I notice that this dulcimer has a very long tail section between the bridge and the string endpins. That certainly extends the body and soundbox length... i wonder how that effects the sound or volume? (You builders likely know the answer to that!)
The overall length of this instrument is very similar to other instruments that I have built, but it is narrower, and slightly more shallow. The major difference is that the VSL is quite a lot shorter. That allowed me to move the bridge away from the tail block in an effort to transfer more resonance from the strings to the top.
The longer space between the bridge and the end of the fingerboard is just an aesthetic design choice. I could have cut the fingerboard shorter, but I didn't think it would look as good that way.
I notice that this dulcimer has a very long tail section between the bridge and the string endpins. That certainly extends the body and soundbox length... i wonder how that effects the sound or volume? (You builders likely know the answer to that!)
Lovely dulcimer, and fine playing, Bob. Shady Grove is my favorite go-to tune when tuning to aeolian mode. I never get tired of Shady Grove for some reason.
I second what KenL says about Ralph Lee Smith's generous contributions to our dulcimer community. His well researched books will continue to educate and inspire generations to come.
Very nice Bob, both the dulcimer and the playing. Ralph was generous and helpful in encouraging builders to recreate some of the old instruments. He is the one who started me on making replicas of the C.N. Prichard dulcimer and exploring the building and history of PA German zitters. Ralph was and continues to be a real treasure to the dulcimer community.
This instrument is loosely based on one in the Ralph Lee Smith collection built by William Taft from Independence Virginia (19th Century). Ralph kindly allowed me to copy its dimensions several years ago when I saw him at a talk in Fairfax VA. He was a great source of information about the instrument.
My version is all walnut with a cherry top. The tuners are planetary banjo tuners. Bridge and nut are ebony.
I notice that this dulcimer has a very long tail section between the bridge and the string endpins. That certainly extends the body and soundbox length... i wonder how that effects the sound or volume? (You builders likely know the answer to that!)
The overall length of this instrument is very similar to other instruments that I have built, but it is narrower, and slightly more shallow. The major difference is that the VSL is quite a lot shorter. That allowed me to move the bridge away from the tail block in an effort to transfer more resonance from the strings to the top.
The longer space between the bridge and the end of the fingerboard is just an aesthetic design choice. I could have cut the fingerboard shorter, but I didn't think it would look as good that way.
Great sounding dulcimer, Bob. Equally resonant in the lower and upper octaves. Nice work!
I notice that this dulcimer has a very long tail section between the bridge and the string endpins. That certainly extends the body and soundbox length... i wonder how that effects the sound or volume? (You builders likely know the answer to that!)
Lovely dulcimer, and fine playing, Bob. Shady Grove is my favorite go-to tune when tuning to aeolian mode. I never get tired of Shady Grove for some reason.
I second what KenL says about Ralph Lee Smith's generous contributions to our dulcimer community. His well researched books will continue to educate and inspire generations to come.
Very nice Bob, both the dulcimer and the playing. Ralph was generous and helpful in encouraging builders to recreate some of the old instruments. He is the one who started me on making replicas of the C.N. Prichard dulcimer and exploring the building and history of PA German zitters. Ralph was and continues to be a real treasure to the dulcimer community.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
This instrument is loosely based on one in the Ralph Lee Smith collection built by William Taft from Independence Virginia (19th Century). Ralph kindly allowed me to copy its dimensions several years ago when I saw him at a talk in Fairfax VA. He was a great source of information about the instrument.
My version is all walnut with a cherry top. The tuners are planetary banjo tuners. Bridge and nut are ebony.