We bought 5 cases of "Pack of five cardboard kits" for a Dulcimer build adult program at our Library. They were packed and counted very professionally and every piece was there. Looking at all the pieces, their "quality control" is impeccable. High quality, even for a cardboard kit. I assembled one my self and it plays very well. I am a Classical Guitar, and Mandolin teacher for 21 years. I know quality. If you want to start a program, like this in your community or school, these kits are the way to go. Customer service is easy to get hold of too. Give these kits a try, you won't be sorry.
My son and I worked on the kit and it took us about 4 hours. We had a little trouble in gluing the parts together. Two or three days later I put the strings on it. I tuned it DAD. I purchased it for the fretless. The whole idea of fretlessness is what caught my attention. It seems to me that all of the notes are on each string. If that is true, then are oriental or Greek or Indian notes also available? My mind is just not letting go. I have no interest in Picking Points. Thank you. By the way, I am 78 years old.
I bought this for my husband who just had surgery for something to do. It is much sturdier than we thought it would be. He sprayed it with clear coat and used tung oil for the fretboard. From a distance it looks like wood and it sounds pretty good. His only suggestion would be to have the strum hollow cut in it. It will soon go to our dulcimer club for younger players to enjoy. Everyone should try their hand at this.
I’m just learning how to play the Mountain dulcimer so I opted for the cardboard one to learn on. I’m glad I had my husband to help me build it! I play it daily and have very high hopes to gain skills!
I’m much impressed with the cardboard kit. Went together easily. I supplemented the instructions with the video. I didn’t put the fret board on until the top was on, it made it easier to put the top on. I had Folkcraft install the frets and tuners to save some time. I clear coated the body after it was all assembled and it makes the cardboard a little darker and more wood like. It is going to a 7 year old so I thought clear coating might protect it a bit from dirty hands! The sound is better than you would think for a cardboard instrument. All pieces fit well with not having to modify anything.