Archive of previously sold beginner/intermediate instruments
Listed below are the Beginner/Intermediate instruments sold prior to September 2021. This is the short catalogue listing, but links to the detailed descriptions are still live if you click on the pictures.
1.148 1988 Cripple Creek Hourglass 4 String £Sold
An early example of a classic body design which has been much copied by U.S. makers ever since. This is a well-built, good-looking dulcimer which sounds decent. A good place to start – and progress with your playing.
1.144 2000s? Cripple Creek Hourglass, 4 String 3 Course £Sold
A quirky – and good quality – intermediate dulcimer from a well-known US maker. Neat soundhole design involves wolves barking at the moon and stars! Plays well and sounds good.
1.143 Recent (2017/2018) Red Kite #125 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
A great example of this excellent quality, solid wood US dulcimer made for the N. Wales-based Bird Rock concern. The sound holes are shaped like the totemic Welsh Red Kite, hence the name. A reliable place to start your dulcimer journey.
1.142 2018 Stoney End 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
Excellent recent example of this good value, all-solid wood dulcimer in its more interesting cherry variant. Hobgoblin’s intermediate level instrument, but works well for beginners too, with its decent sound and easy action.
1.141 2005 (?) Ron Gibson ‘Kentucky’ Model, 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
A light and attractive instrument from a known small workshop in Ohio. An excellent starter instrument with an easy action and decent tone.
1.140 1989 Walnut Valley Cedar Creek Teardrop 4 String, 3 Course £Sold
An excellent example of a well-designed and carefully-built intermediate instrument – made from solid walnut. A great way to start playing, with a real musical instrument at a low entry cost.
1.139 June 1993 Folkcraft TCh #1674 £SOLD
Neat dulcimers with a simple but effective design, this example is in excellent condition, looks a million (especially with the slight figure on the cherry back) and sounds really good.
1.137 2017 T K O’Brien 4 String Hourglass £Sold
A recent example of these sturdy standards, in good condition with its original case. An excellent place to start playing the dulcimer in earnest.
1.136 2013 Red Kite #61 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
A decent intermediate instrument, commissioned in N Wales by Bird Rock Dulcimers and made by the Hagen family in the Ozark Mountains. Made from all-solid woods to a proven design, this example has an appropriately striking red cherry top.
1.135 Unlabelled early Stoney End/Here inc. model, probably late 1980s/ early 1990s. 4 string, 3 course hourglass £Sold
Earlier model of the popular Stoney End, US-made hourglass which has a solid walnut body and spruce top. A beginner instrument which won’t let you down.
1.134 Late 1990s/early 2000s Folkcraft FSH-style Kit £Sold
A really good value hourglass made from solid woods to a classic design. This is the kit version of a best-selling dulcimer design produced in the thousands by one of the premier US makers. This is not the best example of home crafting – it’s a little untidy basically – but I’ve checked it over thoroughly and it works really well.
1.133 Modern Stoney End 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
Modern Stoney End, the intermediate model dulcimer made from solid wood in the USA and sold by Hobgoblin in the UK. A plain design but a decent, easy-playing instrument for beginners.
1.132 2012 O’Brien 4 String Hourglass £Sold
Neat example of these great value dulcimers, this time with a very attractive two-tone walnut back. Unmarked, gleaming and ready to be played. Ideal for beginner/intermediate players.
1.130 1994 (?) Heatherwood 4 String, 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
Always a class above the standard big-bodied O’Briens and Cedar Creeks, this neatly made dulcimer from Colorado has a particularly fine sound for an intermediate instrument.
1.128 1995 Chris Harvey 3 String Hourglass #1 £Sold
A neat instrument made by a full-time woodworker for his own amusement. After a few tweaks, it’s revealed itself as a nice-sounding, accurate and easy to play no frills instrument. A good beginner instrument.
1.127 1996 Chris Harvey 3 String Hourglass #2 £Sold
A well-built beginner instrument from a professional woodworker. Medium scale length, decent action and a nice, dulcimery sound. Not a bad place to start your dulcimer adventures!
1.126 (ex-1.82) 1990 Walnut Valley Model SC 4 String 3 Course teardrop £Sold
This is a neat little solid walnut dulcimer, described in the company’s original brochure as “A great beginner’s model” – which about sums it up. It’s a simple design, but is well made, plays accurately and produces a decent sound.
1.123 Early 1970s Musical Traditions 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
I’ve found yet another of my favourite small dulcimers from the 70s/80s. These are well built of solid wood, usually have an easy action and sound sweet. This had some damage, now solidly repaired, but works well and is cheaper because it’s not cosmetically perfect.
1.122 2002 Folkcraft TW #1588 4 String 3 Course Teardrop £Sold
Entry level – but solid wood – Folkcraft teardrop in excellent condition. Lovely wood grain and a very decent sound. Great way to start playing the dulcimer.
1.121 1993 (?) Heatherwood 4 String, 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
A handsome dulcimer from a small workshop started by two ex-employees of the better known Cripple Creek concern. Nicely built, with a “medallion”-type feature set into an unusual non-continuous fingerboard. A decent intermediate instrument.
1.120 Early 2000s? Cripple Creek 4 String 3 Course Hourglass: £Sold
A pretty example of these classic dulcimers from a long-standing Colorado workshop. This one is fairly recent and has a neat multi-coloured wood hummingbird decoration on the soundhole. Decent sound from a solid intermediate instrument.
1.119 1974 Capritaurus 4 String 3 Course, now converted to a 3 String Baritone £Sold
An interesting late example of a classic big-bodied Capritaurus before the workshop became the more famous Folk Roots concern. These work fine as a standard pitch dulcimer but also convert surprisingly well to a lower-pitched baritone dulcimer (tuned AEA or ADA). Big, deep sound, aided by the big body and longer scale length.
1.116 Recent (2017?) Red Kite 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
Another example of these great value beginner/intermediate dulcimers imported by Bird Rock Dulcimers of N Wales. Pristine and very playable – at a good discount from the new price.
1.115 1980s (?) Cripple Creek Hourglass, 4 String, 3 Course £Sold
A great-sounding example of this well-known solid wood design, with an easy action and medium scale length. A little scarred on the top but that means a great value instrument for a beginner or intermediate player.
1.112 1992 (?) Cripple Creek Hourglass, 4 String £Sold
Tidy beginner model from a well-respected concern. Really smart solid top and soundhole design, laminated body. A good beginner instrument with medium scale length and decent action.
1.111 Musical Traditions Dulcimer, Walnut/Spruce, Late 70s/early 80s? 4 string 3 course £Sold
A pretty classic in unbelievable condition, this dulcimer packs good tone and surprising volume into a small package. Easy action despite having a slightly longer scale and works well in a variety of tunings, including DAD, DAC and DAA.
1.110 (previously 1.15) Late 70s/Early 80s? Ohio Hourglass 5 String, 3 or 4 course £Sold
A well-built and good-sounding older dulcimer, of unknown make, thoughtfully updated with geared tuners. A very sound place to start enjoying the dulcimer.
1.107 2017 T K O’Brien 4 String Hourglass £Sold
Another good intermediate/beginner dulcimer made from solid walnut, which plays well and sounds good. …And at a much reduced price because it has been repaired after an accident.
1.106 1990/2000s Folkcraft FSH-style Kit Dulcimer – 4 string, 3 course hourglass £Sold
An excellent way to experience a solid walnut dulcimer from a major maker at an entry level cost. This is a kit build, its design based on the Folkcraft FSH dulcimer of the 80s and 90s. Good sound, neat action, little used and really well put together.
1.104 2006 O’Brien 4 String Hourglass £Sold
Another pristine example of this great value beginner/intermediate dulcimer, featuring solid walnut body, good sound and action, attractive soundhole design and inclusive case.
1.100 1982 Doty 4 string 3 course hourglass. £Sold
A classic Appalachian-made dulcimer from Tennessee, well constructed and attractive with a decent action and sound. Has a laminated body so a little less responsive than an expensive instrument….but it’s a great place to start!
1.99 1983? Cripple Creek Hourglass, 4 String 3 Course £Sold
Well made, big-bodied dulcimer from Bud and Donna Ford in Colorado. This is the solid wood model which is a cut above other similar makes in the competitive “intermediate” sector of the market. An excellent way to start your dulcimer playing adventure.
1.98 – 1990s/2000s? Anonymous 4 String, 3 or 4 Course Hourglass £Sold
A handsome one-off dulcimer. Has a family resemblance to a Folkcraft, but the fine detail and the soundhole design show it to be an apparent original, created in the U.K. Solid wood, nice sound, very playable. A bargain.
1.97 1993 Folkcraft FSHCh: 4 String 3 Course Hourglass. £Sold
A neat and immaculate intermediate level dulcimer from the famous Folkcraft concern. Looks good, with its rich cherry, solid-wood body and sounds good.
1.96 1974 Folk Roots D40S Hourglass 4 String £Sold
A good condition 40+ year old classic – big-bodied Californian dulcimer from the famous FolkRoots concern which is easy to play and has a crisp, loud sound for chord and rhythm work. Updated with 6+ fret and sounds like new!
1.95 1990s? 4 String Cedar Creek Kit £Sold
A good-looking standard hourglass Cedar Creek dulcimer in its kit variant – and therefore even better value. Not a hugely complex sound, but all solid wood and good action/intonation. Great for beginners.
1.94 1980 FolkRoots D50 Hourglass 4 String 3 Course £Sold
A classic big-bodied dulcimer from California with a clear and surprisingly well-balanced sound. Very playable – action is currently high for clarity and tone, but could be adjusted at no cost to suit the player.
1.90 1983 Wilson Hourglass #1567 £Sold
Handmade with solid woods, these are beautifully designed and executed dulcimers. Not a huge sound and tending towards the bright, but easy and rewarding to play.
1.93 Late 70s/early 80s? Musical Traditions 4 string 3 course £Sold
I’m a fan of these neat, well-made, solid wood dulcimers – sold four of them over the past few years. Good action, sweet tone, these are ideal for beginner/intermediate players.
1.89 1999 Black Mountain Instruments 4 String Hourglass £Sold
A neat modern instrument with short scale length (25″), easy playing with a good sound. It’s been used but not abused and would be a great beginner/intermediate instrument at an affordable price.
1.88 1992 Cedar Creek 4 String Hourglass £Sold
Made from a kit, this is a well-constructed and good-looking solid wood dulcimer with a decent sound. Good choice for those exploring what a dulcimer can do, without breaking the bank.
1.87 1980s? Anonymous US-made 4 String, 3 or 4 Course Hourglass £Sold
A simple but attractive dulcimer that plays well and would be a good beginner instrument. Quite short scale length and narrow fingerboard will help those with smaller hands.
1.86 1978 FolkRoots D50ST 4 String Teardrop £Sold inc. original shell case
I’d forgotten how stunning these big, old FolkRoots teardrops are. This is a remarkable survivor of the first modern dulcimer craze, now updated with 6+ fret. Has real presence and, despite its simplicity, works really well. NB long 29″ scale might not suit smaller hands.
1.85 Stoney End Early 1990s? Walnut 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold + used carrying case
All-solid dulcimer from the U.S. Stoney End concern, although not marked as such. These were the intermediate instrument sold by Hobgoblin in the UK. Fairly well used but a very playable starter instrument.
1.84 2017 O’Brien 4 String, 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
Recent standard hourglass from O’Brien. This is a decent quality instrument from the Ozark Mountains, Missouri, produced by the same family concern (the Hagens) that builds the Cedar Creek range in the US and the Red Kite, sold in the UK by Bird Rock Dulcimers. Made from solid walnut with a red gum top. In excellent condition, except for a few almost invisible hairline cracks – now stabilised and repaired – along the grain of the slightly porous top. No effect on playing or appearance – a very pretty top!
1.83 1990s? “Dusty Strings” Solid Cherry 4 String 3 Course Teardrop £Sold
Nice looking simple teardrop based on the Scott Antes and Folkcraft designs. Bought from Dusty Strings in Washington State, better known as hammered dulcimer makers. Good starter model.
1.82 1990 Walnut Valley Model SC 4 String 3 Course teardrop £Sold Case extra
Well made, all-solid wood teardrop dulcimer from a concern that used to market dulcimers at Disneyworld. They are handsome, easy to play and have an interesting design which produces a more forward sound than many dulcimers of the day. Great introduction to the instrument. Pictures to follow
1.80 Recent (2015?) Red Kite 4 String 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
Another recent dulcimer from the Hagen Family in Arkansas, produced exclusively for Bird Rock Dulcimers in North Wales. It has a walnut body and (probably) a butternut top. Good looking and excellent value as always.
1.75 2007 Stoney End 4 String Hourglass £Sold
Another US-made plain hourglass design from Stoney End Instruments, featuring a solid wood body. Sold over here as Hobgoblin’s “intermediate” instrument. Not showy, but it makes a decent sound and is in excellent condition.
1.74 1990 Burge Searing 4 String Teardrop £Sold
Well made mahogany teardrop from a small scale maker. Looks fine and plays well. A good starter/intermediate instrument.
1.67 2009 Stoney End 4 String Hourglass £Sold
US-made plain hourglass design, but with solid woods. Sold over here as Hobgoblin’s “intermediate” instrument. Not showy, but it makes a decent sound.
1.65 Cripple Creek 4 String Teardrop £Sold
Neat-looking starter/intermediate teardrop model from the well-known Cripple Creek concern.
1.63 1990s? McSpadden M8 4 String Kit Hourglass £Sold
This is a nice-sounding example of McSpadden’s smaller bodied dulcimer, designated I believe the M8, and well put together from a kit. Has a flat peg head, quality Gotoh chrome tuners and the classic low action/excellent intonation of a standard McSpadden fingerboard. Cheap entry point into McSpadden quality…
1.60 Late 80s Anon “Shamrock” 4 String, 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
A neat but unlabelled dulcimer bought from Maine, New England and possibly made there. A neat dulcimer with decent tone and volume. The intonation is good and the action reasonable, although higher frets would have helped. This is well built, good-looking and has few vices. A change of tuners (at extra £) would improve its practicality, but I’ve kept it affordable deliberately. As is, would enthuse most beginning players.
1.54 1990s? Anonymous 3 String, 3 Course £Sold
Rather attractive long scale length US dulcimer with a mahogany/sapele body and laminated spruce top. Low, easy action but not suitable for players with smaller hands.
1.53 2015 Sweet Woods Student 4 String Teardrop £Sold
Neatly made in the USA. Laminated maple body, but well designed with good quality hardware and an accurate fingerboard. A great starter instrument.
1.59 1991 Dulcimer Factory DF6 4 String, 3 Course Hourglass £Sold
The Texas-based Dulcimer Factory was a rival for McSpadden in the early 90s and this was their top-of-the-range model with solid wood body and strip-laminated fingerboard. A decent design – plays well and sounds good.
1.58 Early 2000s? O’Brien 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
A very handsome example from the Hagen family’s workshop in the Ozark Mountains, with a flecked quarter-sawn American plane or sycamore top and bluebird/flower soundhole design. Some light tarnishing on the chrome tuners, otherwise excellent.
1.50 – 2006 Cedar Creek – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Another good condition, classic beginner/intermediate dulcimer from Cedar Creek – in fact almost identical to 1.46 below. An interesting, figured solid cherry top and maple (laminated) body with a good action and decent sound. I’m leaving it up to you whether you want me to remove the little fret number stickers or keep them on!
1.49 – 1980s? Folkcraft 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
This is a good, early Folkcraft design – solid wood, nicely proportioned hourglass body, simple one piece head and fingerboard. This is probably a kit and it’s needed a little work to get it right, but it now plays well and sounds really good for an entry level instrument.
Click here to view larger images and full description
1.48 – 1991 (?) Heatherwood 4 String, 3 Course Hourglass – £Sold
Dulcimer very much in the mould of the Cripple Creek, built by two ex-employees of that company. Well made from solid woods, with a big walnut body and cedar (?) top and nice bluebird-and-vines soundhole design. Slightly better than average beginner/intermediate instrument.
1.46 – 2007 Cedar Creek 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Fairly standard, but nicely made hourglass from the Hagen Family concern that also make O’Brien dulcimers in the US and the Red Kite in the UK. Solid cherry top, with attractive figure, and classic hummingbird-and-vine soundhole design. Near pristine condition, sounds good and plays easily.
1.43 Walnut Valley 4 String Teardrop Dulcimer – 1989 #089-18 – £Sold
Less expensive model in the good quality range produced by the Walnut Valley Dulcimer Company, Burns, Kansas. The instruments are always well made, play easily and have a decent sound. This one is in excellent condition and has the added bonus of white numbers against each fret, courtesy of a previous owner with neat handwriting (can be removed if required!).
1.42 1976 Green River 4 String Hourglass #567 £Sold
These are big,classy dulcimers with a distinctively clear and mellow tone. This is a model towards the cheaper end of the range, but it’s a serious instrument and it plays well. Check out this and other more expensive models by clicking on the link below…but just note that these long scale dulcimers might not suit some players with smaller hands.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
1.41 and 1.45 1970s? Musical Traditions – 4 String 3 Course – £Sold
Quite large numbers of these smallish, neat dulcimers were produced in the 70s and early 80s – deservedly popular because they were easy to handle and well-made out of solid wood. Both are made from walnut with a close-grained spruce and cedar top respectively. These are straightforward instruments with a narrow fretboard, but excellent sound and intonation. A great place to start – and both have a strap for your waist to hold the dulcimer firmly in place! Pics of 1.45 to follow.
2.47 – Early 70s – Capritaurus – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Another neat, larger dulcimer made by Capritaurus, Felton, California, sometime between 1969 and 1973. The body design became the well-loved Folk Roots D50 model. Basic headstock, but unusual and rather charming mushroom shaped soundhole design – perhaps a west coast in-joke?! Easy playing with good intonation and nice sound. Suitable for beginners or intermediate players.
2.65 1977 Westminster – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Not quite sure why I’ve classified this as a beginner/intermediate instrument because it’s a serious dulcimer. But I suppose it’s just a bit, well…scruffy. Made from lovely birdseye maple and spruce by a known maker – I’ve got one myself – it has been well loved by a previous owner who has played it hard. So, cosmetically it leaves a little to be desired, but it sounds good and plays easily. Just note that smaller hands might struggle with the scale length.
1.39 – Early 1980s? Anonymous French Dulcimer – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
This has no label and seems to be a one-off – but a rather attractive one. Boasting a shapely design, the sides, scroll, pegbox and fingerboard are made from some kind of striking exotic wood. Easy action, even if the fingerboard is a little narrower than ideal. A decent sound with a good balance and pretty good intonation, make this an obvious contender for a first dulcimer.
1.38 – 2010 O’Brien – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
This is a quality modern instrument from a family concern in the Ozark Mountains, Missouri. Their small workshop produces good-looking, decent-sounding, solid wood dulcimers under a variety of brand names, including Cedar Creek and O’Brien in the US, and Red Kite over here in the UK. This walnut dulcimer with attractive hummingbird soundhole design is as-new, save a small nick on the scroll. It has its original soft case.
1.37 – 1988 Folkcraft FSHW – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Model FSHW #460 made by Folkcraft Instruments, Winsted, Connecticut. Popular model from one of the biggest makers in the US. Features solid walnut top, back and sides with heart soundholes and open, guitar-style tuners. Has some presence, with a good response across and up the fretboard. This one punches above its weight – satisfying for both beginner and more experienced player.
1.36 – 2000s? Folkcraft Solid Cherry Kit – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
An interesting find – a pretty, traditional hourglass-shaped instrument from one of the leading craft dulcimer makers in the US, Folkcraft. This is their kit instrument, solid wood but a little narrower and deeper than their standard entry/intermediate dulcimer. It was well put together but unfinished, literally. I’ve had to put two coats of hand-rubbed finish on what was essentially bare wood – which has revealed the lovely warm red of the cherry and redwood body. Looks good now and plays well.
1.35 – 2003 Cedar Creek – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
This is a quality modern instrument from a family concern in the Ozark Mountains, Missouri. Their small workshop produces good-looking, decent-sounding, solid wood dulcimers under a variety of brand names, including Cedar Creek and O’Brien in the US, and Red Kite over here in the UK. The dulcimer is now in excellent playing condition, following the repair of two short, non-structural cracks. The price reflects this – a bargain for beginner or improving players.
Click here to view larger images and full description.
1.34 – 1990s? Folkcraft Solid Walnut Kit – 4 String Teardrop – £Sold
A simple but attractive all solid wood entry instrument. This is a design from one of the leading US craft dulcimer makers, Folkcraft, and sold in the form of a kit. Has a traditional sweet dulcimer sound from the solid walnut construction that rather belies its origins. A very decent entry level instrument.
1.32 2003 Johnie Nicholson/Unicorn Woodworks £Sold inc. custom wooden case
A well made, solid dulcimer from a little-known maker, originally from California and now Idaho. Despite his lack of renown, Johnie Nicholson has sold over 3000 of these very decent dulcimers, mainly through craft fairs. They look good, have excellent intonation and action, and sound just fine. Well worth a try.
1.30 Folkcraft Teardrop – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Well crafted and affordable, these are a really good starter instrument – but without the usual compromises. For further details and pictures of similar models, previously sold, see 1.10 and 1.14 below.
1.29 – 90s Cripple Creek with Vine and Butterfly Top – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Well known brand name dulcimer with solid pine top and birch sides/back. Surprisingly good sound, easy action, with attractive top design. Great value…what’s not to like?!
1.26 – 1980? – Musical Traditions Hourglass – 4 String – £Sold
Label inside says “Musical Traditions Fine Handmade Instruments Serial No. JW 80 # 625”. It has a distinctive, N Carolina/W Virginian (reverse sloping shoulder) hourglass shape. Nice looking, well-made, solid cherry dulcimer with elegant, narrow shape. Easy action on chubby frets, reliable intonation and bright, silvery tone with some depth makes it suitable for all abilities – and ideal for finger-style playing.
1.24 – Early 1980s – Camac Hourglass – 4 String – £Sold
Back again, as part of an upgrade/part exchange, but now with a nice homemade solid case included. This is a European dulcimer, made by Societé Camac, a small firm based near Nantes in Brittany. I believe they were better known for harps, but the current Camac Harps appear to be a different firm. It was created to catch the vogue for dulcimer playing in the mid/late 70s and is plain, economical, but well enough made. It also sounds as clear as a bell. With its short scale, wide fingerboard and straightforward action it is ideal for beginners. N.B. I’ve now added a 6+ fret, even though the (early) photo doesn’t show it.
1.23 – 1987 – Frazier Hourglass – 4 String – £Sold
This is a traditional style instrument in many respects, but nicely made from good quality materials. It has an attractive quilted maple top and birdseye maple sides and fingerboard. Attractive, light sound and easy action make it suitable for beginners, but the neat, effective rosewood friction pegs do require a little more physical effort than mechanical tuners.
1.22 – Early 1970s – Musical Traditions 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
See 1.26 below. One of the very first Musical Traditions dulcimers, presumably built at the original workshop in New York. A simple instrument with an attractive traditional shape. Made of solid cherry throughout, giving it a warm colour and a pleasant, tight sound. Very low action and narrow fingerboard make it ideal for fingerstyle playing and for those starting out.
1.21 1988 Johnie Nicholson 4 String Teardrop £Sold inc. wooden case
Unusual dulcimer from a little-known but reliable maker, Johnie Nicholson. He’s sold over 3000 dulcimers through the craft fair circuit, mainly in his native California and now around his recent base of Boise, Idaho. They are well made from solid woods, albeit clearly to a budget, and they are an excellent place to start exploring the dulcimer.
1.20 – Early 70s – Capritaurus Hourglass – 4 String – £Sold
This large and classically proportioned dulcimer was made by Capritaurus, Felton, California, sometime between 1969 and 1973. This design became the well-loved Folk Roots D50 model. Good for various styles of playing at different levels of sophistication – loud and proud!
2.48 & 2.79 Dulcimer Works – 3 String and 4 String Hourglass – £Sold and £Sold
Two examples of an early high-end dulcimer from California. These are both Model Ws – all solid walnut bodies with a solid spruce top – producing a forward, balanced sound ideal for fingerpicking or light plectrum styles. The less expensive one has needed major cosmetic surgery: the more expensive is in excellent condition. Customers really seem to like these – and I can see why.
2.60 – 90s McSpadden “Sweet Song” – 4 String Hourglass – £Sold
Well known brand name dulcimer in a more affordable form. A neat walnut dulcimer, made from one of McSpadden’s excellent quality kits, probably 15 – 20 years ago. Has a slightly smaller body than the standard McSpadden, but spot-on intonation, plenty of tone and power, and looks good. As you might expect, a few small glue lines on the joints, but it’s solid and ready to go. One for starters and experienced players alike.
1.15 – Early 80s? – Anonymous Hourglass – 5 String – £Sold
Well made from good materials, this is an anonymous 5 string solid wood dulcimer, currently set up for three courses – twin melody, twin middle. It comes from a good craftsman, but possibly not a full-time instrument builder. Sold from, and probably made in, Ohio. Suitable for beginners, with a sound action and decent tone
1.14 – 1990s? – Folkcraft Teardrop – 4 String – £Sold
Entry/intermediate model made for Pigeon Forge Instruments, Tennessee by Folkcraft, one of the biggest craft makers in the US. Well made with an easy action and decent sound. Still in good condition, with attractive walnut grain
1.11 – March 1980 – Magic Mountain Model 5110 – 4 String – £Sold
Magic Mountain dulcimer #0380 marked “Handcrafted by J C Shellnutt and Company” and made at his San Rafael, California, shop – just before he sold the business to Saga Music. This is a good quality instrument with a great sound, from one of the early west coast pioneers, suitable for beginners (with a good reach), but also sophisticated enough for a fast-developing player.
