Amazing how it got so scorched, and without touching the case! Just kidding. I hope all are doing well since the fire.

I don't know of any luthiers near Nashville, but I'm sure there are many. As for the cost, well that could get "interesting"...Depending on what you are looking for. Fully restored to like new, will cost you probably much more than it is worth. Returning it to functionality, with all its scars and stories intact will be much more affordable. It "looks" as though the scorching may not go thoroughly through the entire depth of the woods, so other than some thinness in places, and a bit of stabilization, things should work out well.

It looks as though you are correct about the head/glue joint. The heat and string tension made it lose it's mind....Personally, I love instruments that tell a story, give a glimpse into the history. Makes the songs that much sweeter. Just wait till you play Johnny Cash "Ring of fire".......epic!

Hello all! Hope you're doing well. I've posted on FOTMD a couple times in the past, most recently for advice about what to look for when buying my first wooden dulcimer secondhand. I wish I was back under better circumstances, but I'm now looking for advice about what to do with an instrument that was sadly damaged in a devastating house fire (pic attached).

I don't know much about this dulcimer since I got it on Facebook Marketplace from someone who was unfamiliar with the instrument, but it's been suggested to me that it was built from home from a McSpadden kit because the case is McSpadden but there's a different signature inside. The head is intact but has come off as you can see (we're thinking the glue melted in the heat) and the upper area of the instrument is a bit scorched. I live in Nashville, TN — any suggestions for a good luthier in the area? Or is this enough damage that I should just get a new instrument? Thanks so much for your help!