There are three decisions to make when ordering a McSpadden Mountain Dulcimer from us.

1. Shape - Teardrop or Hour-glass (double-curve) Hour-glass dulcimers sometimes have a voice that is richer and more full sounding than the teardrop model.

2. Wood - Instrument body: Walnut or Cherry. Soundboard: Walnut, Cherry, Spruce or Redwood. A dulcimer made of walnut has many warm brown tones mingled together in fascinating grain patterns. Cherry wood has a light tan color when it is first processed, but ultra-violet light causes it to develop rich red/brown hues. A top made of hard wood usually produces a musical tone described as warm, mellow or soothing. Those who want a brighter, more dominating sound usually choose softer woods (spruce or redwood) for the top. Russell sometimes refers to Redwood as sounding more “rowdy”.

3. Peghead - Scroll or Flat. For ease of tuning, the scroll model dulcimers have planetary (4 to 1 gear ratio) tuners with white pearloid buttons. The flat guitar style peghead has enclosed gear tuners with a 16 to 1 gear ratio which makes fine tuning almost effortless.

All dulcimers have a fretboard of walnut or cherry, accurately spaced frets, 6 1/2 and 13 1/2 frets, carefully fitted joints, a protective catalyzed varnish finish and a life-time guarantee (to the original owner) against defects in materials and workmanship.

We also offer “Ginger”. “Ginger” is a soprano Mountain Dulcimer. (one octave higher in pitch than a regular MD). All “Ginger” dulcimers are hour-glass shaped and have a flat peghead. They have a fret-scale of only 23 1/4” and are ideal for children, those who have small hands or limited ability to spread their hands, and for those who wish to add a new dimension to a dulcimer group.

In addition to the standard models (and “Ginger”) we also offer the wonderful “David Schnaufer Model”. The Schnaufer Model dulcimer was developed in cooperation with David to provide the sound and playability he needs for his recordings and performances. It is an hourglass body of Cherry wood with a Redwood top. It has Ebony overlay on the fretboard, black pegs, black pick guard and features his name on the peghead and his signature on the inside label. Truly a wonderful sounding dulcimer!

We sell all of the McSpadden Mountain Dulcimers at the basic manufacturer’s suggested price whereas many increase their prices because of their beauty and quality. They come with a padded canvas carrying case. You can upgrade to a deluxe plush lined plywood case for an additional $59. Shipping on Mountain Dulcimers is $20.

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