Roosebeck DMTSL3 3-String Trail Dulcimer
- 3 strings in 3 courses: wound, plain center, plain bottom
- Spruce soundboard over a carved lacewood body
- Played like a guitar, not flat in the lap
- Diatonic frets, DAD tuning recommended
- 9.6 ounces, 24.75 x 4.25 x 2 inches
- 30-day warranty
Updated 2 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A very light, compact dulcimer with a lot of volume for its size and an easy first tuning. Factory strings should be replaced soon, and the warranty is short.
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ASIN: B009M7OSJ6Model: DMTSL3Category: Dulcimers
Overview
Not a lap-bound mountain dulcimer, the Trail Dulcimer has a slim lacewood body shaped to be held and played like a guitar. A spruce soundboard tops the carved body, and the string layout is three courses.
Compactness is its strength, with the seller describing a lot of volume for such a small instrument and a rich dulcimer voice with a bit of banjo twang. The seller also warns that workshop strings should be replaced soon after delivery.
Who it's for
A new player curious about the Appalachian dulcimer sound, or a hiker who needs something small to pack, gets an easy instrument to start with. Players who expect final strings or a long guarantee should look elsewhere.
Pros and cons
- Compact for travel
- Plays like a guitar
- Easy recommended tuning
- Spruce top, lacewood body
- Strings need early replacement
- Warranty is brief
- No accessories listed
- Only three courses
Performance notes
The spruce soundboard over a carved lacewood body projects well for a small instrument. Three string courses, one wound at the top, a plain center string and a plain bottom string, are tuned to the recommended DAD pattern, though many tunings work. Frets follow a diatonic scale.
Specifications
| Model | DMTSL3 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Instrument Size | Full size |
| Hand orientation | Right |
| Dimensions | 24.75 x 4.25 x 2 inches |
| Weight | 9.6 ounces |
| Construction & materials | |
| Back Material Type | Lacewood, spruce wood |
| Body Material Type | Lacewood, spruce wood |
| Top Material Type | Spruce |
| Finish Type | Lacquered |
| Color | Brown |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 30 days |
| Other details | |
| Number of Strings | 3 strings |
| Sound Profile | Warm tone with banjo twang |
Closest rivals on specs
Applecreek ACD100 Dulcimer- Item Weight 0.6 vs 1 pounds (-40%)
Roosebeck DMWR Wildwood Dulcimer- Item Weight 0.6 vs 1.3 pounds (-54%)
Roosebeck Grace Mountain Dulcimer 4-String Vaulted Fretboard Spruce Knotwork- Item Weight 0.6 vs 2.5 pounds (-76%)
Frequently asked questions
What comes with the Roosebeck Trail Dulcimer?
The listing gives no accessory list. It does say the workshop strings should be replaced soon, and it recommends Roosebeck branded strings.
Can the Roosebeck Trail Dulcimer be played on the lap?
The description says the body lets it be played like a guitar rather than flat in the lap.
What tuning does the Roosebeck Trail Dulcimer use?
Many tunings work. The seller recommends the traditional DAD.
How long is the Roosebeck DMTSL3 warranty?
The listing gives 30 days.