The folks at MasterWorks have thoughtfully provided us with a huge range
of available instruments and options, so there is truly something for everyone.

The Pioneer package and Sapelli Pioneer package provide excellent "get
started" instruments at a most affordable price.

The next step up is the simple and lovely 15/14 Mahogany.

Next comes the all-time most-popular 16/15 Ultralight which is available with
the options of Chromatics as well as Bantam Weight.

The ultimate dulcimer experience is found in the Russell Cook Signature
model, with a sound that is truly unparalleled.

So, how do you choose from all of these possibilities?

Here's my philosophy:

There are three main considerations: desire; needs; and budget, not
necessarily in that order. Unfortunately for many of us, our budget enters into
the equation. So you have to weigh your needs, balance that with what you
really want, and maybe strike a compromise. (Or not). In general, (this applies to
ALL musical instruments, not just dulcimers) you want to get as good a quality
of instrument as you possibly can. A better sounding, more capable instrument
will make it easier and more enjoyable to progress as a musician. The more fun
you're having, the more you do it, and the better you get! Simple.

That being said, any one of these instruments is the right instrument for
someone. They all offer at least a full three octaves of range. Though most all of
the makers out there, including MasterWorks, offer a "student model"
two-and-a-half octave 12/11 (these numbers represent the number of string
courses on the treble and bass bridges, respectively), I very strongly
recommend that even beginners start off with a three-octave instrument. From
there on up the line, you are paying for quality of materials and design choices.

The Pioneer instruments are designed to provide good quality at a lower price.
The package includes case, stand, and tuner, and is a great way to get started
on a budget! The laminated soundboard standard Pioneer with maple bridges
is the least costly, at $619. The Sapelli Pioneer package includes a Sapelli
(similar to mahogany) soundboard for a fuller tone, and Ipe bridges for a nice,
vibrant sound. The package price is $699. The $80 difference is money well
spent.

The next step up is the 15/14 Mahogany at $789. This is not a package, so
case, stand, and electronic tuner are extra. The mahogany sound really comes
through, helped by the rosewood bridges. This is a nice instrument and has the
advantage of being a bit smaller.  

The Ultralight series represents the best of MasterWorks. Even the "bottom
of the line" in this series is, in fact, all the dulcimer that 80% of all players will
ever need.  The Ultralight is a lush-sounding, full sized, customizable
instrument with mahogany soundboard; rosewood bridges; laminate back; and
16/15 configuration, checking in at a most moderate 14 lbs and starting at $1049.
Most of my customers have chosen this customizable instrument.

(Ah, but don't forget the "desire" factor...)

"Customizable" means that the Ultralight is available with a variety of options.
One option is the choice of  beautiful exotic wood endrails and bridges.  Another
option for the Ultralight is to add "chromatics" (a series of smaller bridges with
string courses to add full chromatic capability over the entire instrument);
wound strings on lower courses to add fuller, stronger tone; and separated
bridge caps to reduce sustain (preferred by some). Ultralight Chromatics
start at $1249. These are truly professional instruments! The next option is the
Bantam Weight option which reduces the weight of the instrument by about 2
pounds. This is accomplished by thinning down end rails, drilling out bracing
where possible, and adding a solid mahogany back. The overall result not only
reduces the weight significantly, (which you will appreciate if you schlep your
instrument around as I do) but also dramatically enhances the already-great
tone. The Bantam Weight option adds $200 to the base price.


From here, of course, we can only go up. The crown jewel here, if you will, is the
Russell A. Cook Signature Edition

Ta-DA! This dulcimer makes a new leap into the world of modern dulcimers.
Russell Cook is a former National Hammered Dulcimer Champion, a superb
player with a delicate, intricate technique.

It is safe to say that Russell has made a mission out of not just building excellent
instruments, but researching and experimenting with dulcimer design and
production. I think his first dulcimer weighed something like 70 pounds, so you
can see he's covered some distance here! Through the years I have been
honored to be on the receiving end of the results of all that work. (Well, not that
there haven't been some challenges, like the experiment with a new glue that
caused dulcimers to explode in warm weather...but that was 15 years ago).

With the Signature Edition, Russell starts with an Ultralight 16/15 Bantam
Weight Chromatic, but goes several steps further. There is no other dulcimer
like this one, anywhere.

Every instrument design invariably involves some compromises. In general, that
seems universal with all acoustic instruments. I could make an analogy with
acoustic guitars. If you want a big sound, you make a big instrument, e.g., a
Dreadnought. When you do that, you make a guitar that is good for big strong
rhythms, but may be heavy on the bass end and weak in the treble. A smaller
bodied guitar might sing sweetly, and be great for finger style playing, but not so
loud, and weaker in the bass. There are all kinds of guitars that are in-between.
In effect, they compromise this for that. You just can't have it all in one
instrument.

The hammered dulcimer, too, presents its compromises. I have heard a lot of
instruments, by any number of makers, whose instruments were uneven; strong
in bass or treble, but few of them sound their best "across the board" as it were.
Too much sustain here, unbalanced volume between various parts of the
instrument there, indistinct "mushy" tones...

Enter the Signature Edition.

The heart of this instrument is a "hybrid" soundboard that combines the warmth
of mahogany with the bite of redwood. Bridges are scalloped underneath in
select locations for sustain control, separate bridge caps are standard; fancy
woods on the end rails just because it looks so good, and fancy sound hole
inlays for the same reason. Oh, and there is what I call the "bonus", a course set
below the otherwise-lowest low "D", which may be tuned, typically to a low "A",
or "G", if you wish...I keep mine at "A" for now. You can also, if you wish, add the
unique damper system, as well. Complete with all of these things, (except the
dampers!), and including the special Signature soft-sided case, these
instruments start at just $1999. Yeah, I know I said "JUST" ... but try pricing, say,
a tenor sax, and get back to me.

I play a Signature, and wouldn't leave home without it.