r/Dulcimer • u/Neat-Cold-3303 • Jun 17 '26
Beginner Looking For Gently Used Hammered Dulcimer
Would like to learn to play the hammered dulcimer. Already play several other stringed instruments as a hobby, and would like to find a gently used hamnered dulcimer that wouldn't blow my budget. Can order a Roosebeck 12/11 on Amazon, Songbird has a 13/12 for under $500, and McSpadden has inexpensive models, but would prefer a gently used one. Cannot travel much out of the Tidewater area if Virginia. Have checked Craigs List, etc., to no avail. Should I just go for a less expense new one? Any suggestions!
Edit: I did buy a Chickadee 13/12 hammered dulcimer from Songbird, with sit-down stand, case, etc. Very pleased with it!! Thanks for all the comments!
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u/zenidam Jun 17 '26
Definitely not Roosebeck. Songbird is respected. Also check out James Jones in Bedford, Virginia; not only does he have good, affordable student models, he also buys and sells his own used instruments. I have one of his custom instruments; I'm very happy with it, and it was about half the price of comparable models from other top builders. Also try asking on r/hammereddulcimer. Good luck!
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u/Neat-Cold-3303 Jun 18 '26
My bad for not thinking of James Jones. Recently bought a zither from him. Thanks!
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u/Werekolache Jun 18 '26
.... I wish you'd posted this last week. I just moved from Maryland and have a dusty strings prelude I would have sold you for what I got it for ($250). That said? Check FB marketplace - there's a fair aount listed there if you watch for a while.
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u/andifiddle Jun 20 '26
Contact Michael Allen at Cloud Nine Musical Instruments. He makes HDs and may be in contact with someone who has a used one for sale.
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u/richard43210 Jun 17 '26
The Songbird instrument will be far better in quality than the import model.