Thomann Europe Dulcimer D1211

Positives first.
For its size and the fact it is made from laminated wood it has a good bright airy sound and a surprising amount of sustain. It s a good size starter instrument for a child or for travelling.

The negatives.
It will not stay in tune!
The machine heads appear to be of reasonable quality, but the bridge and nut material are not fit for purpose. The plastic is soft and the strings cut their own groove. Each time one tunes it they cut a little deeper, eventually, this will affect the height of the action and playability.
I have replaced the bridge with a piece of acrylic plastic from a ruler! Tuning is now stable and the sound has improved on the original set up.
Hora (the makers) need to improve their quality control. There was a crusty lump of finish (shellac) now polished out on the left side of the body which had gone unnoticed when it was packed, although there was an unsigned QC certificate was enclosed!
Perhaps Thomann staff should check the instruments before sending them out. And the buyers “kick ass” at Hora about the quality of finish and materials. After all it is Thomann’s reputation that is on the line.