I was a little worried about what the quality would be, especially after reading the other review, but I was delighted and relieved when the instrument arrived. It is very lightweight and would make a great travel instrument. I was a little disappointed that it has to be tuned with a tuning key (included with the instrument). It's inconvenient to have to carry it around. But having played the instrument a bit, I understand that machine pegs would be way too heavy for such a light instrument. As it is, it's nicely balanced. And it seems to stay in tune pretty well. It arrived already in tune, which surprised me after the rough handling UPS gave it. (The box was a bit crushed, but the instrument was well wrapped in bubble wrap and was undamaged.)
It doesn't come with a strap, which would have been handy, but because of the balance you don't really need one. It rests easily in the crook of the arm. The sound is sweet, but not very loud. It makes a good solo instrument, but probably wouldn't be heard in a band.
I was also a little worried about the steel strings. I have two guitars, one with steel strings and one with nylon, and I know how hard on the fingers steel strings can be. But it turned out these are as smooth as butter. They're lightweight and very close to the fretboard, so it's very easy to press them. I had wondered how steel strings would be for a child, but I think these would be OK.
The other reviewer complained about a lack of an instruction book. There is actually a little booklet that comes with it, though it's very minimal. It has a handful of chords and a map of the fretboard showing what notes each string plays on each fret. There are also a few songs with chords. It would be helpful for an experienced musician but not really helpful for a beginner. But there is a lot of information on the internet on how to play these things. An internet search on "stick dulcimer" or "strum stick" will give you plenty of instruction, both written and on video.
This instrument is made in the USA, and looks hand-made. It has a sweet tone and is very easy to play. I'm a pretty experienced musician, and I'm enjoying it, but it's easy enough for a beginner too.
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In short time anyone can make a melody with the Rock-it Stick.What's more, tuning is flexible if the player really wants to be creative.
My only criticism is that tuning could be made much easier with tuning pegs
instead of posts adjusted by a separate tool.
Easy to hold and fun to use. Great for relaxation!
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Every fine from seller. Neat instrument great for practice and first timers to music. Only gripe is you have to use a key to tune it and the frets are hard to see.Honest reviews on Zither Heaven Black Walnut Rock-it Stick
It isn't everything that some other stick dulcimers are, but then again they cost 4x as much.Great playability. Light, portable, rugged.
They are just plain a fun instrument. It has very little learning curve before you are able to make pleasant sounding music.
I'm not a real fan of the zither-style tuning knobs, but they work. You can live ok with them for a long time.
I replaced them with $6 worth of ukulele tuning gear heads.
Word of caution on that: There isn't room on the back of the head for the attachment flanges of inexpensive gear heads.
It takes a bolt cutter or hacksaw to trim them.
I've been having a lot of fun with mine. Hope to use it as a spring board to learn the more difficult instruments (ukulele & guitar).
An instrument with training wheelsso to speak.
But, there is so much depth to what this can play, that I don't see myself getting bored, even if I just stick to playing only it.
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