Three or Doubled Melody Dulcimer?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Hi everyone, Thanks for all your input. I came across this article written back in 1982 by A.W.Jeffrey Jr. recommending the three string dulcimer. And I thought it might give a different perspective on the 3-string - 4-string discussion. I quote: "The traditional Appalachian dulcimer has been for the most part a simple and flexible 3-string instrument. Some early folk instruments had four strings which were really 3-string instruments with double melody strings to make four strings in all. This was done because early makers did not always have quality acoustical woods available to them, and the melody string was often overridden in volume by the two drone strings..The three string is recommended. It is more flexible for the various methods of playing. There is less string to tune and risk breaking. It is easier to change from one modal tuning to another, and its simplicity makes it more versatile. The sound is more uniquely that of a mountain folk dulcimer."
AS far as the balance idea for 3 or 5 string, I can see that it all depends upon what style you are playing in. If you are a noteter-drone player and if you are playing with other instruments, say the fiddle, then the four strings might be wanted. If you are playing in a melody chord style and you want to use all strings individually to accomplish this, then you might like the balance of three strings.
Again thanks.
