A big shout-out to Richard Ash and his crew. If you are looking to purchase a Mountain Dulcimer you can not go wrong with Folkcraft. I just received mine, a Black Walnut, 27 inch VSL with Gabon Ebony Veneer Fret board and Galax Performance back. This has to be the most gorgeous piece of craftsmanship, of an instrument, that I have seen. The attached picture does not do the instrument justice. This piece of beautiful art was created by luthier Cheyenne Hale. He has a very unique skill capable of producing such a beautiful instrument. Thanks Richard and Cheyenne for building such a fine instrument that will create many new memories for me.
Let me say with emphasis, this instrument is beautiful to the eye, extremely well crafted and its sweet sound is mesmerizing! I don’t think I could be more pleased. I especially like 26 inch VSL with its sustain. Once I found the “sweet spot,” I’ve enjoyed it even more. When I show it to my friends, they cannot believe how good it looks and how well it projects its beautiful tone. I’m looking forward to learning to utilize the extra frets as I continue my dulcimer journey! Thank you, Richard Ash, and your luthiers for building this instrument for me!
My recent upgrade from a Roosbeck product to my Folkroots instrument has been a pleasant experience. My Folkcraft dulcimer plays as good as it looks! Thanks Richard for making me a quality instrument that looks wonderful!
The dulcimer has been wonderful to play, with the main point being the 25 inch VSL, which makes it much easier to play the DAA chords. My previous DAA dulcimer had a 28.5 inch VSL, which became more difficult to play as I aged.
In addition, the teardrop body shape, with a Walnut body and Butternut soundboard, has a lovely sound which was enjoyed playing Christmas Carols during the holidays at Assisted Living and Nursing Homes.
It was a pleasure to receive this dulcimer, especially since I had it made for me by Folkcraft Instruments and it has allowed me to play everything I enjoy, including the Hymns and Folk Songs we will start playing again. Having the 1.5 fret installed allows me to make some chords, such as C, F and 7th chords, that occur in some songs. This is not common in DAA dulcimers, but I recommend it.
This has been an excellent experience and I highly recommend Folkcraft Instruments for dulcimers, including DAA dulcimers.
I don't do many reviews for anything, but I feel this one is worth my time.
This dulcimer is my second dulcimer. I wanted a dulcimer that's worth my money and time to learn to play. (BTW I'm an old man that wants something to carry with him for the rest of his life. I have no musical background other than loving music) so, in all my years of life, I've learned one thing, you get what you pay for.
A good quality instrument, or anything for that matter will carry you further and with less frustration. So in short, that's why I bought this one and I have no regrets. Hopefully one day, I learn how to play proficiently, and I'll be happy to buy another instrument from folkcraft Instruments.
Deluxe Rigid Dulcimer Case (For FolkRoots® D Series And FolkRoots® Custom Series Dulcimers)