Thanks Dusty. Yes, I think I made the right decision too, for those reasons. I ordered it yesterday. I think this smaller baritone will fit a niche in our lives, including being good for travel. The folks at McSpadden were a big help.

@Susie, I think you made a smart decision.  Six string dulcimers are fun for strumming, but those double strings make it harder to play single notes with any nuance.  You can't bend strings.  You can't do that tremolo thing well.  And I agree with Nate that six string dulcimers often sound cluttered. After all, how often will you really get every string tuned just right? I'm sure you'll enjoy your new baritone.

--
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

Well, given Nate's feedback, some info and a video from The Dulcimer Shoppe, and some thought about my playing style, I've decided to go with a standard 4 (3) string baritone. It will have some nice upgrades too. Thanks again Nate. 

 

I appreciate your feedback. I was wondering if that was the case. Thank you.

Any others have opinions or suggestions? 

I have made some six string dulcimers that have three courses of two strings each, and I personally am not a huge fan, especially for chord playing. To me, the sound is cluttered and it's also harder to fret.

I know there's a Baritone Group here (I belong to), but I wanted to put this here in the General Forum Discussion, hoping it would get more views/responses. I hope that's ok. 

I'm considering ordering a 6 string baritone dulcimer (likely a McSpadden). I've only found a couple videos, and they weren't the best. I currently have a Folkcraft Custom Baritone (3 string), but like the idea of the smaller McSpadden....one that can travel with us. I'm not sure which way to go.....6 string or 3 (4) string. I strictly play chord melody with a flat pick. I would probably go with a 26" vsl.

Does anyone have experience with the McSpadden 6 string baritone dulcimer or any make, for that matter? Insights? Videos? 

Thank you.