3-String Simplicity Dulcimer

by Backyard Music

Product Features

• Pre-finished Simplicity dulcimer with extra-strong 275-lb. cardboard soundbox and wood fretboard.
• Soundbox colors may vary.
• Includes pick, noter, rainbag, extra strings, quick start instructions, and 28-page playing manual.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3 x 35 x 9 inches ; 4.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0002MQJMO
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,448 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #36 in Musical Instruments > Folk & World Instruments > Stringed Instruments > Dulcimers

Product Description

The included "Meet the Friendly Dulcimer" manual describes the parts of a dulcimer, various tunings, how to hold and strum the dulcimer, fingerpicking techniques, and more. In the text, instructions are given for familiar songs as new techniques are introduced; learn favorites such as Down in the Valley, Frere Jacques, O Come Immanuel, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the Best for Classroom Music!, March 9, 2005

By 

Patricia Coxwell "music teacher" (Meridian, MS United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 3-String Simplicity Dulcimer

I use this model to teach approximately 130-150 students in 6th grade music each year. When I ordered them from David (owner of Backyard Music) he was extremely helpful, even including teaching pointers!

My models came completely assembled, included picks, Easy as 1,2,3 dulcimer book, noters, and extra sets of strings. Each was packed in it's own plastic rain bag in which it still resides.

The dulcimers are easy to play, have a really good sound, and are very easy to fix if someone breaks a string, removes a bridge, or plays with the tuning gear. The 250 lb cardboard soundbox is a better resonator than cheap plywood dulcimers, too. I have a 'better' spruce wood model from a reputable company, but I'd rather play my Simplicity. For classroom use, it's the best!

At first I was disappointed that it did not have a 6-1/2 fret, but that would really confuse my students. They only get to play these once a week, and it's amazing how quickly they learn to play beautifully.

My students have been using them for 3 years now, and have had no problems with the dulcimers themselves. The soundboxes hold up well, the strings stay in tune fairly well (weather is not friendly to us here), and the tuning gear holds together well. I recommend this product to anyone who wants a good beginner dulcimer at a good price, customer support, and quality workmanship.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Beginner Instrument, December 27, 2006

By 

S.M.R.W. "Stef" (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 3-String Simplicity Dulcimer

I received one of these dulcimers for Christmas. The burgundy soundbox (i.e. the body part) with heart-shaped soundholes resonated quite prettily, despite the fact that it was made of cardboard.

The dulcimer comes with a sheet of common songs and the fret numbers that correspond. This makes it incredibly easy to learn to play. I literally pulled everything out of the box, tuned the dulcimer (I play the violin and knew how to do so), and strummed out a tune within 5 minutes.

There are several options on how to play your Simplicity dulcimer. You can either press down next to the metal frets with your fingers or use the "toner" stick to do so. You can opt to use a dulcimer or guitar pick on the strings or you can strum them by hand.

Tuning the Simplicity is a cinch. You can tune the melody and middle strings to the same note; just make sure that it sounds decent. Tune the bass string (lowest-sounding, thick one) so that it sounds the same as the middle or melody string's fourth fret pressed down. The instruction booklet shows people familiar with music and tuning how to tune the dulcimer to scales and keys.

All in all, the Simplicity dulcimer is a great, economical gift that will keep poeple of all ages happy and busy.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good choice, but be realistic, June 10, 2008

By 

R. Latker (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 3-String Simplicity Dulcimer

If you buy this dulcimer pre-assembled, you will get a reasonably good instrument with a surprisingly strong sound.

There's nothing inherently wrong with cardboard, and it is a very appropriate choice for classroom settings, if only because the instrument can be dropped will little or no damage. The Backyard Music dulcimer is probably the best cardboard dulcimer available.

Note, however, that the instrument probably will not intonate perfectly (meaning not all the frets will produce accurate notes). The nut and bridge will begin to move if played with any regularity. If you already play the dulcimer, you're likely to be disappointed with the performance.

If you buy this instrument as a kit, be extra careful not to over sand the grooves for the bridge and nut. If you do, the instrument is essentially unplayable.

I give it just three stars just to balance out the presentation here. If I were to judge solely against other dulcimers in the same price range, four or five stars might be warranted.

A cardboard dulcimer makes a lot of sense, especially in institutional settings. But for an individual with musical experience seeking to take up the dulcimer with some seriousness, it makes more sense to invest in a hand-crafted, solid wood instrument that will stand the test of time.