Thanks so much for this insight! I got some strings locally and strung it up yesterday and it sounds amazing! :)

I think Ken is correct that the fretboard overlay appears to be walnut. I believe the body and sides are ambrosia maple with a light (probably oak) stain. You can see the small pinholes and streaks typical of ambrosia maple under the stain. The top appears to be curly maple.

Ron

Thanks for sharing your good fortune with us Badger. I'm not sure what wood the body of dulcimer is made from, but it does have a walnut overlay on the fret board. I want to say the dulcimer is poplar, but I'm just not certain. Anyway, that dulcimer is something special. Enjoy playing it.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

You've got a real treasure in that Bonnie Carol!  I can't offer insight into the types of woods used yet know Bonnie's reputation as a luthier is stellar.  Enjoy that lovely dulcimer! 

Hi all,

Long time guitar player here thinking about getting into the dulcimer. I just had a nice dulcimer land in my lap here as my wife found it in a thrift store (actually got it from the guy in line to donate it before it was donated!) Looking into this instrument, it seems that Bonnie was a very well-respected player and luthier. I'd like to learn to play dulcimer now that I have one, and I was just wondering what you could tell me about it. For instance, what kind of wood is it made of? I've heard Bonnie used "exotic hardwoods"...maybe this is Koa or something like that? How would you suggest I clean it without damaging or altering the finish? Is this rare/collectible? Any idea how much a low production number Bonnie Carol like this would go for to a collector? Where should I get strings for it? 

Really appreciate any insights you guys have! Thanks! 

My images were too large to upload, so I put them here: https://imgur.com/a/332WTID

updated by @badger: 03/30/25 09:41:12AM