Thanks Jim, most appreciated

Thanks! I don't have an instrument yet. My ideal would be to borrow one until I could find out what I wanted. It looks like there are a few options to look for, and I don't want to buy before I figure that out. Unfortunately, there aren't dulcimer shops near me, though I'll be traveling this summer. (Redding, CA to Colorado Springs, and then later, Missouri.)

Thank you!

Howdy!  Thanks for the welcome.  I'll look forward to learning more about mountain dulcimers.

I've been reading about mountain dulcimers and done a lot of looking for a 1st instrument.

I found a 2001 McSpadden, built by Larry McSpadden.  Do you know anything about this era McSpadden or could you let me know who might be a good member to talk to?  This is an hourglass design 4 string.  Label indicates it is an M12-S.  I contacted McSpadden and they gave me the following specs:

The M12 series dulcimers used a laminate back with solid wood otherwise.  You are correct that this dulcimer is made of walnut except for the top which is spruce.

The overall length of this dulcimer is 36 inches.  The width at the upper bout is 5 ¾ inches, the lower bout is 7.  The VSL is 28 ½.  The depth of the body is 1 ¾ and the fretboard stands 1 inch above that.

It looks in great shape from pics (see attached photo) but it's about 5 hours away.  I'm somewhat concerned that it has a laminated walnut back and it appears that it has 20 frets (including what looks like "0", 6-1/2 and 13-1/2 frets).  Any comments on laminated back and fretting or other comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, John

Thanks for the welcome Jim, this is a lovely group, I have been so warmly welcomed. I have only just worked out how the board works! I did reply to everyone - but on my own page!

Thank you for the welcome, Jim! I'm looking forward to learning a lot, and appreciate all the friendly and helpful people who seem to abound in this site.

Hope you're staying safe and warm! Thanks again,

Fumble Fingers (Mary)

Thanks for the welcome waiting for my first dulcimer to arrive from the States 

Thanks!  I'm close to Philly.

Thank you, sir. It's nice to be here. I'm looking forward to all of the great information and friendly exchanges.

Thanks all for the kind welcome!

Thanks!

No, there's no groups around that I know of. Before this virus hit I'd go to Morgantown to a gathering I helped put together. Wartz n All. We always had a great time. Maybe we will be able to meet again in 2021.

If you want to meet sometime early next year, we could do some jammin'. 

Jim

Your town is about 45 minutes from me. I live in the South Hills. Are there any Dulcimer groups near Pittsburgh in the south areas

Pittsburgh.

Thanks for the welcome Jim

regards

Mick

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the welcome!

Regards,

David

Thanks Jim.

Hi Jim,

Thank you!

Thanks, Jim, appreciate it!

Thanks, I look forward to  getting better acquainted