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And, hey, if you are new to hammered dulcimers, or even have years of experience, wouldn't it be nice to be able to talk to someone who has owned and played dulcimers from every major maker and can talk about the strengths and weaknesses of each makers instruments?
We have decided to buy used dulcimers so that people who want to get started playing have somewhere they can see and hear instruments, and discuss them with folks who love the hammered dulcimer. For those of you who already play, you can look at and listen to instruments from a variety of makers when you are ready to upgrade to an instrument that better meets your needs.
Over the years we have played perhaps 400 different hammered dulcimers - from every major and lots of smaller makers. We can talk about the differences and help you decide which makers' instrument truly fits your musical focus. Face it, you won't get this from a person selling an instrument they have never played, or even from one of the instrument makers - to them, their instrument is the best in the world - for all players. Unfortunately, it just isn't so. There really are instruments you will just want to stay away from.
Please also realize - there are a lot of "handmade" dulcimers out there - ok, reality check - all hammered dulcimers are handmade. Some by people who know what they are doing, and some by folks who really don't have a clue. Please, before you buy, give some thought to what your chances are of getting a great instrument made by professionals compared to those made by either amateurs or folks who didn't manage to stay in business very long. I really feel sorry for folks who come to me with a dulcimer they bought from someone else that just doesn't sound very good. I can't do much for them, since I don't buy dulcimers that don't meet our standards.
Before you buy an instrument that you may come to dislike - why not talk to folks who have already been there?
We are not trying to make a business out of this, and do not try to make much profit - we want to cover costs and provide a place for folk to find exceptional instruments at a fair price.
Our selection will depend on what we have bought most recently and haven't sold yet. Our goal is to only buy perfect or nearly perfect instruments such that we can offer them for sale at 75% of new prices, or less depending on what we pay for them. We typically offer instruments for less than the same instruments are offered on Craigslist and actually know what we are talking about. I often hear "We bought this instrument 20 years ago and don't know anything about it, but have been told it is a wonderful instrument". Is this the way to get the instrument you want/need?
Besides, we offer you a chance to compare different instruments - see which sound you like the most.
I have found that most folks are lost when it comes to deciding how big or small a dulcimer they really need. After having talked to quite a few folks I figured it might make sense to try to put my thoughts on paper -- so people could read something to give them a head-start on figuring out what they need. Hopefully it will make it a little easier to figure out the difference between a 12/11 and a 16/15 Chromatic -- see what you think: http://www.snclocks.com/Steves-Dulcimers/Which-Dulcimer-is-Right-for/
Oh, and we have a very nice selection of hammers from Bob Bedard - who I feel makes the nicest hammers out there - and from Dusty Strings.
If you have an instrument in excellent condition that you would like to sell, or are interested in buying a virtually new hammered dulcimer, we can likely help.
At present we have a nice selection of instruments in stock: a Dusty D25, D35 and a D45. A Brooks Hollow very special small dulcimer, an early D300 in black. And D500 dampers and tristander. What else? A D600, a Folkcraft 17/16, a truly beautiful Song of the Woods (Jerry Reed Smith) Grand Concert from 1982, a Songbird Warbler (these always go wo quickly because they sound so good and are not pricey) and, if you want one of the finest dulcimers ever made, a 2005 Extended Range (think D600) with carbon fiber back made by Sam Rizzetta! If you want a truly wonderful and smaller instrument - we have a Nick Blanton compact from 2004 with an ebony top. And, 2 lovely condition lightweight Masterworks 16/15Cs! Funny - looking at my inventory - we have Dusty Strings, D-25, 35, 45, 300, 500, and 600. I doubt Dusty Strings can match that selection!
Pricing - starting at around $400, depending on what I have in stock.
Did I mention the instruments we offer are in extremely good condition? In fact, most of our instruments are in like-new condition. I buy instruments that I can be proud to offer and you will be proud to own. Reminds me of a recent visit -- the young man looked at 3 or 4 dulcimers I had set up and promptly asked if I had made them. They looked new! Even though the newest one was made in 2004, the oldest in the late 1980's.
Oh, about the pictures with this ad - they are examples of instruments that I have sold. I have given up trying to keep up with inventory changes. A few of these instruments are still in stock. Contact me and let's see what we have that will best fit your needs.
How often do you find instruments in mint condition that have had a chance to mellow and improve their sound? One thing to keep in mind if you are considering buying a new instrument - it will be years before the sound of your new dulcimer mellows - the difference is very noticeable. I truly believe that you will be better off in all ways buying an instrument that has had a chance to age, to deepen its sound, to become an all-around better instrument. And, wow - I can't imagine buying a dulcimer that I have not heard played. Whilst a given makers instruments tend to sound the same, there are exceptions - my first dulcimer from a noted maker was an excellent example – dang - it had problems. There is nothing like being able to compare the actual instrument you are looking to buy with those from other makers.
We do our best to find exceptional instruments that we can be proud of selling. For additional information on who we are and what we do -- check out http://www.snclocks.com/Steves-Dulcimers
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