When did you know it was time to upgrade?

[cboody]

Seems to me folks make two "mistakes" in their dulcimer purchases. Either they start with a 12/11 and almost immediately want a larger instrument, and/or they upgrade or purchase a huge instrument that is cumbersome to haul around.

I've done my share of all of that, but I think now I know that the whole issue is a matter of picking the compromises you want: Want as many notes as possible? Be prepared for large size and perhaps heavier weight. Want portability? Be prepared to live with fewer notes (usually on the low end). Want maximum notes in minimum size? Be prepared to deal with strings closer together and perhaps a less huge sound. Want to play mostly fast music with minimum sustain? Be prepared to give up the ring and sustain that can give slow music on the dulcimer much of its charm. Want to have that sustain? Be prepared to deal with issues of blurring of the melodies when playing fast tunes. All those compromises and we've still ignored the matter of the sound that particular makers get from their instruments.

Linda Foley, long time maker of Lost Valley Dulcimers, says, "No matter how many notes you have there is one more you want." She's right. And, she plays a little 13/13 instrument to great effect. She made her compromise(s). I play my Blanton Compact almost exclusively, and only occasionally miss the extra low notes and wider spacing of my Rizzetta Extended Range. And, from time to time I lust after a Rick Thum or some other instrument with very short sustain for the situations where those work best.

And, remember the difference that hammers make. It is lots cheaper to change hammers than instruments!

So, my advice is start with a decent 15/14 or 16/15 (I'm partial to the Songbird Phoebe), find the "right" hammers, stay with it long enough to have a very good idea of what you want from your instrument and then make the jump while being aware of the compromises...

[Mistydawn]

This is a great topic! I received my first HD, a new 13/12, as a Christmas gift. I knew very little about dulcimers at that point, so it seemed fine to me as I played alone in the house. But within a few months, I was playing it in a small folk ensemble and it was going out of tune very quickly. Another ED member mentioned having a J & K 16/16 for sale and I purchased it from him. I still didn't know much about dulcimers, but it was a beautiful instrument and about half the list price of a new J&K dulcimer. It sounds so much fuller and prettier than the 13/12. It suits my needs adequately as someone who plays mainly as a hobby and in public occasionally. At this point, I have no burning desire for dampers or more notes - although a low B flat could come in handy now & then.

[Heidi]

This is a great topic! I received my first HD, a new 13/12, as a Christmas gift. I knew very little about dulcimers at that point, so it seemed fine to me as I played alone in the house. But within a few months, I was playing it in a small folk ensemble and it was going out of tune very quickly. Another ED member mentioned having a J & K 16/16 for sale and I purchased it from him. I still didn't know much about dulcimers, but it was a beautiful instrument and about half the list price of a new J&K dulcimer. It sounds so much fuller and prettier than the 13/12. It suits my needs adequately as someone who plays mainly as a hobby and in public occasionally. At this point, I have no burning desire for dampers or more notes - although a low B flat could come in handy now & then.

Have you considered tuning your B in the "A box" to Bb. I did that for a while, until I got a bigger James Jones.

I upgraded because I wanted dampers and more notes. But like Chuck said, there are give and takes. I guess that's why I kept my Thum after getting the Jones. I thought it extravagant to own both, but my husband advised that I keep both. I'm really glad I listened to him! They are very different instruments and I love them both and I use both almost daily. So, not so extravagant after all, and besides, if I need the space, I can get rid of a chair and sit on the floor.

[WhistlinDixie]

Martin, I recently upgraded to a D650 by Dusty Strings. I wanted to just get a dulcimer that I wouldn't have to "upgrade" again. I had to sell three instruments in order to even put a dent in the price of the new one...(and it was not a very big dent)

The reason I upgraded was because I wanted 3 things; dampers, chromatics (in the octaves I need), and a full, rich sounding bass bridge. I'm pretty stout, and while the instrument is more cumbersome than most, I don't find it to be that big of a pain. Of course I just got it in November, so maybe the novelty just hasn't worn off.

The only thing I regret about it was one of the dulcimers I sold...It was a Masterworks ultra-light that I'd won. I specifically competed with the intention of using the prize to help fund my new D650...so I didn't let myself get too attached to it. But I still wish I hadn't sold it. I'd love to have a smaller option for the days when I want to take an instrument with me somewhere, but don't feel like packing up the D650 and carrying it down my stairs (which is not fun).

I can't advise you on what instrument to upgrade too, but contemplate carefully the instruments you are considering selling. That's my biggest advice.

[Lauri]

[quote="WhistlinDixie"]

The reason I upgraded was because I wanted 3 things; dampers, chromatics (in the octaves I need), and a full, rich sounding bass bridge.


I think that sums it up very well ! Also your playing will change as you will have more song choices, embellishment additions, and more FUN !

[Martin]

Martin, I recently upgraded to a D650 by Dusty Strings. I wanted to just get a dulcimer that I wouldn't have to "upgrade" again. I had to sell three instruments in order to even put a dent in the price of the new one...(and it was not a very big dent)

The reason I upgraded was because I wanted 3 things; dampers, chromatics (in the octaves I need), and a full, rich sounding bass bridge. I'm pretty stout, and while the instrument is more cumbersome than most, I don't find it to be that big of a pain. Of course I just got it in November, so maybe the novelty just hasn't worn off.

The only thing I regret about it was one of the dulcimers I sold...It was a Masterworks ultra-light that I'd won. I specifically competed with the intention of using the prize to help fund my new D650...so I didn't let myself get too attached to it. But I still wish I hadn't sold it. I'd love to have a smaller option for the days when I want to take an instrument with me somewhere, but don't feel like packing up the D650 and carrying it down my stairs (which is not fun).

I can't advise you on what instrument to upgrade too, but contemplate carefully the instruments you are considering selling. That's my biggest advice.

Russell simply makes a good dulcimer, hands down. They are super-consistent and sound great. I found someone online that's selling her D650 and she simply said "Make me an offer," but I don't have anything to make an offer with. I'm hoping that by the time I'm able to get something bigger that Russell will have something bigger than his 16/15 chromatic. I've heard something is in the works, but I'm not sure what the pricepoint will be. We shall see!

[Heidi]

Martin, I can't say for sure, but everything you've posted here leads me to believe you prefer MW and JRSmith sound. DS doesn't sound like MW or JRS (which do indeed have similarities). I don't think the D650 is the way for you to go, even if you did have the extra cash.

I forgot to say, I upgraded, in order of priority:
1) dampers
2) missing chromatics, particularly lower Bb, F and C
3) extended bass
4) higher C#

[Martin]

Martin, I can't say for sure, but everything you've posted here leads me to believe you prefer MW and JRSmith sound. DS doesn't sound like MW or JRS (which do indeed have similarities). I don't think the D650 is the way for you to go, even if you did have the extra cash.

I forgot to say, I upgraded, in order of priority:
1) dampers
2) missing chromatics, particularly lower Bb, F and C
3) extended bass
4) higher C#

I would much rather have a JRS 5-octave than a DS 650, but I have to ask myself is a better tone worth the additional $2k? I could buy a used DS650 AND another Taylor acoustic for the price of a JRS with dampers. I'm not say that it wouldn't be worth it; that's just a hefty premium to pay. Would I regret it? I don't know.