Folkcraft Instruments has been crafting handmade mountain dulcimers since 1968. We've been providing the best dulcimers, plus the dulcimer cases, tab books, dulcimer string sets, and everything else a mountain dulcimer player needs. We even provide dulcimer parts - machine heads and wood parts - for builders of all skill levels. We're happy to build a custom mountain dulcimer for you, make you a custom instrument case, or make you a custom string set. All of our dulcimers are handmade in the USA.
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Folkcraft customers speak out!
from 3464 reviewsLet me start by saying if you’re a beginner and want to learn the dulcimer there’s nothing wrong with going with the cardboard kit it gives you appreciation for what you had built. Yes I’ve own a few dulcimers all diatonic, but I want to learn chromatic so this is the way I went, as far as shipping, an actual product review. It’s all great because it’s from folkcraft.
It’s not easy finding clear, easy to play music from the 14-16th century, but here you have it!
These are great sing-along songs. I've replaced some of my music with these easier to play arrangements. I especially like that this book in its spiral bound format which allows it to be folded back flat for easy reading or a music stand. I wish more sheet music books were this way.
I have purchased herd picks before, the yellow ones, and yes, over time I’ve managed to misplace most of them. This time I’m trying out the red ones, which have a medium firmness. I like them very much, even better than the yellow ones.
I usually use strings that are a little heavier than these, but I am so impressed with the sound and use of playing. I think I will always use them on my 4-string (equidistant DAdd) dulcimer. They just ring! Plus they look really classy with my black walnut fretboard and black tuning gears - if only my frets were black too. I had no problem installing them and no problem with stretching excessively (I always keep a good bit of tension on my strings while winding them on).
Good quality. Had to trim one of the leather parts as it was a little snug on my 3/4 size dulcimer. Other than that, it is great!
the overall tonal quality in sound (tone&volume) & play-ability blends very nicely with the 1st, 2nd & 3rd uke's nylon strings. However, knit-picking its issue with breaking-in, took just a little more time to acquire. Then again, considering its string tension with a stiffer feel as its cure, allow ~ 1 week's time before playing a gig... *happy, happy Snoopy-like dance...
I ordered new strings for my Folkcraft dulcimer ❤️. I have had it for about a year and hadn't changed strings. It was fairly easy and I couldn't believe how much brighter the sound was. Thank you, Folkcraft. You are the best.
All of Shelley's books give you a chance to learn a few songs of a particular type. Think of them as the hors d'oeuvres before a meal. If you really click with the music, you can go and find more of it.
This is exactly what I was looking for.
I’ve only been building for about six months so the one string I broke was most likely my fault but when you hear them played they’re worth the price.
I’ve only had strings on it for a couple days but so far the pins are doing what they’re supposed to and for the amount ajd the price the two orders I needed weren’t had.
I purchased Nuts/Bridges through the site White ones and Brown ones through Amazon, so I have choices. They are made of Delrin and work wonderfully. Delrin is a thermoplastic renowned for its metal-like strength, outstanding dimensional stability, and low coefficient of friction so it is wonderful for this application. I recommend the "Folkcraft® Mountain Dulcimer Nuts And Bridges, Bone Delrin, 1 3/8" Wide, Pack Of Six"
I've ordered from Folkcraft several times and always been pleased with the quality of product and prices. With the rapidity in which the order was handled. I would like to see the website made a little more user friendly. A better way of finding the part/product you need that scrolling through many pages. Thanks
Any string gage I’ve needed I’ve been able to find at Folkcraft