I spent a long time looking for a pick that would help smooth out the sound a bit that I didn't have to make myself. I came up with using a nylon pick instead of a regular plastic pick. The nylon is softer. They are made by Jim Dunlop and come in a variety of thicknesses. The thinner ones seem to work well. I'm using a .60 mm, although I think they come in at least one thinner size; I think I used to have one and liked it even better. I'll have to take a look when I get to work. The nylon picks have another advantage in that they wear down evenly, instead of getting the sharp angles and edges the way plastic picks do.

Part of the chunky sound you're hearing may also be the recording itself. The sound of the instrument echoes around in the room when you are hearing it live. Unless you are using a very good microphone, you are probably losing a good deal of that. Try sitting in the bathtub and recording it. Also, some instruments just sound clunky, especially inexpensive lap dulcimers. It's part of the charm.

Warning: Commercial Announcement to follow. I just bought a really nice dulcimer (Sunhearth) and am selling a pretty nice one (Blue Lion). Anyone interested?

John Peekstok