Customer Reviews
Instructions could be clearer. Maybe a CD or Web instruction would be helpful.
As a Luthier I made some Modifications for strength. All in all nice selection of wood but fret board a little rough.
The kit I purchased came with beautiful wood that was nicely pre-finished. Unfortunately for me, the wrong sides were delivered with my kit, however Richard had them replaced right away - excellent customer service. One suggestion for improvement is to replace the dulcimer top finishing nails with nails that have small flat heads. The size of the finishing nails included with the kit are smaller than the recommended 1/16 inch holes to be drilled and therefore do not actually help to secure the top to the finger board.
I received my hourglass walnut kit and assembled the sides to the tail and scroll. That’s when I realized the fingerboard was 5/8” too short for proper placement. I talked to Richard on the phone and he determined that the sides I received were too long. He immediately sent a new scroll, tail and sides at no charge. The only problem is my having to restart the build from step one. Also, the instructions are pretty horrible and need to be rewritten. Richard was great to work with and I look forward to the build.
The quality of the kit is good, but my husnand struggling in cutting out the top and bottom. The utility knife is not working for him. It would have been helpful to have a video but we are persevering on.
Martha Robinson
Hello, from Japan. This is my second DIY dulcimer. The kit contained pretty beautiful wood material, such as a dead straight finger board, beautiful book matched and figured cherry top. I modified head shape, added abalon fret markers, 1.5 fret, kerfing, back brace and gecko shaped sound holes. Finished with Watoco oil narural twice and polished with bees wax. Speaking modestly, this is a beautiful dulcimer kit and beyond the price.
