Folkcraft® Cardboard Dulcimer Kit, Chromatic

This kit was a gift from my husband. I have been curious about this type of dulcimer for awhile, egged on by what I saw that Sam Edelston (and others) could do with one when I watched his videos. I felt this would be a low cost way to get my feet wet and expand my learning the kinds of songs that I can't do on my other MDs. Have all the notes and expanded chord possibilities? Yes, I like this. And, it will kick my butt into gear to focus and learn chord theory more deeply.

I must admit I did not do all the assembly work. Getting help locally from some other neighbors did not work out. Not having proper tools, bits, files, or workspace, I ended up enlisting Richard's help finishing the fretboard. It was worth the extra expense. I finally finished assembling the rest of it this past weekend and I am pleased with the end results and the sound of it. The directions were okay after reading through them a few times; the photos a bit small and blurry to see but I figured it out. I look forward to learning more music with this instrument. Who knows, I may invest in another better chromatic dulcimer in the future if I take to it well. Thanks, Folkcraft, Richard, for making this possible.

I loved building my dulcimer kit, the instructions were fairly easy to follow (although it would have helped to have larger, more clear photos in the instructions). It took a few days, mostly to allow the glue to dry completely between steps. The cardboard instrument sounds better than I imagined ... a great way to learn without making a big investment in a dulcimer.

I was very pleased with this. It took me most of a day: (including finding the tools, (I actually had everything I needed), letting glue dry, reading directions, etc.). The directions and photos need a bit of updating, but I could follow them. I read the steps ahead which clarified things at times and I went slowly. It sounds just fine to me, I wanted it for working on music theory and I don't really plan on playing a chromatic dulcimer as a my main instrument. It's great for learning.

Bought this dulcimer to participate in Steven Sieferts Practical Music theory class, I wish I would have bought one of these cardboard dulcimers when I first started playing instead of at least two store bought cheapo's which had the playability of a brick. When I assembled this one, I practiced leveling and polishing the frets. String height was perfect with no adjustment needed. The cardboard provides a surprisingly clear and mellow sound.

I'm very happy with my purchase! I was terrified at the thought of assembling the fret board so it was well worth the fee to have you do that for me. I'm not a crafter and was really afraid I would fail at assembling the kit, but I was amazed at how easily it came together after reading the instructions the third time! The instructions are actually very well written and the pieces fit together beautifully. The only thing I did differently was not taking it apart after the dryfit to glue and reassemble. It fit so tightly that I didn't see the need and was afraid it might streatch out of shape by taking it apart. I can always glue it later if needed.

Obviously it doesn't have the sound of your quality dulcimers but it is a good learning tool and an opportunity to sample a chromatic before making a more significant dollar investment.

I also want to thank you for the excellent service and for taking time to answer all my questions on the phone. I should give you a heads up that the slow down in postal service delayed the anticipated delivery by several days. Customers should plan accordingly.

I'm really looking forward to doing business with you in the future!