If you're looking to get into folk music without spending a fortune, hunting for used mountain dulcimers is honestly the best way to go. There is something really special about an instrument that has already been played for a few decades. Not only do you usually save a significant amount of cash, but you also end up with an instrument that has some history and, quite often, a much "sweeter" sound than something that just rolled off a factory line last week.
I've spent a lot of time poking around music shops and online listings, and I've realized that the secondary market for dulcimers is a bit of a hidden gem. Unlike guitars, where everyone and their cousin knows exactly what a 1960s Stratocaster is worth, used mountain dulcimers can be a bit of a wild west. You might find a high-end luthier-built piece at a garage sale for fifty bucks because the seller thinks it's just a "weird-looking violin," or you might see a plywood kit-build priced like a museum piece. Knowing what to look for makes all the difference.
Why Going Used Just Makes Sense
The biggest reason to look at used mountain dulcimers is the wood. Instruments made of solid wood—like cherry, walnut, or spruce—actually change over time. As the wood vibrates from years of playing, it "opens up." This isn't just some mystical musician talk; the cellular structure of the wood actually settles, leading to a richer, more resonant tone. When you buy a used one, someone else has already done the hard work of breaking it in for you.
Then, of course, there's the price. You can often find a professional-quality instrument for the price of a budget entry-level model if you're willing to buy pre-owned. For a beginner, this is huge. It's much more inspiring to practice on an instrument that sounds beautiful and stays in tune than on a cheap "souvenir" dulcimer that feels like a toy. Plus, if you decide the dulcimer isn't for you, you can usually sell a used one for exactly what you paid for it.
What to Check Before You Buy
When you're looking at used mountain dulcimers, you've got to be a bit of a detective. Since these instruments are often held together by glue and prayer, temperature and humidity are the main enemies. The first thing I always do is look for cracks. Small finish cracks (crazing) aren't a big deal—they're just character lines. But structural cracks in the soundboard or the back can be trouble. If you can see light through a crack, or if it's wide enough to stick a guitar pick into, you might want to pass unless you're handy with wood glue.
Checking the Neck and Frets
One of the most important things to check is the fretboard. You want it to be straight. If the neck is bowed or warped, the strings will either buzz like a hornet's nest or be so high off the board that they're impossible to press down. Hold the dulcimer up and look down the neck from the headstock toward the bridge, like you're looking down a rifle barrel. It should look flat.
Also, take a look at the frets themselves. On older used mountain dulcimers, you might see "staple" frets—literally small pieces of wire shaped like staples. These are traditional, but they can be a bit finicky. Modern T-shaped frets are usually preferred for ease of playing. If the frets look worn down or have deep grooves under the strings, you'll eventually need to have them leveled, which is an extra cost to keep in mind.
Geared vs. Friction Tuners
This is a big one for your sanity. Older used mountain dulcimers often come with wooden friction pegs, much like a violin. While they look beautiful and traditional, they can be a total nightmare for a beginner to keep in tune. They slip, they stick, and they require a lot of patience. If you find a great deal on a dulcimer with friction pegs, just know that you might end up wanting to swap them out for geared tuners later. If the dulcimer already has geared tuners (they look like the knobs on a guitar), you're in much better shape for everyday playing.
Brands and Builders to Keep an Eye On
If you're browsing listings, there are a few names that should make you stop scrolling. McSpadden is probably the most famous. They've made tens of thousands of dulcimers out of Arkansas, and their quality control is legendary. A used McSpadden is almost always a safe bet because they are built like tanks and consistently sound great.
Another name to watch for is Folkcraft. They've been around forever and make everything from sturdy student models to high-end professional instruments. If you see a Warren May dulcimer, you're looking at something with a lot of traditional soul; he's a famous maker out of Kentucky known for his beautiful "hourglass" shapes.
On the flip side, you'll see a lot of "cardboard" dulcimers or very thin plywood models. There's nothing wrong with these for kids or for taking on a rugged camping trip, but don't pay a premium for them. They're meant to be affordable "starter" kits.
Where to Find the Best Deals
I've had the best luck in a few specific places. Online, Reverb is great because it's geared toward musicians, so the sellers usually know what they're talking about and provide good photos. eBay is hit-or-miss—you can find bargains, but you have to be careful with the descriptions.
Don't overlook local options like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Because dulcimers are often seen as "niche" instruments, people sometimes list them just to get them out of the attic. I once found a beautiful walnut dulcimer at an estate sale just because the family didn't know what it was.
If you have a local folk music shop, that's the gold standard. You might pay a little more than you would in a private sale, but the shop has likely already cleaned it up, put on fresh strings, and made sure the action is playable. That peace of mind is often worth the extra twenty or thirty bucks.
Bringing Your "New" Old Dulcimer Home
Once you finally snag one of those used mountain dulcimers, the very first thing you should do is change the strings. You have no idea how long those old strings have been on there—could be five years, could be twenty. Old strings sound dull, feel "grimy," and are much more likely to snap. A fresh set of strings costs less than ten dollars and will make the instrument sound 100% better instantly.
While the strings are off, give the whole thing a wipe down with a soft, dry cloth. If the wood looks really dry or "thirsty," a tiny bit of lemon oil on the fretboard can work wonders. Just don't overdo it—you don't want to soak the wood, just condition it.
Final Thoughts
Buying used mountain dulcimers is a bit of a journey, but it's a rewarding one. There's a certain soul in an older instrument that you just can't find in something brand new. You're not just buying a piece of wood and wire; you're continuing the life of an instrument that was likely loved by someone else before you.
Whether you're looking for a professional McSpadden or a quirky handmade piece from a mountain luthier, the used market is full of surprises. Just keep your eyes open for those structural issues, check the tuners, and don't be afraid to ask the seller questions. Before you know it, you'll be sitting on your porch, strumming away on a piece of history that didn't break the bank.