I've been playing the mountain dulcimer (sometimes called the Appalachian dulcimer) for several years now. These days my workload is close to zero, so I've had a lot of time over the past year or so to practice on this great instrument.

The dulcimer is very easy to play, much easier than a piano or guitar. And it's a great instrument to use for accompanying singing. My daughter introduced me to the instrument after her trip to the USA. I've played amateur piano all my life (most homes on the land had a piano in the 30s and 40s when I was growing up). But I've become enchanted by this amazing, small stringed instrument. The mountain dulcimer, as we know it today, was mostly invented in the USA in the 1800s although it has earlier European roots.

Here's a link to my favourite dulcimer player, Linda Brokinton. On her site there's links to free sound samples of her playing. Enjoy.

http://lindabrokinton.com

are there dulcimer shops.
does Allans sell dulcimers,
nice sound. Colonial.
where can i get strings?

I don't know if Allans sells dulcimers. I know they sell dulcimer strings, but a dulcimer can be strung with ordinary guitar strings, that's what I use; you just need to buy 4 "single" guitar strings, with one of the strings being a wound string. The string gauges would need to be something like .012, .012, .016, .24wound. Most dulcimers have 4 strings, and some dulcimers have 3 strings.

I'm informed by my daughter that hardly any stores in OZ sell dulcimers. I've seen some for sale on the Australian Ebay by a commercial seller, but they would be of "ordinary" quality.

The best way to buy a "good quality" dulcimer is from a luthier in the USA. That way you get a properly "handmade" instrument, and they are not expensive. For about AUST$400 to $500 you can get a new, all solid wood, fully handmade dulcimer made for you.

Also, by going to the USA Ebay you can pick up a very cheap secondhand dulcimer, but you'd need to know exactly what to look for in terms of brand name and quality.

Here's links to 3 USA luthiers who make inexpensive, great dulcimers:

http://gibsondulcimers.com

http://www.ronewingdulcimers.com

http://www.hambasdulcimers.com

Apparently some musical instrument builders in OZ can build you a dulcimer if you ask them I'm told, but prices would be around $800 or so. So it's actually cheaper to get one from America.

sounds a bit like mandolin too Master,
thanks.

Dear Master,

I imagine that the Dulcimer is very similar
to the Lithuanian string instrument of
ancient origin called "Kankles." (similar to the Zither).

In common Baltic the instrument is called
"Kanteles" (derived from the verb "Kantei", which
corresponds to the Latin canere or cantare, to
play, to sing) and is similar to the Latvian 'Kokles,'
the Estonian 'kaneles, and the Finnish 'Kanteles.'

The instrument is played by plucking the strings,
which are stretched over a flat wooden soundbox, with
either the fingers of the right hand or a plectrum.
The fingers of the left hand are used to silence the
remaining strings.

The instrument is taught at the Conservatory of Vilnius
and various other musical institutes in Lithuania.

In Australia, we have a "Kankles," group in Sydney and
Melbourne. The music is very moving, and soul-inspiring -
just like the zither or the balalaika. Giving the listener
a feeling of Spring (everyone's in love and flowers pick
themselves)... (sigh).

cont'd

I forgot to add, you can look up 'Kankles,"
at the following website:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kankl%C4%97s