Mountain Dulcimer roundup
The Best Mountain Dulcimers for the Money
From budget entry-level options to premium luthier builds, here are the best mountain dulcimers at each price point — with honest picks and what makes each one worth considering.
The mountain dulcimer market is not enormous, but it is surprisingly varied — from budget plywood instruments to hand-built masterworks from individual luthiers. Here are the standout options at each level of investment.
Best Entry-Level Mountain Dulcimer: McSpadden Teardrop
McSpadden is the most widely recommended entry-level brand for this instrument. Their instruments are made in the USA, use solid wood construction at competitive prices, and have a track record that spans decades. The Teardrop model is the most popular entry point: three strings, walnut or cherry top, comfortable action, and a balanced tone. For a first dulcimer, it is difficult to fault. Prices start around £180–£220 direct.
Best Budget Option: Folkcraft
Folkcraft makes solid-top mountain dulcimers at prices below most comparable makers. The Sprucetop series offers a genuinely playable instrument with solid spruce top for under £170. It is not as refined as the McSpadden, but the quality is honest and consistent. For anyone wanting to try the instrument before committing more money, this is the sensible starting point.
Best Mid-Range: Seagull Merlin or McSpadden Full-Size
The Seagull Merlin M4 is a four-string mountain dulcimer that has become enormously popular, particularly in the UK and Canada. It is well-made, portable, and sounds excellent for its price (around £150–£175). The full-size McSpadden models in the £250–£350 range offer more traditional playing and superior tone for players who want to develop further.
Best Premium Mountain Dulcimer: Elderly Instruments or Custom Build
Above £400, the finest examples are made by individual craftspeople. Elderly Instruments in the USA curates a range of luthier-built dulcimers, and makers like Sam Rizzetta and Stephen Seifert offer commissioned instruments. The difference in sound, feel, and resonance at this level is immediately apparent. If folk music is a serious long-term pursuit, a well-made premium instrument is a worthwhile investment.
Mountain Dulcimers Worth Avoiding
Generic, unbranded instruments sold at very low prices (under £100) are almost always poorly made — high action, uneven frets, poor intonation. They make the instrument harder to learn on rather than easier. Better to buy used from a known maker than new from an unknown one. For guidance on what to check before buying, the complete buyer's guide covers the key things to look for.
Comments