It was nice meeting you too! Ironically, I'm interested in the baritone partly because I DON'T play with other dulcimers usually. (Nobody around here!) It's attractive to have a dulcimer that can easily manage G or A, without capoing, along with my D-friendly dulcimer.

I did look at your YouTube videos and heard the difference between the 3 and 6 strings. I like the look of the hourglass shape so that's what I'd probably get. I've been researching and it seems like the red cedar is a really popular top. I'd been thinking spruce, but now I don't know.

Hi Carolyn. It was nice to meet you last month.

I can't remember if I told you, but in addition to the little dulcimette I shared with you, I also have a baritone dulcimette, which I actually prefer due to the extra sustain.  I originally requested a 6-string instrument, but I have been playing it with just 3 strings for the last several years.  With 6 strings it is great for strumming, but the 3-string configuration allows for more nuanced play.  It is tuned to G or A, so it is not always easy to play with other dulcimer players; that's why I took the dulcimette up to the Wallowas.

I think you'll have a great time playing your new instrument and figuring out which arrangements work best for it.  Good luck!

--
Dusty T., Northern California
Site Moderator

As a musician, you have to keep one foot back in the past and one foot forward into the future.
-- Dizzy Gillespie

I'm 90% headed towards ordering a baritone dulcimette (Ron Ewing). I got to put hands on a dulcimette at camp last month (thanks, Dusty) and it was just too charming. I decided that a baritone version would work the best for me. Does anyone have opinions or input that would be helpful to me at this point?