Folkcraft Instruments

I chose to make my 6 string at a college nearby in the early 1980's. And with their excellent guidance it was very good build. And then I progressed to desiring to make 5 string banjos. So I have amassed many sets of strings without a clear knowledge of the science of acoustics. Particularly when all sales for dulcimers centered on 4 strings and not 6. But I had my share of the pain of broken strings(both meanings, hence lots of sets ordered. It was decades before I tried to put that instruments back in service. Because, I found the Folkcraft website. Lo and behold, they had a set a set of 6 strings. I call it the no brain method. But they have brought my church dulcimer back to its beautifully rich sound. For that, I am grateful. I would recommend that listing a sample of the notes(including octave notation) of say the Key of G or C. That way, it helps the beginner not give up and not wait decades to rekindle a love of the harmonics generated.But obviously they are well pick to provide clear sounds and balances for appropriate tensions or your soundboard may decide to get closer to you face.

For the 25 + years I have played MD, I have tried a variety of picks but once I found Herdim picks that has become my go-to choice. When I teach new students I gift them 2 Herdim picks and a strip of the vinyl non skid shelf liner.

I like the book and plan to order Volume 1 later.

I have been playing dulcimers tuned DAA for many years and when I started I tried many types and brands of picks. I found that the Thin Yellow Herdim Nylon Pick, 3-in-1 Style was the best one for me to play as it was easy to hold, strummed easily and sounded nice. I also play a DAD tuned dulcimer and use the Red Herdim Nylon Pick playing there.

Perfect for a dulcimette

Loved the quality of this strap. Nice leather ends, and the quick-release is such a smart design.

I decided to try a lighter set of strings and it was a learning experience. My first attempt is always without directions, kind of like playing music by ear. The strings broke. Then I watched Mandy Tyners’ video and the key is using wire snips to adjust the length first, but don't make them too short. Sigh.
All things are in place now and the dulcimer sings beautifully once again. The strings were packaged nicely and arrived on schedule.

Have used many picks over the years and have finally found "the one" for me - the Herdim yellows. I use them on acoustic guitars. Really like the size and grip, but even more the soft attack on the strings, almost as if not using a pick at all. Yet they are punchy enough to deliver the response I'm looking for (not too hard, not too flexible). Highly recommend them. Though not absolutely necessary, I modify my picks with an edge of epoxy putty, molded to my finger size and shape, with a dot of fingernail polish to tell me which side is up - they work a treat for me.

The book is very informative and full or great tips. Very easy for the beginner and even the intermediate player. Has a list of chords and easy songs to play. Highly recommend it.

A friend has a backpack 4 string dulcimer that suffered a bent shaft on a machine head. Folkcraft has a set of four heads that are identical to the original. these worked well once installed but, the screws packaged with the new machine heads are made with quite soft metal, such that you can round out the phillips head easily. I just want you to be aware to avoid any disappointment.

Good solid tuning gears, easy to install once you figure what side they each go on. Maybe they were labeled left and right but I didn't see any marks. I'm very happy with the tuners.

This will be great for the Kris Kringle event at Belle Grove, Middletown VA where Ill perform on November 22. This book has a lot of tabs I do not have.

Nina Zanetti is one of my most beloved arrangers. Her music is always beautiful, and I spend a lot of time with her books, and I think I have all of her solo collections now. This particular collection is a great addition. Beautiful music thoughtfully arranged and fun to play. I can't ask for more than that.

Love the picks. Easy to hold and variety of thicknesses for picking and strumming.

Good for all ranges of players - beginners to advanced. Good selection of music.