After reviewing some of the best dulcimers in the consumer market, we’ve found that the Seagull Merlin Mahogany SG Dulcimer Guitar consistently meets the demands of the average dulcimer player.
What is a Dulcimer?
A dulcimer is a unique percussion instrument with an ancient history, dating back to the Middle Ages in many parts of Europe. Derived from the the Latin word dulcis (“sweet”) and the Greek word melos (“song”), the dulcimer produces what many describe as “sweet sounds.”
Dulcimers are typically played on one’s lap and can either be plucked like a guitar or played with a bow, as in the case of the mountain dulcimer. Hammered dulcimers, on the other hand, are typically played by using little hammers and have unique tuning patterns. Dulcimer guitars are a hybrid between acoustic guitars and traditional dulcimers.
We’ve come up with a list of the best dulcimers available online that get consistently high praises from dulcimer players. These are all high quality instruments that are both well-crafted and have exceptional sound qualities.
What Makes a Good Dulcimer?
There are several characteristics of a good dulcimer, ranging from the type of wood the instrument is constructed of to how well it keeps in tune. We outline several below.
* Quality of wood: The type wood can make a huge difference on how well the instrument performs and can impact the sound it produces. Most dulcimers are constructed using hardwood, such as maple, spruce, cedar, or walnut. While more expensive than softwood varieties, hardwood dulcimers produce a more pleasing, resonant tone. Other more ornamental woods (rosewood, for example) are often incorporated into the sides and backs of the instrument.
* Shape: The shape of a dulcimer can vary in size and can affect the playability of the instrument. Some dulcimer players prefer traditional designs while others prefer more intricate designs. Carvings in the body and wood inlays are often found on higher end instruments.
* Length: The length of a dulcimer can vary, and can range anywhere from around 25 inches to around 30 inches. While the strong length is an important contributor to the tone quality of the instrument, consider a length that is best suited to your particular arm span.
* Ease of use: Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, look for a dulcimer that keeps its tune and has available replacement parts if needed. When choosing the best dulcimer for your needs, consider the ease of use when comparing options.
* Tuneability: Standard dulcimers are typically strung to be tuned to D-A-A or D-A-D. Lower quality dulcimers are sometimes difficult to keep in tune. In this case, keeping a tuner handy is important. A tuner is an essential piece of equipment for both beginning and advanced dulcimer players alike.
Seagull Merlin Mahogany SG Dulcimer Guitar Natural
One dulcimer worth mentioning is the Seagull Merlin Mahogany SG Dulcimer Guitar. This instrument receives consistently strong reviews for its timeless design, construction, and exceptional sound qualities and is a great entry level dulcimer.
The solid mahogany base provides a deep, yet soulful sound when played and makes an ideal choice.
This dulcimer comes standard with 3 strings strings and can be played with a chord stick or a nylon pick. The shape is reminiscent of an acoustic guitar and is comfortable enough to play for long periods of time, which is essential when first learning how to play the instrument.
The mustache-style Tusq bridge provides impressive resonance, while the vintage style open-geared tuning pegs allow for quick tuning. Reviewers comment that the Seagull Merlin keeps its tune after playing for long stretches, an important quality for any stringed instrument – particularly if you play on a daily basis.
When looking for a unique stringed instrument that’s reasonably priced, place this option near the top of your list.
Customers Who Purchased This Said:
– “Very easy to play. Well-crafted, beautiful mahogany wood body.”
– “Loud sound for such a small body. You will be impressed with the sounds that you can produce.”
– “Affordable and good value. Absolutely recommend!”
Applecreek ACD100 Dulcimer
The Applecreek ACD100 Dulcimer provides the user with a beautiful instrument to play not only in sound but in looks. With the solid spruce wood construction and the beautiful carvings on the outside, it provides a unique approach to a dulcimer.
This particular dulcimer measures 31”, which is ideal for the smaller length arms that want to play the instrument. The neck and fingerboard are both made of maple wood, providing that strong, soothing sound that you’d come to expect from a dulcimer.
The dulcimer has six and a half frets, giving you the ultimate in control for numerous songs that can be played on the instrument. With a comfortable neck, and a thinner body make up, this can be ideal to hold for the beginner, or a quick and easy grab for the advanced player of the dulcimer.
Customers Who Purchased This Said:
– “Great overall package. The pick and noter device that came with the dulcimer, including the first sheet of music and instruction sheet for beginners, is awesome.”
– “A gorgeous instrument – very happy with the purchase. Well-crafted and provides a lovely sound over factory made dulcimers.”
– “Easy to play for those that have limited mobility in their hands.”
– “I get a lot of compliments with this dulcimer. Great value for the price, which is extremely affordable, especially for the beginner player.”
Professional European Cherry Mountain Dulcimer w/ Case
If you want something a bit higher quality right out of the case, and that sounds the best that it can, the Professional European Cherry Mountain Dulcimer w/ Case might be the dulcimer for you.
The solid cherry wood back, neck, and sides provide the user with the beautiful, rich sound that they can expect from such an instrument.
With such a solid construction, the tuning is easy to do and will stay for quite some time, even after hours of playing. It is 37” in length, making it ideal for the larger, more professional player that wants to have a high-quality instrument that doesn’t let them down.
The case is also included with the dulcimer, so that there is somewhere for the product to lay when it is not in use.
Customers Who Purchased This Said:
– “Wow, my new favorite instrument! Beautiful cherry wood construction and holds its tune while play in local gigs.”
– “One fine piece of instrument. Shipped quickly. Strongly recommend buying a hard case so it doesn’t get damaged.”
Roosebeck DMCRT4 4-String Cutaway Mountain Dulcimer
With the use of the Roosebeck DMCRT4 4-String Cutaway Mountain Dulcimer, you will be able to play like a professional in no time.
With a fun to play, and easy to learn instrument, you can get much more from it. The solid spruce soundboard provides a soft, warm tone when it is played, while also providing a comfortable grip from the shape.
The high-quality banjo style tuners provide the user with a way to easily tune and keep the instrument tuned while playing. The traditional look and feel of the instrument provides it with an easy lap play that can be done with just the use of your fingertips, and not through a nylon pick.
Customers Who Purchased This Said:
– “Fine instrument and craftsmanship.”
– “Quality sounds and look.”
– “Great construction and feel when playing.”
Additional Supplies and Equipment
Best Dulcimer Strings
We recommend the best quality strings you can afford. Although there aren’t as many dulcimer string options on the market as there are guitar strings, there are some good options. The best strings will give your dulcimer the deep warmth and tonality you’re looking for.
Check out the best dulcimer strings to learn more.
Best Dulcimer Cases
We always recommend the best quality strings you can afford. Although there aren’t quite as many dulcimer string options on the market as there are guitar strings, there are some good options. The best strings will give your dulcimer the deep warmth and tonality you’re looking for.
Check out the best dulcimer cases now.
Best Dulcimer Stands
Aside from keeping your dulcimer stored, you’ll also want to ensure a safe standing position for your instrument between playing sessions. The best dulcimer stands also work well for other small instruments. Get one that will showcase your dulcimer while keeping it secure.
Check out our top picks for best dulcimer stands.
Best Dulcimer Tuners
Like any acoustic instrument, a dulcimer needs to be periodically tuned. In general, you can use just about any guitar tuner that works, but we recommend digital tuners for their ease of use and accuracy.
Check out our handpicked list of some of the best dulcimer tuners.
Best Dulcimer Instructional Books and DVDs
Sure, you can learn to play on your own. But you can also speed up the process with instructional books and DVDs. There are plenty of resources available to make learning and playing a dulcimer easier, although it still takes practice and commitment.
Check out some of the most popular dulcimer books and DVDs now.
Best Dulcimer Capos
Capos are must haves for any serious dulcimer player. Not only do they make chord playing easier, it allows you to play more songs with fewer chords. It also gives your fingers a break when stretching for chords becomes difficult.
Check out an in-depth review of the best dulcimer capos here.
Best Dulcimer Hammers
Learning how to play the hammered dulcimer? Hammered dulcimers are played by striking strings with small hand-held hammers typically made of wood. The ends of hammers are sometimes covered in a soft material, such as leather or rubber, which provide smooth sounds when played.
Take a look at some of the best dulcimer hammers here.
Best Dulcimer Noters
Interested in learning how to play a mountain dulcimer in the traditional style? If so, consider a noter. A noter is a small tapered stick or wooden dowel used to hold down the melody string(s) while playing. It is usually tapered on one end to allow it to move smoothly up and down the fretboard.
Have a peek at some of the best mountain dulcimer noters that we’ve reviewed.
Dulcimer Alternatives
Psalteries are unique stringed instruments with a long history. Psalteries were popular throughout Europe during the Renaissance era, and the most prominent concept now is the bowed psaltery.
If you’re looking for options similar to dulcimers, consider checking out psalteries.
