Question about the 6 1/2 fret
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
My question is ... when did the 6 1/2 fret become popular?
I started building dulcimers in 1974; 50 years ago. At that time none one plans I found had a 6 1/2 fret. So, become popular? I guess sometime in the early 1980s or perhaps even the late 1970s.
Precursors of the mountain dulcimer, those built like their European ancestors, sometimes had "odd" fret patterns. These patterns sometimes represented a different starting place for the "do" of the scale. Sometimes they just represented the "bad" ear of the builder.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Thanks, Ken!