All fret position markers are a single inlay at the 3rd, 10th, and 14th frets, and a double inlay at the 7th fret.

The Essential Serenade base price includes hardwood dots.

Hardwood inlay options include Rings, Diamonds, or Signets.

Maple leaves are metal powder inlays available in either copper or brass.

The Trinity knots are metal powder inlays available in copper, brass, or pewter.

Metal Powder Inlays- these inlays are created by first laser engraving the pocket(s) in the wood. Those pockets are then packed tightly with extremely fine metal powders of various colors and then flooded with very thin super glue. Once sanded back flush with the surface, they reveal amazingly fine detail with a bright metal "shimmer"!

Today, the most common fret arrangement on the mountain dulcimer is the traditional diatonic scale with the addition of the 6-1/2 and 13-1/2 frets. Other very popular but not universal extra frets are the 1-1/2 and, perhaps for some folks, the 8-1/2 fret.

I am happy to include any of these extra frets for your dulcimer at no additional charge, however, if you want some other configuration than what is listed here, please just let me know your preferences.

I can also do a fully chromatic fretboard for the additional cost as shown.

Vibrating string length, or VSL, is the length of the strings from the nut to the bridge.

Longer VSLs typically provide a little fuller and richer quality to a dulcimer's voice, but can be more challenging to play for some folks.

Shorter VSLs may be easier to play, but at the expense of a bit of tone quality.

In order to achieve what I believe to be the optimum balance between tone and playability, my go to VSL is 27". However, if you have smaller hands and need a shorter string length, I offer a 26" VSL as a no charge option that will have only a barely discernible affect on the tone of your dulcimer.

Standard hardware for the Essential Serenade includes chrome finish tuning machines and strap buttons.

If you prefer the classy look of black hardware, you may upgrade to black tuners and strap buttons for the additional charge as shown.

Most dulcimer players prefer a flat fingerboard surface for ease of playing. However, if your playing style includes a lot of barre chords using your little or ring finger, you may prefer to have a radius fingerboard.

This radius fingerboard provides a 10" radius curve across the top surface of the fingerboard (much like on most steel string guitars) that some players feel is more ergonomic for this style of playing.

This option is for an LR Baggs brand bridge saddle pickup to be permanently installed and internally wired to a 1/4" cable jack that replaces the tailpiece end strap button. All you see is the cable jack / strap button.

If you ever want to play your dulcimer through an amplifier, or plug it in directly to a live sound system or recording interface, then this is a smart option. While this pickup can be installed at a later time, it is best to include it within your initial order to save you the cost of shipping your dulcimer both ways.

I have these pickups made to my specifications for string spacing, and they sound wonderfully natural with minimal audio processing. The best advantage of using a pickup in a live sound situation is being able to be heard in a large room without the typical microphone feedback problems.

Protecting your investment is of utmost importance to us. When shipped, your dulcimer will travel safely within its hardshell case, which is then carefully wrapped and generously packed inside a sturdy cardboard box.

DOMESTIC USA - Fully insured domestic USA shipping by UPS is provided to any location within the continental US for one flat rate fee.

INTERNATIONAL - For all other shipping addresses, fully insured international shipping is provided by UPS or USPS. Rates will be calculated at checkout and can vary greatly based upon your location. Tindle Music Co. does not mark up these carrier rates at all, but includes a small handling fee to package your dulcimer for safe shipping. (Please note you will also be responsible for any and all taxes, custom fees, etc. when your dulcimer arrives in your country).

CUSTOMER PICKUP - You may also choose to make arrangements to pick up your dulcimer from me, either here in Tulsa, OK or at a festival I attend.