I know this is an old thread but as I found it when searching for Dulcijo related 'stuff' others considering the instrument may do so too.

Several years ago I got interested in Old Time music and admitted a facination with the banjo. Being a Guitar player of limited ability I considered whether I could actually learn to play a 5 string so when I came across the Dulcijo thought that may well be a good place to start.

I purchased a Dulcijo from Michael and spent a bit of time getting the BumDitTy pattern down (REALLLL EASY on this instrument). as anyone who has seen the vids of Michael playing it soes make a pleasant sound, very much like a 5-string banjo. I got a few tunes down on it and made pretty fast progress. After about a year I bit the bullet and got myself a 5-string and the step up was not significant. I now play my five string almost exclusivly and use double thumbing, drop thumb and basic bumditty patterns. I still drag out my Dulcijo occasionally and play it mainly as Michael suggests with more double thumb. I also get my son (7) playing on it now and then and he can handle it with some ease. I really should play it more (although I would never sell it) but I really love my 5string :-)

The comments stating that its an instrument for those that cant be @rsed to learn 5string are not valid IMHO. The instrument was, true, a stepping stone for me but there are many players of both Dulcijo and banjo - Michael himself included is a very well accomplished and seasoned 5string player (check out his EZfolk site for some great clawhammer tunes played on a 5string). The Dulcijo has a related but seperate tone to a 5string and is played in the higher range, mostly in a melodic fashion with much fewer brushes and could probably combine well when played with a 5string.

My final comment will be that I am considering buying my next five string from Michael (he makes some lovely, light weight 10inch banjos).