I was wondering what you all think of Fellenbaum dulcimers? How would you characterize their sound--tone color, etc. How would you describe the action.
Thank you!
Beth
Hi folks,
This is all very helpful--thank you!
I do like the low action of the modern mountain dulcimer. My Warren May has a low action too--not as low as Lois's MMD, but very comfortable. I have fibromyalgia, so I have to be aware of how my hands and arms feel.I agree completely with what has been said about the difference in sound between a more modern style dulcimer and a more traditional sound. I'm thinking though how "different" I'd like a second dulcimer to be. In general, I lean toward the traditional, but a walnut with a cedar top may be a lot of fun. In any event, I'm fairly sure this won't be the last dulcimer I purchase. :) I do have two other dulcimers already, my first instrument, and another one that I tried to fix up.They have problems, but my starter instrument is in tune and great for my grandchildren.
When I was ready to move forward I chose the larger bodied cherry hourglass that Warren May makes. I wanted a little more sound to balance with the rest of the band when playing acoustically. I have liked some of the Folkcrafts I've played, but for some reason I haven't been attracted to the sound and feel of the McSpaddens.
Ken, I do get to State College occasionally, so I hope to meet you and to play the dulcimers you make. I think we might. have a mutual friend, Alf, who worked in instrument storage with me at Folk College.
At this point I think it's probably appropriate to go to the discussion about builders, etc., to ask specific questions. I really ought to put away some more money before I would order anything, but I'm looking now, in case something comes up that I feel I can't pass up.
You're all very kind, and I appreciate it!
Beth
Thanks for the responses so far! I play traditional music. I use a noter much of the time, but sometimes I play chords or combination of melody/harmony and chords in their various positions up and down the fretboard, of course with my fingers. I most often use a pick, and only occasionally fingerpick--that's something I need to work on. I like to tune to the modes (DAA, DAG, etc.), but occasionally use DAD--it all depends on where the melody lies and how I want to accompany.
I am antsy about buying from an auction! However, I wonder whether an instrument by a recommended maker would be an okay risk. Thoughts?
Hi,
I'm new to this site, and I apologize in advance if I posted this message in the wrong area!
I have a wonderful Warren A. May cherry dulcimer. I fell in love with Ralph Lee Smith's. Since I couldn't afford to drive to Berea, and I called Warren and asked him to choose one for me. Even though I couldn't play my dulcimer before buying it, I'm more than pleased, and I play it professionally (traditional music). But now I'm saving my pennies because I'd like to have another great instrument. Since money is tight, I'm probably not going to be able to drive a long distance to play a dulcimer owned and/or built by someone far from PA. Of course I'm looking at the classifieds on this site as well as others.
So my question is, what makers tend to build very consistent instruments? Warren A. May is one of them, so I could order a walnut dulcimer from him. But I'm wondering about doing something different. Recently I played Lois Hornboestel's Modern Mountain Dulcimer, and I was more than impressed by the easy playing action and sound. I know that many people love Folkcraft. I saw a beautiful looking Fellenbaum, but know nothing about his instruments. I've heard good things about Blue Lion, and wonder about their Jean Ritchie model. I've heard good things about Laurel Mountain dulcimer, and I wonder about ordering from the workshop in Hindman, KY.
What do you fine folks recommend?
Thank you!
Beth
