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  #1  
Old 06-07-2022, 09:14 PM
midwinter midwinter is offline
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Default Alternatives to Seagull Merlin Dulcimer?

Hi all.

Can anyone recommend alternatives to a Seagull Merlin? Preferably something that can be played with a strap and, uh, stay in tune for more than 5 seconds.

I'm fine with a custom instrument and am willing to pay for a luthier to make something.

Thanks in advance.
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Old 06-08-2022, 03:10 AM
Mooh Mooh is offline
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I suggest shopping the idea around to local builders. The Merlin is a cool little thing but it has some obvious drawbacks like body volume, string break angles, fretboard radius, machine head quality, number of frets, and balance. In a new build, a good luthier could solve all those things.

For what it's worth, I added a strap buttons (yes, the butt end one has a very short screw to avoid the string ferrules), and it stays in tune.

Last edited by Mooh; 06-08-2022 at 04:26 AM.
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Old 06-09-2022, 07:45 AM
Rudy4 Rudy4 is offline
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Warren May has a very good reputation for quality instruments.

Warren May Dulcimers
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Old 06-10-2022, 05:05 PM
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Doug Young Doug Young is offline
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I have a Woodrow, made in Asheville. Very nice. It looks like the founder passed away and they're not taking orders right now, but you might find one:

https://thewoodrow.com/
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Old 06-11-2022, 05:10 AM
Dave Hicks Dave Hicks is offline
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A friend of ours has played a Walkabout for years. It sounds good and she doesn't seem to spend a lot of time tuning.

D.H.

https://olympiadulcimercompany.com/
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  #6  
Old 06-11-2022, 03:11 PM
midwinter midwinter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rudy4 View Post
Warren May has a very good reputation for quality instruments.

Warren May Dulcimers
Thanks but we need something to play standing up.
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Old 06-11-2022, 03:13 PM
midwinter midwinter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doug Young View Post
I have a Woodrow, made in Asheville. Very nice. It looks like the founder passed away and they're not taking orders right now, but you might find one:

https://thewoodrow.com/
That's perfect, thanks!
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  #8  
Old 06-11-2022, 03:15 PM
midwinter midwinter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Hicks View Post
A friend of ours has played a Walkabout for years. It sounds good and she doesn't seem to spend a lot of time tuning.

D.H.

https://olympiadulcimercompany.com/
Now THAT is absolutely what I'm looking for.
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