Dulcimer Facts: Shop for Instruments, Accessories, Gifts

Dulcimer Facts

The dulcimer is a musical string instrument in the zither family. Unlike the zither, the dulcimer is typically characterized by three or four strings. There are several common styles, though the Appalachian and mountain styles are considered the most popular.

Here’s one of our favorite dulcimer facts. Over the years, the dulcimer has acquired a number of nicknames including “harmonium,” “hog fiddle,” “music box,” “harmony box,” and “mountain zither.”

The dulcimer first appeared in the early 19th century among Scotch-Irish immigrant communities in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. Historians speculate that early settlers were unable to craft the more complex, dramatically curved violin. This was due to a lack of tools and time. Once dulcimers were mass-produced, design changes resulted in an instrument that was easier to build and play. The body was made larger, and geared tuners replaced traditional wooden pegs, making tuning easier and more reliable.

With just three or four strings and a simple diatonic fret pattern, the Appalachian dulcimer is considered one of the easiest string instruments to learn. It’s a wonderful introduction to the world of stringed instruments, and an excellent choice for folk song accompaniment.

More Dulcimer Facts

Fun Fact
A person who performs on this string instrument is called a dulcimerist. However, this term is rarely used. Most artists refer to themselves as dulcimer players.

Does the instrument look familiar to you? Songstress Joni Mitchell played one on her 1971 album “Blue” and is credited with popularizing the instrument outside of United States folk music circles. Her live performances sometimes include an entire set devoted to the instrument.

Other big-name musicians have also been known to play the instrument. Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones featured an Appalachian dulcimer on the songs “Lady Jane” and “I Am Waiting.” Pop star Cyndi Lauper also played one on her songs “A Night to Remember” and “Sisters of Avalon.”

Play the Mountain Dulcimer

by Michael Alan Wood

A Dulcimer Hymn Collection: Traditional Hymns and Spirituals for Mountain Dulcimer in D-A-A Tuning Dulcimer on the Backroads: Old Time and Celtic Tunes for Mountain Dulcimer in D-A-A Tuning

Listen to the Dulcimer

Performed by Stephen Seifert

Nashville-based musician Stephen Seifert plays “Whiskey Before Breakfast” on a mountain dulcimer. If you’d like to learn to play, Stephen has a series of videos that you can find on his Dulcimer School website. He is widely recognized as one of the most versatile and talented contemporary players, and is a frequent performer at American folk music festivals. Stephen has also performed with a number of classical symphonies throughout the United States.

Best Gifts for Music Lovers

We’ve created more than 2,000 products for string instrument players and music lovers. Find a unique gift for your favorite dulcimer player or enthusiast. Beware of inferior copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Dulcimer collection.

Find a Dulcimer Online

Applecreek Dulcimer Deluxe Pack

Product details:

Handcrafted in Europe using the finest material
Applecreek Dulcimer is the best student model you will find
Durable nylon dulcimer case with accessory pocket, handle and shoulder strap to carry like suitcase or backpack
Dulcimer Instruction Book with 19 all-time favorite songs
One of the most popular and easiest musical instruments to play

Applecreek Dulcimer, Known as the Appalachian or Mountain Dulcimer Deluxe Pack Includes Durable Nylon Dulcimer Case with Strap, Dulcimer Music Book

Dulcimer Gift Ideas

If you need to find a gift for your favorite dulcimer player, you’ve come to the right place. We’re always creating new products and sharing our favorites from other designers.

Shop for Dulcimers and Accessories

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This means that–at zero cost to you–we will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

D’Addario EJ64 Set of 4 Dulcimer Strings: 3 Plain Steel, 1 Nickel-Plated Steel – Medium String Gauge String Swing Dulcimer Hanger Wall Mount Holder CC01D-C Solid Cherry Hardwood Block – Easy to Hang Noter for the Mountain Dulcimer – Made from Solid Rosewood – Rooseback Pick Included Dulcimer Songbook: 70 Popular Songs for Dulcimer in D-A-D Tuning – By Thomas Balinger