Is there an instrument that doesn’t infect with “acquisition disorder?” I have a friend who has 27 guitars. I try to keep my condition to a minimum to placate She Who Must be Obeyed. I only own 2 guitars: a cheap, short scale Squire and a new Gibson L-00. I own two electric basses, 7 Irish whistles and 14 Native American flutes. No dulcimers yet; I’m currently refurbishing a kit model owned by my church, but I expect to break out in acquisition pustules at any moment… Pray for me; these things are not cheap!

Thats a pretty cool instrument. I like the tin at the end and the bridge setup is clever. Thanks for sharing

Thanks for sharing. It's fun to see/hear what people have, whether it's one or many.

Very cool @dulcillini

I love the pattern of the one on the left and the shape of the one on the right 👍🏽 

That is awesome @overdrive

Id love to see a photo of the dulcimer that has served you all this time

Nate

Two: 1. McSpadden Teardrop Cherry 2002.  2. McSpadden Custom Maple 2003 

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I only have *one* dulcimer, but I made it with my own two hands forty years ago in Tennessee. The walnut wood came from my high school civics teacher's backyard sawmill.  Dad and I helped him feed the wood through and used it for the staircase in our farmhouse. I kept a piece of the newel post and carefully sliced thin pieces using a bandsaw we had built ourselves from a kit. The nut was made from a PVC drainpipe scrap. A tailpiece was snipped from A/C duct. Our town library had a xeroxed pamphlet with detailed instructions on bookmatching and steam bending and using the right glue and precise fret placement.  It isn't symmetrical, but it came out looking so beautiful!  5 strings, I didn't know how to play or tune it, and it honestly sounded bad.  Well, one string sounded okay.

Two years ago, I determined to make it better. Better tuners, a new bone nut, a brass (key)bridge. Just 3 strings for now. Adjusted the action. After coming this far, I had to do the work myself.  Finally, I love the way it plays and sounds! I'm learning to play chord/melody style in DAA.  Now I realize it would be great to have another dulcimer to work on different tunings and string gauges. One that I would be able to take to lessons and festivals without worrying.

I think I've reached my satisfied limit now.My first dulcimer was a folkroots I had my eye on for a summer of weekends playing at a renaissance fair..Alas it cost most of my wages but well worth it.As a guitar player it had a depth of sound I was used to.Then a Tom Yockie chromatic I bought through Craig's list in Vancouver.Then a crazy giant over sized Galax style I asked John Knopf to make(love it).Then a scheitholt from Jack Ferguson(marvellous!),next a teardrop from Ohio-it really barks!Unlike the mellow folkroots.The music I play is varied-I love the old time American stuff but it's not what I do.  having more than one dulcimer is enabling for me with the variety of music I play,using different string gauges,tunings,etc.I can have dulcimers at the ready with different tunings,strings.

I have to admit that I'm the opposite: I love changing strings.  New strings look, feel, and sound better than old ones.  On the dulcimer and guitar I use regularly, I change strings about every 3 months.  The other ones might go a year without new strings, but once I pick one up to play and realize how dull-sounding and stiff-feeling they are, I put new strings on right away.  Sometimes I have a little string-changing party and change strings on several instruments at once.

Make sure you have the right equipment: a string winder, a wire cutter, a capo, a tuner.  (If you have one of those scroll heads with the closed back, you might also need some needle-nose plyers.)  It takes 5 minutes to change 3 strings, and then for several months you get to enjoy the bright tone and soft feeling of the new strings.

Strings last longer if you keep your instruments in cases. If you hang them on the wall or on stands, as I tend to do, the oxidization process speeds up. 

Strumelia, I had to laugh at what you said about changing strings.  I absolutely HATE changing strings!  I don't know why find it so tedious to do, especially when one has so many instruments. So, like you, I do it only when it can't be avoided any longer - like when I can see the rust on the strings and they sound totally dead.  I think with guitars, because it takes so long before the strings settle down and stop going out of tune right away. Annoying!  Dulcimers hold tuning so much longer!

Maddie and NateBuilds Toys,

it’s taken years to find the strings that I like best and suits my playing, but when I did I shopped around and bought them five and ten sets at a time.  Strumelia, I also found trying to change the strings on a large number of instruments at once is overwhelming. So I do one or two instruments a week until they are all done.  Guitar strings wear way quicker than dulcimer strings due to the high tension.  For me that could take a year.  

Susie,

haha, yes, I have owned so many instruments in my lifetime but what fun it has been.  

I don't feel so bad about my "collection " any more.

That sounds like a dangerous thing, to have a family owned music store. But, oh so much fun!

My Keith Young is a great player too!  I also have five Ukuleles that are a lot of fun.  My banjos are a five string and a four string that I’ve strung up with nylgut strings.  I play it the most in Chicago tuning, just like a big ukulele.

For the past 25 years I have had two mtn dulcimers that are good players- my Keith Young maple teardrop, and my cherry Galax by Ben Seymour. I have a finicky old kit dulcimer someone gave me from their closet yrs ago, but I don't play that one. So I consider I have two mountain dulcimers.
But I also have two epinettes, a langspil, and a hummel, which are all dulcimer-like instruments. It feels pretty well rounded. My wallet has kept me in line a little over the years. I have 8 banjos last i counted. Each one is very different from the other, for example my gourd banjo.

@steve-c so cool.... but all I can say is  

@maddie-myers , one day years ago, i got it into my head to change the strings on seven of my banjos at once. 35 strings, took hours. I don't know why i did such a crazy thing, but i vowed Never Again.   I'm normally pretty cheap about strings and only change them once in a while, not 'regularly'. The only strings I actually notice that 'die' over time are wound strings. The great Margaret Barry once said that in hard times she stripped wire from window screens to string her banjo with.

I’ve always had too many dulcimers, it’s now a lifestyle! I’m living the dulcimer life.  Besides owning 35+ historical dulcimers, I own 3 Blue Lions, a McCafferty, John Stockard, Bella Dulcimer, 3 Folkcraft, Clemmer Banjammer, Keith Young, Ron Gibson, 2 Ron Ewings and a host of guitars, harps, grandpa’s Sax, psaltry, plus many more. It can’t be helped my father owned a music store when I was growing up.

Yeah, I'm a little out of control with dulcimers and a few other things with strings: I have a standard McSpadden, McCafferty, Keith Young, 5-string Homer Ledford, a Clemmer Banjammer, and a huge standard I made from a kit (I call it The Boat). It doesn't yet know if it's a boat, standard, baritone or a bass. I have a McCafferty baritone on order to collect next month in the States.  My other noisemakers are 3 banjos, 3 guitars, waaay too many harmonicas, a panflute, and an electric bass I'm giving to my grandson who wants to play in the school jazz band. I gave my Native American flute to my son who cast covetous glances at it.  Just a final thought:  How come nobody ever comments on how much money it costs to keep all these babies in fresh strings !?!  

I am asked this question a lot because I've posted videos over the years using several different dulcimers, many of which I've parted with, usually to help defray the costs of a new instrument.  And I never like to answer because it involves admitting how many instruments I've accumulated.

4 standard dulcimers: McCafferty, Stephens Lutherie (w/nylon-strings), Modern Mountain Dulcimer, Blue Lion 1C

1 baritone dulcimer: Rick Probst (built as a standard, but I've strung it as a baritone for several years)

2 octave dulcimers: David Beede & Ron Ewing

1 "baritone dulcimette" by Ron Ewing

Don't get me started on my guitars, ukulele, mandolin, autoharp . . .

Thank you! I’ve been around for a few years, but I think this is the first time I have ever posted. I have had a few other dulcimers, but I  try to keep it at no more than three at a time. When I get a new one I will usually sell one of the others. 

Welcome to the forum!

Nice...."at the moment"? Sounds like plans to expand. 😉 

I have two McSpaddens and one New Harmony Pudge Pro, at the moment. 

Wow, that's an incredible collection! It sounds like you have a wide range of instruments to explore and enjoy. Do you have a favorite among them, or a go-to for certain types of music?

I have been giving away my dulcimers to people around town, and out of the 10 or so that I had a couple months ago, I now own 3. One problem with making experimental dulcimers is that I end up with *tons* that don't look or sound that good. I'd still feel bad just breaking them down for their hardware, though, so they pile up until I offload them on local musicians. lol

I've added recorders, ukuleles and micro base so I think it's more curiosity about something new [like a kid with a new toy], or exploring, or maybe just a short attention span.

It sounds like you have quite an eclectic collection of instruments! From dulcimers to bodhran, and more, you've got a wide range of sounds to explore.

I have one dulcimer only but I have also some guitars (fender, takamine...) and some other musical instruments

Hammered dulcimer, autoharp, banjo are some of the instruments I hope to own and learn and play

You've got a range of options to experiment with and expand your musical horizons.  

Neat, congrats! Would love to see pics when you have time.

Well, I have another one!  I found it on the goodwill site.  It looks like a Black Mountain, but has no label. 

I'll post some pictures of some of my dulcimers a little later. 

This one came with only one string (the bass string); also the saddle is a bit damaged and the nut is a bit out of place.  So I'm going to take it to my favorite luthier down the road. 

I have seven dulcimers.  Over the years, I have made thirty nine of them.  I have a new one underway.  It will feature Gonca Alves, Lacewood, Zebrawood and either the Honduras or Nicaraguan Rosewood, I'll have to check the packing slip to see for sure.  I have been purchasing my wood from The Wood & Shop Inc.  They ship high quaility wood products and usually get the stuff within a week of ordering.  Most generally I use Cedar, Mahogany and Walnut.

If there are anyother dulcimer enthusist in the Cheyenne Wyoming area, we have dulcimer practice at Salt Life Church at 6:00 p.m.

Still waiting to get my first mountain dulcimer (my wife says I have to put together my ukulele kit before getting the next StewMac kit for a dulcimer).

But I do have ...10(?++) stick/pickin'/strum dulcimer guitars.

I do not have a habit, it's entirely intentional, I can quit anytime I want.

Welcome to the forum! Thanks for sharing your dulcimer collection!

I have six.  My wife purchase a McSpadden for me years ago, a banjo style and four that I made myself.

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Love all these dulcimers!  Which brings me to the question…..

How many dulcimers does a dulcimer player need?

Just one more!

Oops, it looks like I got dogs and dulcimers confused.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Thanks Ken! It does sound really nice. BTW, it's only #7, I surely don't expect a #8.

Congratulations on acquiring your eighth dulcimer. It is beautiful and I am sure it sounds great. Enjoy.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Wow, that's neat to hear. I saw the pictures of your visit to Folkcraft. It's cool you saw it. Richard and crew picked out a fabulous set of Hickory for it. I've been playing it today. It has such a pretty voice and the sustain is remarkable.  Of course, the workmanship is fabulous. But one correction, they are dog paws, haha. I do think he has cat soundholes too. Since I've had 7 family dogs in my life so far (#8 is on the way), you can officially call me a dog person.

Hi Susie! That is so beautiful! As it turns out, Bob and I actually saw it a couple of weeks ago at Folkcraft. ☺️ Richard showed it to us and told us about the wood. I drooled over the cat paw sound holes…lol…🐾🐾 Congratulations!

Thank so much, Dusty!

Looks beautiful.  Congrats on your new baby.

Update, I just added dulcimer #7. My last.

I've wanted a Hickory dulcimer for awhile now. This is it. A Folkcraft FSH. I also had Richard engrave a maple leaf at the 5th fret, since my husband and I have been producers of Michigan Pure Maple Syrup since 2008. I'm really happy with this dulcimer....it sounds great and plays perfectly.

Susie Thank you so much .  I am looking forward to getting better on getting better on my playing mountain dulcimer 

There's a group of us here with interest in Native American Flutes. You fit right in with your growing collection of them, along with your growing collection of dulcimers.

I own 3 guitars one which I got as a gift in 1978 made by Eagle and two Taylor’s.  I am learning Native American Flute…..I have too many to count.  I have a McNally Stick, Djembe. I was given a mountain dulcimer for a my birthday and I bought another mountain dulcimer while on vacation .  I am not sure if I have enough mountain dulcimers.  Lol 😆 Along with miscellaneous musical instruments 

Thank you so much! You are blessed as well to have your grandpa’s fiddle…Wow! Awesome! There is nothing more special thank to have these family heirlooms! 

Lol…Bob has many special guitars, but he has one that he loves the best! He thinks it is the perfect guitar to accompany the dulcimer and I agree… he is one with this guitar! He loves his other guitars, but he is connected to his Taylor! ❤️🎶😁

Wow Kendra, thank you for sharing. Impressive, to have have so many heirloom instruments. I have one.....my grandpa's fiddle, that he got when he was 16 (1914). I also wondered about Bob's guitar stable. I was up to 7 at one point, but have thinned the herd to 4. Bob needs to catch up to your collection, haha.

Hello, my most precious dulcimer is my Grandmother’s dulcimer, made in 1894. My second most precious dulcimer is one made by my dad in 1925, when he was 16 years old. My third most precious dulcimer is a courting dulcimer that my dad made in 1975 to play with my mom. (My husband and I still play it all the time) I grew up playing the dulcimer, so I have many dulcimers…probably 60 or more. Every one of these instruments have a story and almost every one of them are regularly played. 

As far as other instruments, I have many family heirloom instruments because most my family were all musicians. I have several banjos, including my grandmother’s and my uncle’s. I have several fiddles including those that my dad played and other family members. I have my mom’s accordion. I have my grandmother’s pump organ.

Other instruments include my upright bass that I purchased when I was in high school. I also have two pianos, several autoharps, several bowed psalterys, various band instruments that I played including flute and clarinet, ukes, misc. rhythm instruments, misc. instruments in general, and more.

Now, let me tell you about the guitars my husband has…he has 14+! Some are one of a kind and some are from my family! 

I am blessed! 

Sounds like your family is growing.

The 6+ fret is quite useful. 

Exciting. I've heard wonderful things about Dan's dulcimers. Maybe you could show it to us after you get it. 

Only one (so far), but it's not here yet - just shipped and will be here next Thursday.  It's built by Dan Daniels of New Traditions Dulcimers in Indiana.  

Rene

Thanks!  @theresasc

I have a couple more dulcimers since I last posted! 

I have a Cripple Creek "Aspen Leaf," which is shaped rather like a Galax dulcimer--more of an oval than a teardrop.  Came from eBay and needed some work to get it playable.  But I love the leaves-and-vines soundholes, and it sounds good now. 

And, a no-name dulcimer, also from eBay, all mahogany, built by a shipwright. 

I previously forgot to mention that I have two "travel size" dulcimers, one from the Dulcimer Factory and one by Rugg and Jackel. 

Most of mine are diatonic, and I'm thinking of having the 6+ fret added to a couple of them. 

Thank you Richard.

At the moment, I have 8 mountain dulcimers here in the house and soon the number will be 7.  (My oldest niece is interested in mountain dulcimer and I will be giving one to her when life allows.)  Over the past year or so, I've passed several instruments along to a couple young people and hope they enjoy them for a long time!

In addition, I have 3 Ken Bloom bowed dulcimers and one Michael Fox Dulcijo.   

I have two mountain dulcimers:
A cherry Galax by Ben Seymour, and a curly maple teardrop by Keith Young.
- I also have an old factory/kit dulcimer that someone gave me years ago, but I don't find it easy to play so I only use it for beginner video demos, since it does not have a visually distracting 1.5 fret.

I also have four 'dulcimer ancestor' type instruments: two epinettes, a hummel, and a langspil.

Probably a bit of a shocker for some, but at the moment, I only own...one! A walnut teardrop and the second dulcimer I’ve built (same one in my profile pic). 

I have added a dulcimer since last year. I own three McSpadden dulcimers and one Black Mountain dulcimer. My latest is a Ginger McSpadden dulcimer made of redwood and black walnut with an ebony fretboard. It belonged to the late Jan Schultz. I bought it a month ago. It has a deep, round tone. For a small dulcimer, it a surprisingly loud. If I had to have only one dulcimer, this would be the one.

Joe, it is wonderful to hear that Joe Sanguinette started you on your dulcimer journey. He was a very nice gentleman and good builder. I hope you are enjoying and playing all of those "revival" dulcimers. My profile of Joe appeared in DPN Volume 23, No. 3 in 1997.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I am beginning to feel like a bit of a hoarder as I’m reading about everyone’s collections! At last count, I have 57 dulcimers in my collection, mostly vintage 60’s, 70’s & 80’s. Though I haven’t counted them since my last move five years ago, so I’m guessing it’s more in the mid to upper 60’s for count now. I’ve been collecting since 1981 after meeting and and purchasing my very first dulcimer from Joe Sanguinette. Little did Joe know what a crazy odyssey of a love affair that little 15 year old boy who shared his first name would go on to have with dulcimers…all because of him!

Nice to see I'm not the only one adding to their collection. Thanks for sharing.

Updated since last year:

Jacob Gross fretted zither -- replica of one in the Mercer Museum
Large Burnsville NC holly leaf
Small Burnsville NC holly leaf
Til Holloway hourglass  -- out on loan
Harry Wicker KY hourglass
Ozark Walking Stick coffin shape
Korean Honda hourglass -- out on loan
John Knopf JE Thomas replica hourglass 
Bobby Ratliff Hogfiddle elliptical
Bobby Ratliff Cumberland Travel model elliptical 
2 Anglo-Saxon Lyres
1 laptop Cajon Box Drum
4 Mirliton flutes
2 Pennywhistles

I just looked at the previous post in this discussion. I need to update my list and add a violin my wife found in a closet when doing spring cleaning. Neither one of us remembers where it came from. Also, I now have three more dulcimers and an Oscar Schmidt autoharp. I also discovered a recorder, tin whistle, and Native American flute. There are probably still more for me to find in closest and cabinets.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

As of right now, I do not have any mountain dulcimers but I have one on order and one kit that needs to be built.

Ron Gibson cherry - on order

Hughes walnut kit - to be built

I do have other stringed instruments:

3 concert ukulele

1 tenor ukulele

a Seagull Merlin stick dulcimer

a McNally strum stick

and for fun, a couple of kazoo's

I do not want to even try to count how many weaving looms I have, so I understand acquisition diseases quite well.  At first I was surprised when all of the sudden I had 4 ukulele, but I should have known it would happen🤣

Congrats on  your new dulcimer. I know you are excited.

Dulcimer Acquisition Disease.

I ordered #7 today. I've been contemplating this one for quite a while. My husband said "life can through you a curve ball at any time....just do it". So I got my order in. A 4 month wait begins.

(Hickory sweetness, with some secial features.)