This dulcimer does have a shockingly good sound. I built it as an art project, strung it up, and was blown away. And we know what happened since...LOL. I knew *nothing* about dulcimers when I ordered it. The 6+ was an available option I didn't bother with--and I wish I had, knowing what I know now. It does limit what I play on it. The lack of the 6+ was one reason I went on and built the walnut kit. DAD is a real pain w/o 6+! This dulcimer is the "travel dulcimer" for the reasons Strumelia gives. I'll usually just improvise on it when travelling, partly b/c of the missing 6+ and partly b/c when we travel, it's road tripping and lots of photography, and I don't always end up with a ton of time to play. But it's good to have along. Ah...I remember sitting by a lake in Canada at a campsite. Just us and various birds there. I jplunked my butt down on a stump, made stuff up with this dulcimer, and thought I was in heaven. Looking forward to being able to road trip again...
Robin, I agree. I examined a cardboard kit dulcimer once years ago and I was so very impressed by the lovely tone and how smoothly it played. LisavB, a dulcimer like this makes an especially handy travel dulcimer since you needn't worry about it quite so much and it's lightweight.
I notice this one is diatonically fretted- without the 6.5 fret. Tell me, I'm curious... does that effect how you use it- your tunings, playing style, or song choices?
This dulcimer does have a shockingly good sound. I built it as an art project, strung it up, and was blown away. And we know what happened since...LOL. I knew *nothing* about dulcimers when I ordered it. The 6+ was an available option I didn't bother with--and I wish I had, knowing what I know now. It does limit what I play on it. The lack of the 6+ was one reason I went on and built the walnut kit. DAD is a real pain w/o 6+! This dulcimer is the "travel dulcimer" for the reasons Strumelia gives. I'll usually just improvise on it when travelling, partly b/c of the missing 6+ and partly b/c when we travel, it's road tripping and lots of photography, and I don't always end up with a ton of time to play. But it's good to have along. Ah...I remember sitting by a lake in Canada at a campsite. Just us and various birds there. I jplunked my butt down on a stump, made stuff up with this dulcimer, and thought I was in heaven. Looking forward to being able to road trip again...
Robin, I agree. I examined a cardboard kit dulcimer once years ago and I was so very impressed by the lovely tone and how smoothly it played.
LisavB, a dulcimer like this makes an especially handy travel dulcimer since you needn't worry about it quite so much and it's lightweight.
I notice this one is diatonically fretted- without the 6.5 fret. Tell me, I'm curious... does that effect how you use it- your tunings, playing style, or song choices?
I've always been impressed with the sound of cardboard dulcimers. It's a great way for anybody to get started.