Another example of the variety available, this is a Blue Lion Bass Dulcimer.

Traditional instruments have three strings, the melody, middle, and bass. Doubling the melody string is a common modification. The doubled string can add significant volume to the melody line. Many dulcimer builders now include extra string notches so that a fourth string can be easily added. Strings are generally made of metal and may be borrowed from other instruments, but strings specifically for dulcimer are now commonly available.

The fingerboard is divided by metal frets into two and a half to three octaves of a diatonic scale. The two most commonly used modes are the Ionian (D-A-A) and the Mixolydian (D-A-D). Contemporary dulcimers frequently include a 6 1/2 fret, and some makers now offer a 1 1/2 fret or even a complete chromatically fretted instrument. Other common tunings are Dorian (D-A-G) and Aeolian (D-A-C).

Music Folk offers instruments from several fine builders including McSpadden, Blue Lion, Folkcraft Cripple Creek, and H&H Enterprises. Of course, we also carry a wide array of used instruments as well.