Best Dulcimers of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Dulcimers are a type of stringed musical instrument that have been used for centuries. They are known for their unique sound and are popular in folk music. Dulcimers come in various shapes and sizes, but they all have a long, narrow body and a fretted fingerboard. They are played by striking the strings with a small hammer, called a dulcimer hammer, which produces a soft, mellow sound. Dulcimers are easy to learn and are a great option for beginners or anyone looking to add a new instrument to their collection. They are also a great choice for anyone who enjoys playing traditional or folk music.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Applecreek ACD100 Dulcimer Cover #TOP 1
Applecreek ACD100 Dulcimer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Appalachian APD-1 Dulcimer Cover #TOP 2
Appalachian APD-1 Dulcimer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Applecreek Solid Cherry Dulcimer Bundle Cover #TOP 3
Applecreek Solid Cherry Dulcimer Bundle
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Dulcimers

#TOP 1

Applecreek ACD100 Dulcimer

Instrument Alley
Applecreek ACD100 Dulcimer Cover
Applecreek ACD100 Dulcimer 4-String Spruce Teardrop Appalachian Mountain Instrument with Bag, Hal Leonard Book, D'Addario J64 Strings Bundle - Made in Romania ACD100K

Experience the Applecreek 4-String Dulcimer, crafted with a laminated spruce top, back, and sides, along with a solid maple neck and fingerboard. Tuned like a guitar, this 31" dulcimer offers a 24" scale with 6/12 frets. Made in Romania, this instrument comes with a bundle including a gig bag, method book, strings, and a pick. The spruce body provides rich tones, while the geared tuning machines ensure precise tuning. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, perfect for beginners and experienced players alike.

What We Like
Rich spruce tones
Precise geared tuning
Compact and portable
#TOP 2

Appalachian APD-1 Dulcimer

Appalachian
APD-1
Natural
Appalachian APD-1 Dulcimer Cover
Appalachian APD-1 Dulcimer Pickin' Pac

The Appalachian Dulcimer Starter Pack is an ideal choice for beginners eager to dive into the world of music. It comes with everything you need, including a convenient gig bag for easy transport, an adjustable strap for comfortable playing, a pick for strumming, pitch pipes for tuning assistance, and an instructional DVD to guide you through your first lessons. The dulcimer itself features a solid spruce top, maple back and sides, and a mahogany fingerboard, ensuring quality and durability. Its traditional shape and geared pegs make tuning straightforward, allowing you to focus on creating beautiful music.

What We Like
Complete beginner kit
Quality materials used
Easy tuning mechanism
Includes instructional DVD
#TOP 3

Applecreek Solid Cherry Dulcimer Bundle

Instrument Alley
ACD200K-IAB
Applecreek Solid Cherry Dulcimer Bundle Cover
Applecreek Solid Cherry Hourglass 4-String Mountain Dulcimer Instrument Alley, Case, Hal Leonard Book, True Tune Tuner, D'Addario J64 Strings, Polish Kit Bundle - ACD200K - Made in Romania

The Applecreek Dulcimer Bundle is expertly crafted from solid cherry, ensuring a rich, warm tone that enhances your music experience. With a 27-inch scale length and 18 frets, this dulcimer provides ample space for playing a variety of melodies, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced musicians. Its hourglass body design not only adds aesthetic appeal but also contributes to comfortable playing. Equipped with high-quality Grover gold-plated tuning machines, you can expect precise tuning adjustments, which helps in maintaining the instrument's sound quality over time.

What We Like
Solid cherry construction
Comfortable hourglass design
Accurate tuning machines
Ample scale length
#TOP 4

Jaromin Mountain Dulcimer KIT

Jaromin
Jaromin Mountain Dulcimer KIT Cover
Mountain Dulcimer KIT All WOOD Build-it-Yourself 4-String Dulcimer with CHERRY neck. FUN and EASY to Build and PLAY! Great for Travel, GIFT, Group or Homeschool Activity - DIY Kit - Made in USA

Jaromin Dulcimer Kit is a build-it-yourself 4-string dulcimer with a cherry neck. The Baltic birch plywood body and cherry neck make it durable and stylish. The press-fit body allows for easy assembly without needing clamps, making it a fun hands-on activity for kids and adults. With 16 frets and a double melody string, you can create a fuller sound. Its small and lightweight design is perfect for travel and storage. This DIY kit includes all hardware, printed instructions, and a pick for a complete experience.

What We Like
Durable Baltic Birch Plywood
Easy Assembly
Compact for Travel
#TOP 5

Roosebeck Grace Mountain Dulcimer

DMGS4K
Silver
Roosebeck Grace Mountain Dulcimer Cover
Roosebeck Grace Mountain Dulcimer 4-String Vaulted Fretboard Spruce Knotwork

The Roosebeck Dulcimer features a neck width of 1.25 inches at both the nut and body joint, providing a comfortable grip for players of all skill levels. The nut, made from durable sheesham wood, ensures smooth string action and enhances the instrument's sound quality. With a scale length of 25.5 inches, this dulcimer allows for easy playability and versatility in music styles. Additionally, it comes with four tuning pegs, enabling you to quickly adjust the pitch and keep your instrument in tune with ease, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced musicians.

What We Like
Comfortable neck width
Durable sheesham nut
Versatile scale length
Easy tuning adjustments
#TOP 6

LPD-ACD200K Cherry Mountain Dulcimer

LPD-ACD200K
LPD-ACD200K
Cherry
Full
LPD-ACD200K Cherry Mountain Dulcimer Cover
Professional European Cherry Mountain Dulcimer w/Case

The LPD Cherry Mountain Dulcimer is crafted from solid cherry wood for a rich, warm sound that enhances your musical experience. Its 37-inch total length makes it a comfortable size for playing, while the 2-inch body depth contributes to its resonant tone. With a scale length of 27 inches, this dulcimer is perfect for both beginners and seasoned players, allowing for easy finger positioning and smooth playability. Plus, it comes with a case, ensuring that your instrument is protected during transport and storage, giving you peace of mind as you take your music on the go.

What We Like
Solid cherry wood construction
Includes protective case
Comfortable size for playing
Resonant and warm sound
#TOP 7

Jaromin Boondocker Dulcimer Guitar

Jaromin
BD-HHA-BNDL
Brown
Full
Jaromin Boondocker Dulcimer Guitar Cover
Boondocker Dulcimer Guitar Sapele Mahogany with Henna Pattern Bundle with Gig Bag and Strap

The Jaromin Dulcimer Guitar features a beautifully crafted Sapele Mahogany body, neck, and top, providing a rich tone that enhances your music experience. With 8 frets, including a 6-1/2 fret, you can enjoy a wider range of notes, making it easier to play your favorite songs. The vintage-style pearloid tuning knobs with open gears ensure that your instrument stays in tune effortlessly. Additionally, the Katalox bridge paired with an adjustable Corian saddle allows for low action, making it comfortable for you to play without straining your fingers.

What We Like
Rich sound quality
Easy playability
Vintage-style tuning knobs
Adjustable saddle
#TOP 8

Roosebeck DMTSL3 Trail Dulcimer

DMTSL3
brown
Roosebeck DMTSL3 Trail Dulcimer Cover
Roosebeck DMTSL3 3-String Trail Dulcimer

The Roosebeck Trail Dulcimer is a 3-string instrument that is both fun to play and easy to learn. It features a solid spruce soundboard, which gives it a warm and resonant tone. The ukulele style tuners make tuning the dulcimer a breeze, ensuring that you can quickly get it in tune and start playing. The compact size and lightweight design of the Roosebeck Trail Dulcimer make it perfect for taking on the go, whether you're going camping, hiking, or simply want to play some music outdoors. With its user-friendly features and portability, this dulcimer is a great choice for beginners and experienced players alike.

What We Like
Fun and easy to learn
Warm and resonant tone
Easy tuning with ukulele style tuners
#TOP 9

Roosebeck Grace Mountain Dulcimer

Roosebeck Grace Mountain Dulcimer Cover
Roosebeck Grace Mountain Dulcimer w/Rose Soundholes - 4-Strngs

The Roosebeck Dulcimer features a unique string configuration with two melody strings, one middle string, and one bass string, allowing you to create rich harmonies. The vaulted fretboard enhances sound reactivity, giving you a more responsive playing experience. Made with a spruce soundboard, this dulcimer not only looks great with its cream color and straight grain but also produces a warm tone. Additionally, the right-angle tuners with a 14:1 ratio make tuning precise and easy, ensuring your instrument stays in perfect pitch. These features combine to provide a delightful playing experience for both beginners and experienced musicians alike.

What We Like
Rich harmonics
Responsive fretboard
Warm tone
Easy tuning
#TOP 10

Roosebeck Hammered Dulcimer

DH10-9R
Roosebeck Hammered Dulcimer Cover
Hammered Dulcimer, 10/9 Rosewood

The Roosebeck Rosewood Dulcimer is a beautiful instrument crafted by artisans worldwide. This dulcimer is ideal for those who dream of becoming world musicians. Its authentic materials give it an exquisite sound that resonates with your soul. The craftsmanship ensures a high-quality instrument that will inspire your musical journey. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this dulcimer will elevate your music to new heights.

What We Like
Beautiful Craftsmanship
Perfect for Musicians
Authentic Sound
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 2 types of dulcimers?

There are two main types of dulcimers: the hammered dulcimer and the mountain dulcimer. The hammered dulcimer is played by striking the strings with small hammers, while the mountain dulcimer is played by plucking or strumming the strings with fingers or a pick. Both types have their own unique sound and playing techniques.

2. Is a dulcimer easier than a guitar?

Yes, playing the dulcimer is generally considered easier than playing the guitar. It is easier to play chords on the dulcimer, and even beginners can learn to play melodies, harmonies, and simple songs. Advanced players can finger-pick complex arrangements and play various genres of music, including classical, folk, and rock.

3. Is it hard to play the dulcimer?

The dulcimer is a great choice for beginners as it is one of the easiest stringed instruments to learn. However, mastering the dulcimer can be challenging and will require practice and dedication. As you progress, the dulcimer will continue to provide new challenges and opportunities for growth as a musician.

4. How long does it take to learn dulcimer?

The time it takes to learn the dulcimer varies from person to person. Some people may be able to jam with others after three months of practice, while others may still rely on tabs after six months. It is an individual journey, and consistent practice and dedication are key to progressing and becoming proficient on the dulcimer.

Editor's Notes

During our dulcimer research, we found 24 dulcimer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,764 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dulcimers list. We found that most customers choose dulcimers with an average price of $231.07.

The dulcimers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of dulcimers, including Instrument Alley, Appalachian, Jaromin, Roosebeck, LPD-ACD200K. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 125 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.