For it is written:

He who knows not, knows not

He who knows not that he knows not ...

... is a not knows .......

I'd rather be a "beginner" than an "ender" any day!

I, also, think of myself as a "learner". And I'm always learning about new things that I hadn't, yet, discovered that I didn't know. Ya know?!

Thanks Strumelia, Ive been wondering how I was going to tell when I was no longer a beginner. Now I dont have to worry about it any more, I will always be a beginner. Now its just a matter of to what degree.

I think that we are beginners as long as the amount of what there is yet to learn is larger than what we already know...and that's certainly true for me! And maybe we are all simply 'learners'. May we never stop learning until we die...

We all were beginners once upon a time...

Hi Van

Thanks for the input I'm a beginingplayer and having a great time trying to learn to play. The dogs howl, the cats run and hide and friends dont come by much any more, but I'm having a great time.

I couldnt agree with you more about the people at McSpadden, I've called them a couple of times and they were very helpful. I just wish that they had a dealer in my area.

Thanks Ken, Boy am I getting an education.

Ed - neither friction nor geared tuners should "be an issue". Those are not wooden tuning pegs, which occasionally can be an issue if you aren't used to them; they are top of the line metal pegs nearly as quick and accurate as geared tuners.

Hi Geekling. Thanks for the info and advice. The seller is asking $200.00 for the Dulcimer with hard case and original sales document. The tuners are an issue and I couldnt tell for sure in there picture if they were friction or geared but with the info that you have given me I'm sure they are friction. They say it is signed and dated 1991.

Thanks again everyone

Ed

Age isn't a prob. they usually mellow out and just sound better with age.

Thanks everyone for the input andas I expected, everyone seems to like thier McSpadden Dulcimers and the service.

and Barbara the one I was looking at wasn't on e-bay, but thanks for the info and the link.

My very first dulcimer was a walnut hourglass McSpadden. My daughter has it now. It has the most beautiful resonant voice one can imagine, and is so smoooooth to play. An excellent choice!

And their after sales service is as good as you'll find anywhere.

[edit] not surprising really ... they more or less define the highest standards for volume manufacturers

john p

You usually cant go wrong with a McSpadden. Everyone I have heard that has one loves them.

Can anyone give me any info on this dulcimer, good, bad, or otherwise?? I am new to the dulcimer world and could be classified as a pre beginner Thanks