Yes, I understand. But even if it's 'general' considerations, that encompass a huge variety of different stringed instrument problems and considerations. Each individual issue and case requires some explanation and also inspires discussion.
I agree, not a definitive guide.........what I meant was who knew that frets could lift, or that tuners go bad or such a thing as three different forms of intonation exist, or that different fret board lengths could require string thickness..........I was talking about general considerations..all those considerations that are highly unique could indeed cause a problem.......I never even considered that a fret board could warp, I figured if it looked good it would play well.
would it be possible to list things that new buyers of used and new instruments should be made aware of that they might not know about.........such as intonation issues, tuner problems, raised frets, warped fret boards, adjustable bridges etc.? Some of us older birds have learned the hard way so it seems plausible that if this was all in one place sort of as a go to guide or be on the lookout for sort of thing it might be helpful to lots of folk.
Hi Salt,
A couple of things- That sounds like a wonderful guide, but would definitely require significant effort and expertise. Not every expert, builder, seller, or buyer would agree on the various issues it might get into. 
I think a defining buyer's guide like that would be great, but perhaps better written or hosted by someone on their own website, since FOTMD is not intended as a definitive knowledge resource ...but rather more as a social community.
I created this particular forum where we are posting here ( Forum: Instruments- specific features, instruments, problems, questions ) as a place where these kinds of instrument problems or questions could be brought up individually as needed. I'd rather that FOTMD not have a comprehensive (and interactive) outline that advises 'what to buy or avoid'...I can foresee too many potential problems. It could be a terrific project for some experienced and enterprising builder to create on their own website however!
A satin or matte finish usually has an additive like talc which keeps it from drying "glossy." Its sealing qualities are the same as a shiny finish. I wouldn't oil it because it probably won't penetrate, but just sit on top of the finish and get gooey.
After getting an instrument cleaned up, I'm a fan of a good quality paste wax for mild protection and a nice glow.
You've gotten some good advice here. I, like Ken L, have bought many an instrument sight unseen. Most of the time I've been satisfied regardless of whether it's a "traditional" or a "modern" instrument. I've been ripped off twice (my opinion, the sellers says they didn't.) I've screwed up once. So, that being said, you know you can't go wrong with a McSpadden or Folkcraft/Folkroots. Even if you don't like the sound they will be fine quality instruments and (unless you really pay too much) you can probably get your money back. There are some really great instruments out there by other makers and there are some old ones that may look good, but aren't. I bought a really nice looking teardrop made in WV 40 years ago off ebay and it is unplayable. The woodworking is superb but the fret layout is crazy. Fortunately it was only about 50 bucks. If you see one you like ask on here. I'd bet someone has played one or knows someone who has.
Beth -- the big difference between a Contemporary dulcimer and a Traditional dulcimer isn't the kind of music played, but rather the overall tone of the instrument. Contemporary dulcimers have a larger interior volume than a Traditional instrument, and so they will have a more 'mellow' (bass/baritone) sound. Traditional dulcimers are narrower/shallower, have a more 'high silvery' sound, and may not be set up to play chords at all (narrow fretboard and/or frets only under the melody string).
Generally a contemporary dulcimer will have sides 2" or more in depth, and be 8" or more wide. Traditional dulcimers tend to have sides under 2" tall and run 5" to 7" wide at the widest.
If you see an instrument you like, call the builder and ask him/her to play one for you over the phone. Most builders are happy to oblige.
Just a thought....about a new topic that many of you who are more knowledgeable than I might consider setting up, especially those of you who are builders.......
would it be possible to list things that new buyers of used and new instruments should be made aware of that they might not know about.........such as intonation issues, tuner problems, raised frets, warped fret boards, adjustable bridges etc.? Some of us older birds have learned the hard way so it seems plausible that if this was all in one place sort of as a go to guide or be on the lookout for sort of thing it might be helpful to lots of folk.
Hello again, Beth. I have purchased instruments on both eBay and Goodwill auction sites. A couple of them were good buys, but I have been burned as well. If you can return it if not satisfied, that's a plus, but a lot of trouble. A Warren May I purchased needed repairs which was not disclosed in the information, nor visible in the pictures. Because I build and repair instruments, it was no big problem. I responded to you post over at ED with other advise.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
What kind of music are you most likely to be playing on it? And in what style?- noter droning style or modern chord/melody style? Or fingerpicking perhaps?
This is an important question, because people who play certain styles tend to want or need certain features on their dulcimers, since they are using quite different playing techniques and they are usually seeking a specific tone and sound.
I know you say you are a professional player and are looking for a 'great' instrument, but then you say money is tight, so that will certainly limit your options. Some of the instruments you mention that interest you are not usually among lower priced dulcimers.
When you buy a dulcimer without playing it in person first, it can be a good idea to only buy from a reputable dealer or maker. Avoid Ebay 'bargains' unless you're willing to take a risk.
Hi. I have been in your position -- wanting to diversify but being on a budget and not being in an area where there were lots of options. I would encourage you to find ways to "test drive" as many different makers as possible. There may be a conference or workshop that you can get to -- or check out the dulcimer club page and see if you can get to a club event (even if just once). What you will find is that there are many, many talented makers but some set ups will "fit" and others will be "lovely, but not for me".
Here's my path: I bought my first dulcimer from a neighbor who made it in his wood shop. No 6.5 fret and big strings (he's a tough ole banjo player). I learned on it but it was not a delight to play. My next purchase was a Ron Gibson that I ordered based on a sound file that he posted. I was a nervous wreck spending that much money on something I hadn't handled. It was very, very stressful. The Angels were smiling on me and Ron's instrument is a splendid beauty that fits me well. Whew! (It arrived Christmas Eve! A grand holiday!). I can definitely recommend Ron Gibson.
I had opportunities to handle Blue Lion and think they are marvelous -- what a lovely make -- but then I saw an affordable McSpadden on the area Craigslist and grabbed it -- only to find it had ancient, slipping tuners. That is fixable but for more $$. And that's where poking around has led to a real blessing: Ron Kunkle lives in Shelton, WA and makes dulcimers, Native flutes and other things. Although I don't own a "Kunkle" I think the workmanship is superb and Ron K helped me revive the slipping McSpadden. Through Ron Kunkle I've learned to "see" much more of what dulcimer construction is about. I think Ron Kunkle's instruments are just as fine as any I've handled -- but he's not well known outside our area.
Then there was the near disaster: I saw a dulcimer in the commission space of the local guitar store. Oh, what a beauty! I almost paid bucks on the spot. I asked to play the instrument. Ugh. A mess. The guitar store employees said they would throw in some new strings. Fortunately I chickened out and spoke to "our Ron " (Ron Kunkle) who speculated that perhaps a fret had risen (which can happen in our damp climate). I went back to the guitar store and sighted down the fret board. It was like the Himalayas with some things low, some high and some very high. I suspect that beautiful, beautiful instrument was stored in an unheated storage unit for a long time.
In short, be cautious. When we can't spend money, let's spend time so that the few bucks we have aren't wasted on a pseudo bargain. If you are not part of a club, please consider finding a public space and starting one (ours is in the community room at the fire station). I say "public space" so that you don't have to clean house! (also there should be parking and accessible bathrooms). Libraries, churches, schools are all possibilities. Our local club has been an enormous blessing to me because it brings me into contact with more experienced players, new songs and gives us all a chance to oogle and handle various styles of dulcimers.
There may be much more in your area that you know. An unknown (like our Ron Kunkle) who produces magic may be around the corner -- with the added blessing that you can handle to your heart's content. Who would have guessed there were such dulcimer riches in . . . western Washington? I've been so happily surprised by how many instruments and nice people pop up when one has an eye out -- I wish you your own happy ending!
I know I'm coming very late into this discussion, but I thought it might be worth chipping in with one point. As some of the discussion has been about the rhythm, or about rhythmic changes, in Barbara Allen, people might like to know that a high proportion of English versions of Barbara Allen are in 5/4 time.
Hey everybody, I am really enjoying your posts. I do believe it is an individual choice. Although I still favor the single melody string, I have found one dulcimer, the Flat Creek Student Dulcimer, a large plywood box type of dulcimer, that sounds particularly good with the doubled strings. The doubled melody strings on this particular dulcimer seems to give it more of a sustained quality. I am glad to have several dulcimers by different builders, for each one has a different voice and has something to offer. Variety, really is the spice of life.
My early dulcimer experience was the opposite of Dusty's. My first dulcimer had 4 independent strings, no provision for doubling any strings. Then I broke the plastic nut. I called several people but it was Keith Young who replaced it for me. He put on one of "his" nuts with provision for doubling not just the melody but also the middle string. (Of course he notched the bridge as well.) Now I could do things with the strings I couldn't do before.
Fast forward several years to my getting my Heatherwood. It has doubled melody with no provision for 4 independent. I played with the outside string loosened until I discovered all the videos of Schnaufer. I put that doubled string back on and worked at playing it that way. Some folks whom I respect greatly advised me to stake one of them off, but I didn't.
I do move the strings on my Rockwell, sometimes during a performance. In fact, the engineer recording me wanted to know what I had done to get that "different" sound on the instrument.
Play it like you feel it, 3 or 4 strings; double melody or independent; play it!
Lisa, yes, it really is a challenge. But the idea and possibilities of it all is to much to ignore. Some things in life just whop you up side your head, and I believe I have been whopped.
Like you Lisa, my plan is to practice a couple of very easy songs, over and over and over again. Same method learning dulcimer 4 years ago.
In my humble opinion, I think it will prove more difficult than learning NAF. Simply because one has to learn to over blow, instead of trying not too.
When I first started playing dulcimer, I used the double melody string because ... well ... because that's how the dulcimer came and I thought it was normal. I ignored advice from others to remove one of the melody strings. I arrogantly thought that since I had been used to double strings on my mandolin and 12-string guitar I could handle it. But one day whil re-stringing I left off the extra string just to see what it was like, and I immediately fell in love with the increased clarity of sound from three single strings. I have since taken the extra melody string off all my dulcimers with the sole exception of a 6 string dulcimette made by Ron Ewing.
I can understand why noter players might want that extra zing you get with the double strings, but for nearly everyone else I don't see the benefit. It is nearly impossible to bend double strings with any accuracy, and pull-offs and hammer-ons are also a lot easier and cleaner with single strings. Additionally, if you play across all the strings, it is really hard to keep a consistency of tone and volume when one string is doubled and the others aren't.
In the end, as others have said, this is a question of personal preference. And you might have to play a spell (as in two years or so) to figure out what your preferences are.
Let me also comment on Rob's accurate obvservation that Stephen Seifert uses a double melody for chording. True enough. But Stephen plays with a lot of drones, and he will tell you that he sometimes goes days on end without playing any chords. If you compare him to another great flatpicker, Aaron O'Rourke, I think you will see the difference. Stephen plays melodies mainly on the melody string even though he is comfortable across all strings. Watch his left hand, and on most songs you will see him playing horizontally up and down the fretboard. Compare that to Aaron O'Rourke. Aaron tends to place his left hand in one spot on the fret board and play vertically across all the strings before he moves to another spot on the fretboard. Not surprisingly, Stephen plays with a double melody and Aaron plays with a single melody.
I always build with a double melody string. Buyers expect it. Although I never use it in my own playing. I think most players come around to single melody eventually... Robert.
John, I like just the three strings. I took the extra melody string off my Cabin Creek (Walter Messick) because my narrow finger kept splitting the strings. The only dulcimer I have with the double melody strings is my McSpadden. Seems the two melody strings are closer together and I don't have that problem. I really can't tell any difference in volume. It's more a difference in sound. To me the one melody string sounds cleaner and more distinct. That's just my personal opinion.
Agreed! It is personal preference. As for myself, I say you have to have at least one of each! ;)
DAN
Thanks Strumelia for giving us a larger perspective and for sharing your personal taste for playing. I have a much deeper appreciation for both styles now for each has its won beauty.
There's a lot to be said of both single and double melody strings, for both chordal playing and noter playing. Everyone has their own opinion of course, and all personal preferences are valid! 
I do agree that pull offs might be a bit less clean with a double melody string, and it also seems to not be the best choice for fingerpicking.
I'm a fan of simplicity in sound myself. However, I prefer the sound and feel of a double melody string for my own playing. (btw I used to play chord style but have been only noter playing for about 17 years now.)
Why do i like double melody for noter playing? Because it has a subtle sound characteristic that reminds me of multi-stringed Old World zithers. (just to clarify, double melody strings were not a musical instrument feature suddenly invented during the folk revival in the U.S., they were a feature of some European traditional dulcimer antecedents long ago).
It's simple- I love how the double melody string sound retains little echoes of traditional folk zither/zitter playing and transports me to another time and place. 
Thanks Rob for the information. I am becoming more flexible in appreciating the double string. I think its not the instrument that needs a balanced, approach but me. I am so glad that the Mt. Dulcimer is a folk instrument, and therefore is open to a variety of style. Keep up the good strumming and singing. John
David Schnaufer used a double melody for chording; Steve Seifert uses one as well. Alan Freeman, tho' playing a different "style" and using a radically different tuning, does too. I like being able to go from 4 independent strings to double melody for certain songs. I haven't found it harder nor does it really give me more volume, just a little different sound.
But having a new passion, music or otherwise, is always a great thing.
Being a beginner is how one stays young.
Wow John, I love it! ...I'm going to claim that as my new credo- it's a great fit for how I like to go through life. 
Terry, it really is a challenge, isn't it? At this early stage it feels like attempting to pat your head, rub your tummy, and dance a jig all at the same time...impossible! I'm settling on just four or five very simple tunes to play over and over now ...until I stop playing totally wrong notes. 
Once I can play them without wrong notes, I'll try adding a very simple drum beat while piping, like maybe only one beat per measure.
Having never played a recorder, flute or whistle, this really is difficult for me and demands extreme baby steps. But it's so fun when I manage a little phrase correctly. The whole purpose of the tabor pipe is to be able to play tunes on a pipe with only one hand , so that you can play percussion (the word tabor means a drum, but you are not restricted to that) with your right hand at the same time.
Thanks Ken H. and Ken L. I do so appreciate your experience and knowledge. I have found one advantage of the double string recently and that is when sounding the melody strings for my library class 0f beginners they are able to hear the sound of it for tuning purposes. I started my dulcimer playing with a three string Jeffrey Dulcimer back in 1978 and have loved its simplicity ever since.
Yes, one could say a pipe produces a shrill sound, and it could be said one can hear a mellow sound.
Keys, octaves, pipe, and the skill of the player, determines all of this.
Saying all of this, I really don't know at this point what in the h... I am talking about.
What I do understand is my new dream of playing Tabor pipe and drum, out in public one day. I see the possibilities as being fun and everlasting.
Hey Lisa, pretty nice to be out of the closet, huh?
Well, John, like you, I enjoy playing with three strings and for the reasons you mention. Occasionally I will play one of my four string dulcimers with a double melody string arrangement, but when I do, I usually play with a noter.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Doubled melody strings came about during the Revival of the 1960s/70s. People thought they gave a more balanced (not louder) sound between the melody and the drone strings. Doubled melody strings are not necessarily more effective for noter & drone for the same reason they cause problems for chord players -- the noter, or fingers, tend to slide the two strings too close together and the do not sound cleanly. I used to swear by doubled melody string; but I've since come to my senses and use just three strings.
"Commercial" builders usually made doubled melody strings standard because it it easy to remove one, if you chose; and they feel they would lose sales to those who believe that Revival hype <grin>. Custom builders will make what you want, and aren't necessarily any more expensive than commercial builders... Those who love and play Traditional dulcimers usually prefer just a single string per course.
From things I dug up, it looks pretty darn simple to make a tabor pipe. It's a cylindrical bore. Half-inch diameter thin-wall PVC is mentioned as a good material, which can be suitably painted/decorated to not look like PVC.
I am a frustrated flute/whistle/recorder/shakuhachi player and there are some funny family stories about my attempts. At least, they think the stories are funny. Oh, well.
But having a new passion, music or otherwise, is always a great thing. Being a beginner is how one stays young.
I don't think it's any more shrill than a penny whistle, though?
Happily John, my office/practice location is upstairs and my husband's office and the main part of the house is downstairs , so that helps a lot. He seems to think it's interesting, and he knows I enjoy trying new music explorations periodically.
The tabor pipe gets more than a full scale on its 3 holes- for example my G pipe goes from the low G up to the next g, and then higher yet to A, B, C, and D. So I can play it in G, in A minor, and in I think D (or C?) as well if I learn certain 'half-hole' techniques. But that's getting way ahead of myself.
Terry was intrigued when i mentioned to him my having just gotten one- then he caught the fever too, poor fellow. We've been comparing notes on our new pipes for days, before 'going public' with this quirky new adventure. 
I have always been a three stringed player and have had students wonder why I would ask them to put aside one of the doubled melody strings. I tell them that I like the pure harmony and balance of the strings, and that it is easier for them to press down on the frets to begin with. Of course I am also a melody-chord type of player. I feel that there are certain effects such as arpeggio's, and hammer-ons and pull- offs that are easier this way. I have always thought that a doubled stringed dulcimer sounded more like a mandolin. I know you can get more volume with a doubled melody string. I also know that the noter/drone style is more effective with the doubled melody string. I keep thinking that the reason so many dulcimers these days come with doubled melody strings is because the maker doesn't know if you are a noter/drone or melody-chord player. I would like to know what others of you think about the advantages and disadvantages of a three string or a doubled melody string are.
I hope you fine people have someplace far away from the house where you can study that tabor pipe! I suspect practicing tabor pipe is grounds for divorce in some states.
It really is a facinating instrument, though. Even though it only has three holes, by overblowing you can get a full scale. But it is a shrill noise!
Yes I looked at that tradition. It's very cool too! But I am not going to be hauling that thing around in my arms. No way. Lol
hey, I like drums!
Drums? Drums!? We are dulcimer players! We need DRONES! Make it a tambourin a cordes !
I mean, how cool is this:
I grabbed this photo from this site: http://instrumundo.blogspot.com/2013/04/ttun-ttun-chicoten-tambor-de-cuerdas.html
yep I'm here Terry...in fact typing one-handed with my tabor pipe in the other- lol
i think you are way ahead of me though since you have flute/whistle experience already- wind flutes/pipes are totally new to me =8-o
Terry and I both just received our tabor pipes in the last few days, but neither of us have an actual tabor drum yet. soon though!
it's a big challenge for sure, but we like challenges- at least i know i do.
Sounds interesting Terry, I shall look it up. Have fun with it and will look forward to hearing how it goes.
I have a new music interest, called Tabor Pipe and Drum. I probably don't know enough to even start a thread, as my journey only began in the past week. I am hoping others, who know of this music, will join in and offer up their experience, opinions and thoughts.
The tabor pipe is a flute with 3 holes, two on top and 1 on the bottom, which is covered and uncovered by the thumb.
The player holds the pipe with one hand, right or left (left for me), holds the drum with the same arm, and strikes the drum with a drum stick held with the right hand.
I have already figured out that this presents itself as a real challenge. However, I am very excited, while apprehensive, about the possibilities. Searching YouTube, I love the music and the venues.
I am hoping that Strumelia will join in, as she is the one who initially sparked my interest. She is certainly a "leg up" on me.
If you would like a look see, just type in Tabor Pipe and Drum YouTube, and you will find many videos.
"A new journey begins."
