You mentioned "Low-Maintenance." Provided that they are properly set up when purchased, lap dulcimers don't need much maintenance work except when a string breaks, and if you learn to tune carefully that will not be often.

It's best to store it in a proper case, rather than a pillow case. Try to keep the case out of the rain, and don't leave it on a beach. Wiping occasionally with a soft cloth and maybe oiling the tuners every couple of years is a good idea.

The traditional dulcimer is reputed to have been kept hanging on the wall over the fireplace in a cabin which wasn't heated much in below zero weather. If well built, they are a tough as the Kentucky hill folks who owned them.

I'm assuming you didn't buy one made with faces of glued up exotic wood with wild grain or knots, or millions of sound holes, and that it has a proper one-piece fretboard and geared tuners. Buying exotic stuff is always a risk.

Thank you both so much for your help! I really needed a little boost of confidence before making the investment. I just placed an order on Reverb for an "excellent condition" used Folkcraft. Fingers crossed the order goes through and the dulcimer is as good as the vendor claims.  

Ken L has given you wonderful advice, casserole.  I wish you a joyous mountain dulcimer journey!  

Sometimes it is best to start with what type of music do you want to play? You mentioned that you played noter style. It is easier to play in a 1 5 5 tuning (DAA, CGG, etc.) because for most tunes you will only play on the first (melody) string. In that tuning a 6.5 fret is nice to have, but not necessary. If you plan to play in chord/melody style you really should have that 6.5 and its octave 13.5. If you choose to play more modern songs or choose to play in a cross fret board style you might add the 1.5 and 8.5 frets. In general most folks play in DAd in those styles. Another question to ask yourself is do you want 3 or 4 strings. Four strings seems to be the most popular with the ability to turn it into three strings by removing one and you can have the nut notched to play four equidistant strings which opens up other possibilities. I hope I'm not confusing you with too much information.

Your profile lists you as being in Stillwater. You might call or drive down to Redwing and visit Stoney End Music. They usually have some mountain dulcimers in stock. Stoney End is associated with Hobgoblin Music in Great Britain so they also have instruments associated with British folk music.

In addition to the makers you mentioned I would encourage you to look at Folkcraft as well.

Ebony fretboards are nice, but add to the cost of the instrument. The first dulcimer I made in 1974 has a walnut fretboard and has held up very well. For myself I would not bother with an ebony fretboard on my dulcimer. Some folks feel that ebony helps your fingers slide better. It's really a matter of personal preference and how much you want to spend as fretboard overlays add to the expense of the instrument.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Hello! After 40-some years of wishing, I'm finally buying myself a dulcimer. I've been trying to educate myself, but I feel overwhelmed. I would greatly appreciate any guidance on dulcimer makers, models, and/or features that would be reliable and easy to play. I'm not being modest when I say I have zero musical talent, and I'll only be playing by and for myself. When I had a cardboard dulcimer 40-some years ago, I played what I believe is called noter/drone style (with a wooden rod and a pick). I really liked that, but would be game to try plucking it, too. I know it would be best to try various dulcimers out, but I live in Minnesota, and don't have easy access to a dulcimer store or dulcimer luthier (that I'm aware of).  

I've been looking at McSpadden, New Harmony, and Warren May, but am open to anything. I can afford a new, basic dulcimer, and possibly an upgrade or two, but nothing too crazy. I have thought about getting a smaller model, like a Ginger or Pudge, but don't know if that affects the reliability or ease of playing at all? Are ebony fret boards a good investment? Finally, are there certain frets that should be included or added (I see a lot of discussion about the 6.5 fret)? 

Thank you so much for reading! Any opinions on any of this would be greatly appreciated.