Style of MD

[KenH]

Kit or "off the shelf" ? I'd opt to build your own design "off the shelf". You could split the difference and buy a pre-slotted fretboard from Folkcraft or someone else - the fretboard is the most critical part, especially for a first time builder...

[LadyOfDragons88]

folknotes Deluxe Cherry Banj-mo for me! Either tuned to DAD or CGC(rarely)!

[jan hammond]

Dear 2gunns, I prefer the hourglass, primarily because I don't play my dulcimer flat on my lap. It pretty much rests at an angle on its side and the hourglass hits my legs in just the right spot. I feel I have more freedom of movement this way. The bottom line is to play whatever suites you best, just play and play often! Till we meet again, Jan P.S. Welcome LadyOfDragons88 - Great to have you with us!

[Black Creek Dulcimers]

Personally I like the Traditional style that I make. It is a symmetrical style, about 8" at the widest part. My first to build was an Hourglass of Black Walnut. I still have it and sill use it from time to time. I do not like playing the Dulcimer in my lap. (Short Legs LOL) I like to put it on a table. I have a couple of 1" X 2" strips with thin felt on the top. This give me a lot of freedom of movement and I can play it as you would play a steel Guitar if I desire or I can finger fret it. I can't stand in one spot a long time or sit a long time (10 mins is tops, in one spot). So the Table gives me some maneuverability. I can switch legs and so forth. As far as styles and which is best...I like what one member says, "there is NO right or WRONG way to play the Mountain Dulcimer" Well, that is exactly the way I feel about styles. I have made the Teardrop, Traditional and Hourglass and the Box I call it ... rectangular and symmetrical in size, side to side and you never know what they are going to sound like until the strings are on it. The wood choice has everything to do with it. So, I say this, "There is NO Dulcimer Style that is better than any other style, it is the sound and personal taste" as my friend Forrest Gump would have said, "Now that's all I got ta say abouit thait". Tim