Actually there are a couple of options:

 

1. If you get lucky you might find a used hammer dulcimer but you've got to watch the price carefully.  An inexpensive (ok, a relative term) dulcimer like a Meadowlark by Rick Thum will go for $250 - $300.  The higher level dulcimers will go from $600 - whatever.  You might try www.dulcimers.biz for a listing.  This weekend the largest dulcimer festival on this planet is going on in Evart Michigan where you can see almost 20 different makers including Rick Thum, Dan Landrum, Ed Hale and some of the other more famous craftsman.  Better yet, you take in your hammers and try them all out.  That of course works if your in the same time zone.  If not try out the .biz website or google Rick Thum Dulcimers.

 

On 7/15/07, Elizabeth <dulcimerlady2004@...> wrote:

Dear Tara - my suggestion is to either buy a used dulcimer made by a
well-known maker, like Master Works or Derrogie (spelling?) or buy new
from them. If you get a cheap dulcimer made by someone who doesn't
know what they are doing, you won't get the beautiful, rich sound that
makes dulcimer music so lovely. I can't think of other maker right
now. I have a Master Works which cost about $800 almost 10 yrs ago so
I think the price range you should look for is about $1000 new. I
think they are selling for $600 to $700 used.
Betty