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Mountain and Hammered Dulcimer Frequently Asked
Questions
- Is there a difference in sound between a teardrop or hourglass shaped dulcimer?
- How much should I expect to spend on a new mountain dulcimer?
- Why are the two thinnest (highest pitched) strings tuned to the same note?
- Where can you get the top for dulcimer thats 1/8 inch thick?
- For a beginner player how do I tune my dulcimer?
- how can i get a set of mountain dulcimer plans. it is a first attempt at making one...okip
- Do I have to play chords to sound any good?
- What is a baritone dulcimer?
- A little wooden dowel came with my dulcimer. What's it for?
- How far above the frets should my strings be for good, easy playing action?
- I want to build my own Mountain Dulcimer. How do I get started?
- How does the phrase "in the key of (A, G, D, F, C, etc")" apply to my dulcimer?
- Why are some mountain dulcimers so much deeper in the body than others?
- My dulcimer is tuned to DAA, my friend's dulcimer is tuned to DAD. Can we still play together?
- Do I have to tune my dulcimer to DAA (or DAD)?
- Can a baritone dulcimer be played using DAD tablature?
- How does the thickness of a pick effect its sound?
- Where did the mountain dulcimer get its name from?
- How do I find TAB for "XYZ" song?
- Is there a difference between mountain dulcimers with soft wood faces and those with hardwood faces.
- Where can I get a complete history of the dulcimer?
- Are violin pegs associated with tuning problems and how is fine tuning achieved?
- What is the layout for the finger board for a chromatic dulcimer?
- How many strings does a dulcimer have?
- does the size of a md relate to volume, or the size of the hole?
- are there any rules regarding which finger(s) should be used to push down on the different frets?
- is a lap harp and a mountain dulcimer the same thing?
- Can I resand the bottom of my dulcimer and then stain it or will this change the sound of it?
- Can you recommend (preferably free) software for writing MD music in tablature notation?
- I am learning to play the mountain dulcimer. Should I strum toward my body or away from it?
Is there a difference in sound between a teardrop or hourglass shaped dulcimer?
You will get differing opinions, but the concensus is that there is little, or no audible difference between them. Sound differences between the types of woods is far greater.How much should I expect to spend on a new mountain dulcimer?
Prices range from around $65 for a cardboard dulcimer to $1500 or even more. But, you should be able to find a very fine instrument for no more than $250, and many quality instruments for under $200Why are the two thinnest (highest pitched) strings tuned to the same note?
Volume...pure and simple. These are called the melody string, so it would be nice if they were louder to carry the melody. Many players move, or remove one of these strings.Where can you get the top for dulcimer thats 1/8 inch thick?
There are numerous places to get such wood. Often you can find local hardwood suppliers that can saw wood to that thickness. There are several online suppliers of dulcimer woods. Take a look in our links area.For a beginner player how do I tune my dulcimer?
I always tell my students to go and purchase a chromatic tuner at a music store. I know tht the good dulcimer books tell how to tune a dulcimer but that gerenerally means nothing to a new player. I think it is very confusing and most people don't have access to a piano or even someone that plays another instrument. A new player needs to know that they can do this all themselves, that will give them more confidence.how can i get a set of mountain dulcimer plans. it is a first attempt at making one...okip
Try: http://www.musikit.com/ http://www.stewmac.com/ or http://www.folkcraft.com/Do I have to play chords to sound any good?
No. Many songs sound just fine in the traditional "noter style". Although songs can be (and often are) embellished with cords, It isn't mandatory.A regular dulcimer that's a little hoarse! Seriously, it's a dulcimer that's a little bigger all around 8"-10" wide, 2"-3", 28"-30" string length, with heavier strings - .014-.016 melodies, .016 - .024wound middles, and .026w-.032w bass strings. Also, a baritone is most often a "solo" instrument tuned AEE or AEa instead of DAA or DAdA little wooden dowel came with my dulcimer. What's it for?
The dowel is called a "noter", and is held in the left hand to press down on the strings instead of using your fingers. If that dowel is 2-3" long and 1/4" in diameter, throw it away and get one 4-6" long and 1/2" - 5/8" in diameter - big enough for a real adult to hang onto. Traditionally the noter was a piece of River cane, a species of American bamboo once widely distributed, now found only in a limited area primarily along the Kentucky river. There are many musical techniques for the dulcimer which can only be done with a noter, such as sliding up or down several frets during a single strum.Can I play a song tabbed in DAA if I'm tuned in DAd? What about playing DAd tabbed songs if I'm tuned in DAA?
The answer to both is YES! As long as you're talking about songs with melody string tab, not chord tabs. "Transposing" between these two modes is easy: If you're tuned in DAd and want to play a DAA tabbed song without retuning your dulcimer, you *could* just play the song on the Middle string instead of the Melody string(s). Or, you can *subtract* 3 from the DAA tab numbers and play the new numbers on the melody string(s)of your DAd dulcimer. If the DAA number is less than 3, play that number on the middle string of your DAd dulcimer. If the DAA tab number is 9, use the 6+ fret, not the 6th fret. If you're dulcimer is tuned in DAA and you want to play a DAd song, you *could* just play the DAd tab numbers on the Bass string instead of the Melody string(s). This could make a nice addition to a group of dulcimers all playing together in the same Key note. Or, you can *add* 3 to the DAd tab numbers. If there is a DAd number 6+ tabbed, use the 9th fret because there won't be a 9+ fret!How far above the frets should my strings be for good, easy playing action?
A useful rule of thumb is that the strings should be the thickness of a nickle above the 7th fret, and the thicknes of a dime at the 1st fret.The floating bridge on my dulcimer has been accidentally knocked out of place. Where is is supposed to go so that I get "sweet music" again?
On the melody string side, measure the distance from the nut to the 7th fret. Double the distance, and that's where the bridge goes. To compensate for string thicknesses and action height, the bridge usually is 1/16" to 1/8" farther than the actual measure, and slightly longer on the bass string side. Start at 1/16" longer, and play a full scale on the melody and then the bass string, adjusting longer or shorter until both scales are neither sharp nor flat.I want to build my own Mountain Dulcimer. How do I get started?
The easy way to get started is to buy a quality kit or collection of building materials from www.jennywileydulcimers.com (they have beginner and advanced kits) Folk Craft Instruments (www.folkcraft.com), Stewart-MacDonald (www.stewmac.com), or Cripple Creek Dulcimer Shop. This is best if you have limited space (a table top) and minimal tools (sand paper, craft knife, coping saw). If you have a table saw and other power tools (or access to same) there are plans available from the MIMF (Musical Instrument Makers Forum www.mimf.com) and other places. Then you follow the blueprints, cutting and re-sawing wood, sanding, etc. making all the pieces before assembling them. Assembling a kit can take just a few hours. Building from scratch can take anywhere from 40-400 hours depending on your skills and desire for detail...How does the phrase "in the key of (A, G, D, F, C, etc")" apply to my dulcimer?
If a song is "in the key of...", and your *bass string* is not tuned to that (Key)note, your dulcimer won't sound 'right' playing the song as written -- you'll have to transpose the music to whatever you're tuned to (D usually). If another instrument is tuned to a Keynote different than your bass string, then your dulcimer and that instument won't sound 'right' together either.....We recently purchased a used mountain dulcimer that doesn't have the 6 1/2 fret. Can this be added? and how complicated or expensive would this be to do? If we don't add this fret - how would this effect your playing?
Yes! Just install guitar fret metal 52% of the way between the 6th and 7th fret. I can't give you an exact measurement because it depends on the overall length of the fretboard If you don't, some songs will be difficult to play because on the do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do scale, the ti will be missing without a 6-1/2 fret.Why are some mountain dulcimers so much deeper in the body than others?
The deeper body gives more volume and a more baritone/bass response to the instrument. In the olde days (pre-amplification), deep bodied dulcimers were called "church" dulcimers because they were powerful enough to accompany the singing in a small church.My dulcimer is tuned to DAA, my friend's dulcimer is tuned to DAD. Can we still play together?
Yes! Both instruments are tuned to the key of D and will sound just fine playing together. The scale on the DAD dulcimer starts with the open position. The scale on the DAA dulcimer starts on the third fret. This means you'll each fret the melody strings at different places, but it still sounds great. If you both play by fingering only the melody strings the drone notes on both dulcimers will be the same. If you use a chording technique (fretting on more than one string at a time) you can get some interesting combinations, but they still sound great. Bottom line: play your dulcimers and have some fun together.My dulcimer is tuned to DAD. I want to play a song that has quite a few notes that go below the scale (Will the Circle Be Unbroken is an example), so I have to keep fingering the middle string. Is there any way I can avoid this?
You have a couple of good options. The best choice depends on how comfortable you are with retuning your instrument and whether or not you are playing with others. Both options mean you will be fretting the notes in different places since you will move the start of the scale from the open fret to the third fret. Option 1: You can retune to DAA. This moves the start of the scale from open to the third fret, so you now have three notes below the scale before you have to go to a different string. This will usually take care of the problem. This is best if you play with others who want to continue to play the song in the key of D. If you use a lighter melody string(s) it may get a little looser than you like. On most dulcimers this requires tuning 2 strings down several steps to A. Option 2: Change to the key of G by retuning your middle string to G (from A). You will once again have moved the start of the scale from open to the third fret. The advantage is that you only retune one string and it only goes down one step. This avoids the issues of string tension and is a little easier retune. However, you have changed keys from D to G, so everyone else you are playing with will need to also play in the new key.Do I have to tune my dulcimer to DAA (or DAD)?
No. There is nothing magic about these "standard" tunings. DAA and its cousin DAD are tunings which work well the strings on most dulcimers. They also give you specific notes to tune to if you are using an electronic tuner or are playing with others. Your voice or taste may work better in a different key and that is fine. Ken Hulme has an contributedexcellent article on how to tune. See it at http://everythingdulcimer.com/articles/how-to-tune.php One caution: if you play with others, you all need to choose the same tuning.CAN YOU RESTRING A REGULAR MOUNTAIN DULCIMER WITH STRINGS THAT ARE MORE BASS. I SING ALTO AND WANT TO MAKE MY DULCIMER DEEP. SOMEONE TOLD ME I COULD PUT TWO 18 STRINGS AND A 34 ON IT AND IT WOULD HOLD UP. I DON'G WANT TO WARP THE NECK FOR SURE. DO YOU THINK IT WOULD HURT IT. RIGHT NOW I HAVE TWO 12'S ON AND A 22 ON IT.
Sure you can! The mountain dulcimer is often found in a baritone and bass variety. For those who prefer a DAD mountain dulcimer, the baritone is tuned to AEA and sounds very nice! The bass MD is tuned an octave lower than the "regular" DAD dulcimer.Can a baritone dulcimer be played using DAD tablature?
Yes, is you have it tuned to the same proportion as DAD. For instance AEA will use DAD tablature just fine. Of course, you won't be able to play with other DAD dulcimers, but for solo work it's great or it you're playing with dulcimers capo'd to play at A.How does the thickness of a pick effect its sound?
In general, the thicker the pick the more rigid, and it's a matter of preference. Many MD players prefer a pick made of softer rubber-like material because it reduces the clackety-clack of the pick across the strings. I recommend Herdim picks which are triangular with each tip a different hardness. These can be purchased at many fine music stores, or ordered from online "dulcimer-friendly" businesses.Strings: What is the best way to take care of them? How often should they be changed? Should I use the "prepackaged" dulcimer strings?
What is the best way to take care of strings? Use a product like "Fast Fret" or fret board oil to clean the deposits from your fingers off the strings. How often should string be changed? That depends! :) How much do you play? What kind of conditions are you playing in (humid vs. dry). How acidic is your skin? You may have to change them once a week, or once a month (once a year is probably NOT frequent enough!). If you can't get the string to stay in tune - it's probably time. If you are getting black smudges on your fingers when playing - it's probably time. If you can't remember the last time you changed them - it's probably time. Should I use the "prepackaged" dulcimer string packs? In a word - NO! If you have a McSpadden, yes you can use the prepackaged McSpadden strings. But if you have a different make of dulcimer, these may or may not fit. For help with string size choice, go to: http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.htm Measure from the nut to the bridge, and put that measurement, along with the note you are tuning to, in the table. You'll get the "approximate" string size, you can go up or down one comfortably. Also note if you need "ball end" strings (they have a little brass thing on the end) or loop end. Then go to your neighborhood music store and ask at the counter to see their loose strings. Banjo or guitar strings will fit (not mandolin!). Your bass string will probably be wound - and can either be brass or nickel (some say there is a difference). Safety tips: don't bend your face over the dulcimer while changing strings - one may pop! Get a "string winder" - a plastic handle thingy to help with winding the string around the tuner. Have needle nose plier to help you pull the string through the hole in the winder. Also have strong nail cutters or wire cutters to cut off the excess string. Good luck and go for it!Where did the mountain dulcimer get its name from?
There are MANY theories on this. One is that the dulcimer is: 1) mentioned in the Bible (Book of Daniel) 2) means "sweet sound" in latin So, early inventors played this instrument in church, and "dulcimer" is mentioned three times in Daniel, so it was a good fit. Others will certainly have other theories!That depends on how the MD was made. Most dulcimers sold today have a 6-1/2 fret, so holding just to the left of the first fret metal is 1, behind the second is 2, and so on until following the 6th fret. After the 6th, the next one is called "six and a half" or "6+", or "6-1/2", then seven and so on. Some MDs have 1-1/2 frets included or 8-1/2 frets included, so there would be fret metal between 1 and 2 and 8 and 9 respectively. While the mountain dulcimer was originally a diatonic instrument, the addition of fret metal makes it closer to chromatic, like a guitar and able to play jazz, rock and other generes or music.Well, that all depends on the sound you want when you play.... You can go the "traditional" route, and use a turkey quill. You'll need lots of these, cuz they get torn up pretty easy. Good if you are playing in Galax style, or with a noter. You can cut up margarine tubs ala Jean Ritchie. The best advice is to go to a music store and buy several styles and thicknesses of picks (they usually run about 25 cents). A lot of players use a guitar pick like a Dunlap - we tend to favor the .73 or .88 sizes. Herdims are another choice, with these you have three different weights on the same pick (these will cost you about a dollar). I don't like these because I'm always getting the side I don't want down. If you want a "clacky" sound, go with a lighter, bigger pick, if you don't want pick sound, or want more control, go with a smaller firmer pick.I play the HD and a friend of mine is beginning to play the MD. Would we sound better together if he were to restring his MD to give it more bass?
Maybe. You would have to restring to the same key, but an octave deeper. This is risky because your dulcimers were probably not made to be bass and the larger strings may not rest on the nut and bridge correctly without some adjustment (which may, in turn, make smaller diameter strings buzz if you decide to go back to regular strings). Before going to that step, I'd suggest some harmony arrangements, or simply flip your chords upside down essentially using your bass string as the melody string. This flipping works with a symetrical mode like DAD or CGC but not with DAA or other non-symetrical modes. Give it a try!How do I string my mountain dulcimer? Do I pull the string all the way through before winding? Or how much should I pull through?
This will likely become a matter of personal preference. It also depends on the kind of tuning machine you have. Personally, I don't like a lot of extra string on my tuning machine post, so I hook the loop end and and pull my string about 2-3 inches past the tuning machine and cut it. Then I put JUST enough string in the tuning machine hole so it almost protrudes from the other side of the tuning machine post (maybe 1/8 of an inch). While holding that tightly, I wind the tuning machine and put a 90 degree bend in the string. This (1) give the string a holding spot and (2) keeps the string from working it's way through to the other side of the tuning machine post and skewering my, or someone else's finger (ouch!). The sharp end is within the tuning machine post. After I get a kink in the string, I leave my finger there to guide it and wind it tight. Now, this takes a little practice, but you'll get the hang of it. It can be tricky at times as the loop end will often come off. Another person can hold that, or use a small clip to hold the loop end. The most important thing is to NOT be afraid to change your strings. It's not hard once you do it a time or two. Have fun!I have only been playing since May and learning to play different chords. At present, my dulcimer is tuned in DAA, but have played in DAD. I am curious to found out how to play an F chord in either of this tunings. Is it possible? h
Try this. Look under chord charts! http://everythingdulcimer.com/tab/#CHow do I find TAB for "XYZ" song?
1) Check on here, the Everythingdulcimer.com website to see if the TAB is one of the many listed: http://everythingdulcimer.com/tab/ There are currently 293 songs listed, many in both DAA and DAd tunings, contributed by various members - with the bulk of thanks going to Steve Smith. 2) Remember that many of our dulcimer "professionals" have TAB books of their own published. Many have accompying CD's or tapes, so even if you don't know the tunes, you can listen and get a feel for them. If you can't get to a festival to pick up a book, there are several web sites available to purchase from, including: Gary Sagers shop: http://www.prussiavalley.com Tom has put a search engine in the header so you can put a song title in and see if it's in a book Gary handles. You can also look at the books page and click on a title to see all the songs in a particular book. Kerry Anderson's website: http://www.gilamountaindulcimers.com/ and many others listed in the links section of E.D.: http://everythingdulcimer.com/links.php Also check out the marketplace on E.D.: http://everythingdulcimer.com/marketplace/ If all the above fail to get you your TAB, then put a request on the discussion portion of this website.I have acquired a Dulcimer and 2 other unidentified instruments I need help to identify them and date them. I live in Ft. Lauderdale Fl. Can anyone help me?
The best place for information is where dulcimer folks hang out...and I suspect the most persistent and impressive group of dulcimer players spend a good deal of time is the EverythingDulcimer.com discussion group. It should be your first stop for the tough questions: Click here to visit...you be glad you did!Is there a difference between mountain dulcimers with soft wood faces and those with hardwood faces.
Traditional Appalachan Dulcimers were, by and large, made with hardwood tops, backs, sides, fingerboards, everything. I did most of my travels as a folksinger/vagabond in the 60's, and I never saw a lap/mountain dulcimer with a softwood top. The old timers I met who made their own all told me that they preferred the "sweet" sound of the hardwood faces. 20 years later I was still getting the same thing from traditional b;uilders and sellers. The last one I remember was a shop in Branson, MO that prided itself on it traditional roots. Most of us who have been making them for this many years (on less than a commercial scale), consider the newer models with softwood faces Lap Dulcimers, but not Mountain Dulcimers. O lot of the crafters I know call them "City" dulcimers, for the changes made by dwellers in big cities. Another differences is SIZE. Traditional models were also generally thinner (roughly 1 1/2"). That's not to denigrate the sound or the taste of the people who like or make them. It's just meant to point out the differences between the traditional instruments and those people thought should be constructed more along the lines of guitars, fiddles, etc. For what it's worth, if you can make a smaller, all hardwood dulcimer and use it along with a small microphone and battery powered amp in places where you need more volume, it's actually more traditional than than changing the design and materials. For a great little amp, check out the Danelectro (guitars)site.Where can I get a complete history of the dulcimer?
Try this search on Amazon.com.I have a 5 string Mountain Lap Dulcimer and it has no 6-1/2 fret. I sometimes find I need it ...can I add such a fret like that of the question on adding the 6/-1/2 fret? clp
Absolutely. Dulcimer fret metal is usually standard guitar fret metal-sized (or more accurately, dulcimer fret metal is guitar fret metal.) The fret lies nearly midway between the 6th and 7th fret. The exact distance depends on your string length. Either use a fret calculator or have an experienced luthier put in that fret.Are violin pegs associated with tuning problems and how is fine tuning achieved?
Violin style pegs are very hard to make fine-tuning adjustments with. It can be done, but it requires much patience! If they are tight, try a little graphite powder on them. This should make fine tuning a little easier. Once set, they pose no greater problems than any tuner as long as they stay where you want them.My dulcimer book says to never tune the bass string above C, or you'll break strings! You say it's usually D. what gives?
If you are breaking strings trying to tune your dulcimer to the key of D, you've got a gague that's way too light. Either that, or you're tuning an octave too high on some of the strings, which will definitely snap them! If you've got the proper strings, and are tuning to the proper octave, any mode in the key of D should be fine.The right-most (highest?) string on my dulcimer has broken. Where can I get a new string? And to what note do I tune it? To what notes are the strings tuned?
That sounds like your high D string. That's usually a .010 inch steel string, available at any music shop. Be sure to ask for loop or ball end, whichever your dulcimer takes. Tune it like you would any tuning, but know that you'll have to tune it 6-10 times before it holds it's pitch like your other older strings. While you are changing strings, why not change them all. A typical sized, DAD tunes dulcimer takes two .010 (both tuned to D) and one .012 (tuned to A) inch steel strings and one .024 wound string for the base string tuned to D. Strings should be changes several times per year depending on how much you play. They loosen gradually, so you probably don't even realize they are flat. When you change strings you'll be delighted with the great soud you'll get...all for a $3 string change!I am left handed and would like to learn to play the Mountain Dulcimer. Can it be re strung for a leftie?
Absolutely! Just reverse the order of the strings!What is the best way to lower the action? My dulcimer's action is too far above the neck on the higher frets.
The typical way is to file down the nut and saddle (where the string crosses the fretboard at the top and bottom of the instrument). Lowering the action is a tricky endeavor and it is recommended that a luthier do this for you unless you fee comfortable doing it. Often lowering the action reveals imperfections in fret heights and buzzing results. So, if you lower the action yourself, be prepared to work the frets down as well.Can a left handed person play a dulcimer by learning as a right handed person would or do we have to change the placement of the strings? Not all dulcimers can change the string placement right? I am not sure just purchased one and am Dying to learn all I can. Happy to have found this site and am sure while I learn I will come back often to ask more questions. Thanks!
Normally string placement needs to be changed, and typically adjustments to the nut will need to be made. Contact a credible luthier for this work.A retail chain has a cheapy Dulcimer made in China, $49.00. I know you get what you pay for but would this be ok for a starter? It also has 4 strings, will it still play the same? What is the difference between 3 and 4 strings. Appreciate any help.
Sure, this will work for a starter. Don't expect quality sound for that price, but perfect for learning. The different in a 3 and 4 string dulcimer is volume. The additional melody string will make the malodious volume greater. If the four strings are spaced equidistant, that's a different story. 4 string equidistant tuning opens up many possibilities for tunings.I have just begun shopping for a mountain dulcimer and have discovered that several body lengths and vibrating string lengths are out there but no information to help me make a choice. What difference, if any, does it make to the music, sound, or playability of the instrument?
You will get many opinions about this. The best advice for deciding the sound you like is to attend a festival and try many different dulcimers. One will click with you. Larger festivals have more instrument makers as vendors. You mentioned string length. That has a direct correlation with playability. The longer the string length, the longer the spacing between frets. If you have large hands, this will probably never matter. If you have smaller hands, this may be an issue. Try before you buy!I want to build a mountain dulcimer. Where do I get info on the fret spacing and finger board lengh? Any info would be appreciated.
A fact that beginning luthiers don't know is that there is no difference between a guitar (or mandolin, or banjo) and dulcimer fret spacing, except that some frets are missing with a dulcimer making it more diatonic (and the length may differ, or course). If you made a fully chromatic dulcimer, there would be no difference between the dulcimer's spacing and a guitar providing the string lengths were the same. In other words, the spacing is calculated the same way. The length of the fretboard is up to you! It's probably a good idea to play numerous dulcimers and see what string length fit's your hand and playing style. The longer the string length, the wider the spacing between frets. Notice that I used the term string length. The string length is not the length of the fretboard, but the twice the distance from the nut to the seventh fret. So, when you find a dulcimer you like as far as it's fret spacing, get your tape measure out and measure the distance from the nut to the seventh fret and double it. Then you'll know what string length you are after. String length is the input you will use for calculations. For fret spacing, there are lots of ways to calculate this, but I use a tool called fretcalc. Download it from here: http://www.dougsparling.com/software/fretcalc/I have been playing the dulcimer for six months and I love it! But, I would like to learn how to finger pick a song. What do I have to do to get started on this? Anna
There is lots of instruction available on this technique, but do try it out by simply plucking each string individually as you play rather than strumming. It will take some time to learn to pick each string, but soon that will become very natural. When starting, don't use picks or anything else. Just use your fingers and let them learn the string spacing and how to pick from low string to high, and high to low. Most of all have fun with this wonderful technique!I am new to playing, and I was told my dulcimer is tuned to the key of G. I see all this DAD and DAA stuff. One of my strings broke -- what should I replace it with, and should I change the tuning?
Yes, I would recommend a "standard" tuning at least to start. That will allow you to play with others, which is a sure-fire way to accelerate your learning. As far as strings, assuming a fairly normal overall string length (defined at the distance from the nut to the 7th fret times 2). A good place to start is .024" wound for the low D string and .014" steel for the A string(s), and if you are tuning to DAD, a .012" steel string for the high d string(s).I'm a real newbie to all this and I'm still not sure what I'm talking about but I just talked to a fellow who has a dulcimer for sale and he says it has 22 or 24 strings. All the ones I see you talk about have only 3 or 4 strings. I want it for my kids and really don't know what to look for. So what kind is it to have so many strings and does that make it harder to play? Thanks so much
The 22 string variety is a hammered dulcimer, on which strings are tapped with strings. The 3-4 string variety is the mountain dulcimer which is strummed or picked. These are fundamentally different instruments!Are geared pegs a necessity? How "disappointed" will I be with the slipping on a traditional woodedn peg dulcimer? I am a beginning player.
Wooden pegs are fine, and quite traditional. The problem with wooden pegs is that they are hard to get right, and hard to keep in the right position. It's a matter of modern convenience.What is the layout for the finger board for a chromatic dulcimer?
Exactly the same for a guitar or any other chromatic instrument (banjo, mandolin) only the overall string length will differ. The application of the mathematical formula to the string length is the same.How many strings does a dulcimer have?
3 or 4, depending on the design of the dulcimer.What difference does string gauge make to playing? If I have medium gauge strings ( .012,.012,.015,.024) can I change to light gauge (.010,.010,.012,.022)? What is the effect on player and sound? Thanks.
Very little. Some say the heavier strings sound better if you are a heavy strummer. The best advice it to try them both and see what you prefer.does the size of a md relate to volume, or the size of the hole?
Yes to both to some degree. The larger the body of the dulcimer, the wider the range of frequencies it will respond to. The effect is usually richer, and sometimes louder sound when the body of the dulcimer is larger as compared to smaller bodies. For the sound hole, the size effects the sound as well. The job of the sound hole is to transfer air in and out of the body of the instrument as the sound chamber (body of the instrument) vibrates. It's common to tune a sound hole to achieve and overall pitch by adjusting the sound hole size. This is real fine-tuning, but it's a common practice among mandolin and violin makers...and some very skilled dulcimer makers.Could you give some examples of some hard-wood types, please? Are poplar, walnut and cherry hard-woods? What kinds of wood were traditional mountain dulcimers made from, back in "the olden days"?
"Old" dulcimers were made from available woods, such as oak, walnut, cherry, cedar, etc. Just imagine what was plentiful. Fine soundboard (top) woods include spruce, western red cedar, poplar. Woods for the sides and bodies...well, I've seen just about everything else. Different combinations will produce different sounds. Remember, a softer wood for the top is generally preferred for a mellow sound. Going with harder (denser) woods for the entire dulcimer will produce a "tinn-ier" sound.are there any rules regarding which finger(s) should be used to push down on the different frets?
None whatsoever. Do what feels right to you!is a lap harp and a mountain dulcimer the same thing?
YES!Can I resand the bottom of my dulcimer and then stain it or will this change the sound of it?
Not likely. Just do not sand too much!Can you recommend (preferably free) software for writing MD music in tablature notation?
Yes, Tabledit (http://www.tabledit.com/)Some of my music books have songs requiring a capo. Someone I spoke to in a music store said using a capo is not a good idea because it may damage my dulcimer. Is that true?
No. Most experienced dulcimer players use a dulcimer capo.How would you describe the sound of the dulcimer? HIgher pitched than a guitar? something like a mandolin? I've heard it but am having a difficult time describing the sound to a friend.
It's about the same range at a guitar as the string length is similar. What's different about the dulcimer is the droning aspect. Consider the difference between a deep Irish whistle and the bagpipes. That's a comparable difference between the dulcimer and guitar.I am learning to play the mountain dulcimer. Should I strum toward my body or away from it?
Both eventually, but for starters, do what is comfortable to you.I\'ve been wanting to build my own dulcimer but, not sure about exactly how to put it together, should i just get a kit for the first one or are there sites that have assembly instructions?
Oh yes! Check out the links section.My dulcimer is the hour glass figure but only has holes on the bottom end. Can I cut two additional holes a bit smaller than the lower ones on the upper end for better fret board sound?
More soundhole space does not equal better sound. In fact, it might deaden the sound.I have a Korg CA-30 Chromatic Tuner and trying to figure out what the best frequency is in tuning to DAA. 440 Hz seems to low, 480 Hz to high nothing in between sounds good. What is the standard frequency to use in tuning to DAA.
440hz is "standard" pitch and will enable you to play ith others.does the number of strings affect the width of the fretboard? or is a six string the same width as a three?
This is a luthier's choice. You should select the fretboard width that YOU want.
- Isn't it hard to move around to and from playing locations?
- How heavy should hammers be?
- How does a chromatic and diatonic HD differ?
- What is the best way to amplify a hammered dulcimer?
- What do the marks on the bridges mean?
- How can I keep my dulcimer clean?
- Is is difficult to restring a hammered dulcimer? How do I know which strings to get?
- How difficult is it to learn to play the hammered dulcimer?
- What notes do you tune a hammered dulcimer to?
- What is proper way to play a flam, I have never seen a flam played, I need help please.
- Who invented the Hammer Dulcimer
- do you recommend trying to build my own HD.? If so, Would a kit be the best way
- What does 15/14 or 12/11 refer to?
- How can I know which wood is best for soundboard? I suppose I've got spruce, is it good?
- Can you play by ear with a hammered dulcimer?
- I really don't like strumming or picking like with a guitar. Is the hammered dulcimer the way to go?
Isn't it hard to move around to and from playing locations?
You bet it is! Depending on the size of the dulcimer, it can be quite heavy. Then there's the stand which is a must!That depends on you, the player. Some like light hammers, others like heavy. Many builders tout "balanced" hammers. This is fine, but the strength of a players hands far outweighs any weight inbalance in hammers. It's really a matter of preference.There's quite a range with hammered dulcimers. It depends on size (octave range), materials, and quality. For a beginner's dulcimer the range is typically $300-$500 for a new dulcimer.How does a chromatic and diatonic HD differ?
A diatonic instrument IN THE KEY OF C would have only the notes of the white keys of the piano, but that isn't the case with typical diatonic hammered dulcimers. Without going into too much depth, an octave consists of 12 tones, each a half-step apart (e.g., the 7 white keys and 5 black keys of a piano, from middle C to the B above). A fully chromatic instrument (like a piano) has all 12 notes in each octave, throughout its full range, and can therefore play in any key. A typical "diatonic" dulcimer is missing some of the notes in some octaves of its range, but may actually be chromatic throughout a limited portion of its range. Certain keys are easiest to play in, others are possible but awkward, and some keys may be impossible due to missing notes. The keys of G, D, and their related minors and modes -- very common in traditional Irish and American music -- are well suited to the typical "12/11" size beginner hammered dulcimers. There are two distinctly different types of "chromatic" HD. The most common is a diatonic/chromatic instrument, in which the main portion of the instrument is laid out like a standard 15/14 diatonic HD, and the missing chromatic notes have been added at the top, bottom, and/or on extra bridges. The other type of chromatic dulcimer uses a different arrangement of notes, more like a piano. The Dusty Strings "Piano Dulcimers" and James Jones "Linear Chromatic" dulcimers are examples of this type of chromatic. The piano/linear types of chromatic dulcimer may be easier for a piano player to learn, and are better for playing some highly chromatic types of music (classical, jazz, ragtime). However, it may be harder to play simple traditional tunes and hymns on this type of chromatic. Because the piano/linear layouts are uncommon, it may be harder to find an experienced teacher if you want to take lessons. - Thanks to Sarah Garland -What is the best way to amplify a hammered dulcimer?
There will be many techniques from sound people, but mic-ing the HD from the underside seems to advantageous. I've seen HD mic-ed near the underside handle hole. Filters can be applied to reduce ringing.Where can I find the plans to build an adjustable hammered dulcimer stand? I am unemployed and cannot affort the $150 & up cost / plus S&H.
Try this one:
http://www.dulcimer.com/stand.htmlWhat do the marks on the bridges mean?
Bridge marks show where diatonic (Do-Re-Mi) scales begin and end. On the treble bridge, if you start at a mark on the right side, then play up three more notes to the next mark, that's half the scale. The other half is on the left side, so that the scale forms a box with marks at the corners. The same relationship between the right and left sides of the treble bridge also exists between the bass bridge and the right side of the treble bridge.How can I keep my dulcimer clean?
First of all, never use chemicals -- these can cause damage to the strings. These are some options: --Canned air, like you'd use for a computer. --A long plastic rod (like a strip of delrin) covered with flannel or suede -- slip it under the strings from the bottom or top edge of the instrument. --A long, soft-bristled, clean (i.e. new) paint brush might work, but better is a brush made for dusting, like the "Dandy Duster" available at Elderly Instruments (elderlyinstruments.com). --To keep the strings clean, some people use a guitar string polish like FastFret, or a polishing cloth like the Blitz cloth. Both are available at most music stores. If your dulcimer has wound (wrapped) strings, don't use either product on those strings, as it will get between the windings and make the string sound dead.I recommend three tools -- an electronic chromatic tuner, a tuner clip or transducer (get the kind with a metal alligator clip), and a star-bit tuning wrench. If your wrench has a square hole, you should seriously consider getting a star-bit one instead -- it's much less likely to strip the pins. Dulcimer strings are under a lot of tension. When you tune, you are likely to change the overall tension significantly. I get better results when I distribute the change evenly -- that is, I tune all my Cs and C#s first, then all the Ds and D#s, etc, instead of just going up or down the bridge. To tune a note on the bass bridge, have your tuner on and clipped to any of your pins. Use a guitar pick to pluck the top string. Use tiny tiny movements of the wrench to make the string tighter (higher) or looser (lower) until the tuner meter is on zero or the middle "in tune" light is on. Pluck the top string and then the lower one, and use the wrench to make the lower one match the top one. Check both of them again with the tuner. Tune notes on the treble bridge the same way. However, because the note on the left is the same string as the note on the right, you theoretically only need to tune one side. Then you can check the other side to see if it's what it should be. If it's not, you can gently lift the strings off the bridge and let them gently down again, or push on the side that is sharp. Other tricks include pushing the string up or down on the sides of the dulcimer, or -- be careful with this one -- making the string a little too sharp and then bringing it back down to pitch. If one side is consistently sharp, you may need to move your bridge -- consult the builder.Is is difficult to restring a hammered dulcimer? How do I know which strings to get?
It's not too difficult, but it helps to have a few hours, and a stringing diagram. Most diagrams will tell you what size strings you need. Many luthiers have them on their websites. If yours does not, and he/she can't send you one, I'd suggest using one from another luthier that is similar to your HD.Do you know of anyplace in Jacksonville, FL that could restring my hammered dulcimer?....how much should this cost?
Yes...email me at bruce@everythingdulcimer.com. I live in Jacksonville!I have a HD with a clear polish finished light colored sound board. What can I do to make it easier to see the strings?
There are two ways to approach this. It's not terribly hard to remove the strings and pins and sand the finish off, stain, reinstall the pins and restring. I've done it and it was easier than I thought. Another approach would be to train yourself to look at the bridge markings and not the strings. I presume your bridge material is wood with Delrin or some other material of contrasting colors. With a little practice, you can find notes without looking for strings, but by focusing on the bridge.How difficult is it to learn to play the hammered dulcimer?
While it's layout...with all those strings...looks difficult, it is laid out very logically. Someone who plays can show you how the notes are arranged, and most anyone can be playing a tune in minutes. Now, if you keep playing, striking the notes cleanly and accurately will improve very rapidly. I warn you! It's addictive fun!What notes do you tune a hammered dulcimer to?
It depends. HDs are made to different note layouts. Is it chromatic or diatonic. Is it a 15/14, 12/11 or something else? Usually your dulcimer manufacturer will supply a tuning sheet. If you don't have one and don't know what it's supposed to be tuned to, find someone who has a similar dulcimer and ask for help.What is proper way to play a flam, I have never seen a flam played, I need help please.
Thry this website. www.vicfirth.comWho invented the Hammer Dulcimer
Nobody knows! Most agree that it came from the middle east owing to early artwork and it's mention in the Bible (book of Daniel).do you recommend trying to build my own HD.? If so, Would a kit be the best way
Yes, I recommend it BIGTIME! Try http://www.musikit.com/.I am constructing a H.D., have a problem to understand what i have to do for fixing the string to the Hitch Pins, these have only groove and not a hole for the string. How I must Make? Thanks a lot for all!!
I see two options. You can drill holes in the pins, or carefully wind the strings to the existing pins. If winding to the existing pins, make your first round, then make your second cross over and lock the first in place. Then as you add turns of wire onto the pin, it should stay in place.What does 15/14 or 12/11 refer to?
These numbers refer to the number of treble and bass courses that are strung across the bridges. 12/11 means 12 treble and 11 bass courses. The larger these numbers, obviously, the greater numbers of strings, and notes available on the HD.How long should it take an average person that cannot read music to start seeing progress on the HD? Assuming practice of 1/2 hour per day?
...about 5 minutes. No reading music is necessary!Can I rent a hammered dulcimer for taking lessons to make sure I like the instrument, or is it necessary to buy one?
Some teachers and stores have dulcimers for rent. It is definitely worth calling around.I am 50 something and have always wanted to play an instrument, but don't read music. I fell in love with the sound of the dulcimer. Am I too old to learn to play the HD?
ABSOLUTELY not!How can I know which wood is best for soundboard? I suppose I've got spruce, is it good?
Spruce is good, but which wood to use for your soundboard is simply a matter of preference.I have had my hammered dulcimer for almost a year and play it occasionally. When should I replace the strings?
If you play HD a moderate amount, it is a good idea to replace the strings annually. If you play less, perhaps you can stretch that to 18 months. It's a wonderful thing...changing strings. It will bring your instrument to life and make it new again!Can you play by ear with a hammered dulcimer?
Of course! It was the original way to play. In fact, the concept of widely available sheet music is a fairly recent development...the last 200 years or so. The HD has been around since biblical times.I really don't like strumming or picking like with a guitar. Is the hammered dulcimer the way to go?
Probably. The hammered dulcimer is most like a percussion instrument. Try it!
Here's My FAQ!
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