I'm sure your pets feel the same way. You are an inspiration :-) !!!
Thank you! Your cozy corner is very pretty! It's inspiring to have these places where we can sit and play.
Here is my collection so far. HighSpirits, Erik the Flutemaker, Stellar kit and recently purchased from Joe Loftin.
I started with flute in 5th grade, then switched to alto saxophone in 7th grade. Since then, I've played around with several recorders and the tin whistle. But for the last couple of years I've gotten into playing Native American Flute.
Great! My oldest son (17) plays the recorder really well and messes around with a bansuri flute from India, but he keeps talking about getting another flute. Which Native American flute makers can you recommend?
All 7 of my NAF's are High Spirits. Very good intonation, beautifully made and reasonably priced. I've been real happy with them. There are other good flutes out there too, but others would have to chime in about them.
I started with flute in 5th grade, then switched to alto saxophone in 7th grade. Since then, I've played around with several recorders and the tin whistle. But for the last couple of years I've gotten into playing Native American Flute.
"Wild Mountain Thyme"
Hi Susie. Sheba is a pretty average sized girl cat. We got her from the local Humane Society... we get all our cats from there. 
Must be the way she is laying that makes her look like a larger cat. She is a beauty!
Sheba (aka Boo Boo) likes to lie on the backs of chairs and along the tops of open doors.
She looks like a good sized cat....how much does she weigh? Very pretty!
thank you suzie
thank you BD Bess
and Dusty
i was not asking if i should or should not use them my question was .
anyone know of any adhesive Pearlie markers that will stay on ? and where to get them ....
this is what i ended up ordering i think they will serve the purpose and look nice.
I won't discourage you from getting fret markers, that is your personal choice to make. To answer your original question, I too have used Inlay Stickers on other instruments. They are very thin (your fingers won't notice them), easy to apply, stay put, look real nice, and can be removed without sticky residue or harm to the instrument. If you go the route of fret markers, I would recommend http://inlaystickers.com. Lots of neat choices too!
Susie, your gliders look very comfortable!
Thank you Jan, they are very comfy!
They fit me perfectly, but I am tall (5'9").
I realize in reading this discussion that seven years ago I promised to post a picture of the dolphin soundholes on my Eedy Beede octave dulcimer.
Since David makes his dulcimers in Florida, the Atlantic dolphin soundholes seem appropriate. What you can't tell in the photo is how small they are. Each is smaller than my thumb.
Nice!!!!
Thanks, Ken, Susie, & Terry. I was wondering if this and my earlier trying to get started was worth posting. Just figured it would be worthwhile for someone, even though it's an"Other Instrument."
Your post was worth while. Ukes are fun and there's a lot of love for them. Others might find interest in the Ukulele Underground forum too.
Glad you finally made it in to UU! I've been a member there for quite a few years. It's actually a fun and friendly site. But yes, it's ukulele!
The funny story I have is about a friend of mine who is a mandolin player, of professional level. He is awesome. I was playing bluegrass with him at a neighborhood get-together (me on guitar) and a young boy commented on his instrument. He said it sounded like a ukulele. Boy, if looks could kill. So NEVER tell a mandolin player his instrument sounds like a ukulele!
My baritone isn't a McSpadden, but I just wanted to mention that baritones (with a quality build, like McSpadden and Folkcraft) have a beautiful voice. I really enjoy playing my songs with the baritone to give a while new sound. I'm betting you'd love a McSpadden baritone.
Again... Bruce Ford says he will keep ED's Tab files available online for everyone to use, and no need for everyone to download all the Tabs.
When that is done, can you share the link to the location of the tabs?
I agree with you Dusty. I think the shorter vsl must have some effect on the volume and tone. That is why I talked to Jim Woods about it. He even said that, but it would be very slight and probably not even noticable to the player. I'm happy with the end product. I guess my point was that if someone was considering going with the 26, they shouldn't be concerned with sound. It is still the nice, sweet, beautiful sound of a McSpadden.
NDD = new dulcimer day
Thumbs up to McSpadden for offering their full sized dulcimer in a shorter 26 vsl. I spoke with Jim Woods about the 26. I was interested to hear if the shorter vsl resulted in a noticable loss of volume and if the tone changed, from their standard vsl. He said I wouldn't notice a difference in volume and there might be a very slight tone difference. I got my new McSpadden and am very happy with it. It is so close to the McSpadden I had a few years ago, but I love the shorter vsl for my chord/melody. I wanted it to be comparable to my Doug Berch and Folkcraft Custom vsl's.
I just wanted to say, if you're considering one, I give it five stars. You probably won't be disappointed.
(I added a pic of it in my photos.)
Hey, thanks guys, for your replies. That helps a lot. I appreciate your taking the time to respond.
I have a couple questions regarding McSpadden dulcimers:
1. What is the overall length of a McSpadden dulcimer (I can't seem to find the dimensions on their website)?
2. I noticed on their website that a Micarta fretboard is an option. Has anyone ordered a McSpadden with the Micarta fretboard option and how does this compare to the Ebony fretboard option (I have had an ebony fretboard before, so I don't need information on that, just on the micarta)?
Thank you for your help.
The Madrone Magic flutes at High Spirits are beautiful and sound wonderful.
