Forum Activity for @notsothoreau

Strings!

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I've read the recommendations for string gauges and know that they can be purchased individually, rather than as sets. I'm interested in a few recommendations. Is there a difference in nickel wound vs bronze wound bass strings? If the dulcimer maker recommends (or sells) certain strings is it best to go with that recommendation?

I suspect it's useful, as a beginner, to experiment with different strings, but it would be nice to have a bit more focus than I have right now. 

Charity Case Pt.2: Side Crack and High Action

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

This was a set of D'Addario dulcimer strings, which are 12,14 and 22. This dulcimer has just two pegs on the tail piece. It looks to be a somewhat action, based on the nickel/dime test. I was told by another member that Dulcimer Factory dulcimers tend to have a somewhat high action. Back n the day, when I was trying to learn guitar, I did have some instuments that were difficult to play because of the action. As a beginner with an inexpensive, unknown instrument, you tend to expect the worst

In thinking about it later, it makes sense that higher string tension would feel like a higher action. And I do suspect it was originally tuned for D-A-A, as it's from the late 90s and that would have been the popular tuning.

I am working on getting a better quality dulcimer and I don't think it will hurt to have a dulcimer for each tuning. Might even make it easier for me to learn each tuning, by associating a tuning with a specific instrument.

I did think it might be useful to mention, when running into problems with an instrument. And I will likely experiment with different strings as well. For now, it's just a relief to be able to play without as much struggle.

Charity Case Pt.2: Side Crack and High Action

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I am a rank beginner so probably should not chime in here. But my Dulcimer Factory dulcimer has high action and is a bit uncomfortable to play in D-A-d. I just convinced myself to tune it to D-A-A and it's like it is a different instrument. It's much easier to play.

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Oh, I do want an electronic tuner! Will save me so much time! This was already down to three strings so I wasn't surprised when the bass string snapped. I have a new set on the way. I'm going to check and see if the screws in the tuning gears are loose too

Meanwhile, I have a two string dulcimer. I just have to be patient a few more days and study tablature.

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I did find one that I fell in love with. Just want to lock down the sale before I talk about it. I did manage to confuse myself, as I kept listening to dulcimer music with that high sound that can come out on top of a group. And I would like to try playing with a group sometime. I decided that I wasn't ready for one with an internal pickup.

I do think it's confusing for beginners because we don't know what type of music we want to play and we don't know what sound we need for that music. I know the hazards of playing on inexpensive instruments, but sometimes it seems like the way to get started and experiment. I am really looking forward to stepping up to that next instrument. And it might be fun to try another kit some day.

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

It's part of the reason that I'm not ready for a custom dulcimer yet. I don't know what sound I want to hear, but I am starting to get a better idea of it. I think this particular dulcimer was designed to be used noter style and that's something I want to check into anyway.

 

I know about acquistion disorders. I have five treadle sewing machines in this room and two in another! Fortunately, I have all the machines on my bucket list. I suspect there are at least two dulcimers in my future, maybe more if I happen across any old instruments.

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I can finally add a story! Way back in the day, I bought a kit teardrop dulcimer. I believe it was mahogany. I could play it, but it wasn't the best instrument. I have no idea what happened to it.  Recently, I got a wild hair that it might be fun to try this again. I'd tried guitar and mandolin but just couldn't seem to do much with either. I knew that I wanted a good quality instrument at some point, but thought I might check what is available locally.

Well, I found a dulcimer on the Facebook marketplace. It seemed like a student quality from the picture, so I thought I might be able to use it for awhile. Contacted the seller last week and he said it was available. Asked when we could get together and he said Wednesday after we got off work. I tried to contact him Wednesday and nothing. Later that night, he messaged me and said he'd be available Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Said we'd try again Thursday. Same thing. It turned out he was driving between Portland, OR and Eugene for his job! He apologized and said we would get together for sure on Saturday at noon. He'd let me know where we could meet. Saturday came and went. I got a message from him that night with the Steve Martin excuse "I forgot"!

I'd pretty much given up at this point, but it seemed sad to have a decent dulcimer sitting unplayed. I gave him one more chance today. And this time, he and his wife did show up! I believe this is from 1997. It has a decent sound but I can't really check it out yet. I popped the bass string while tuning it and my new strings are still on the way. I was able to pick out "I'll Fly Away" on two strings and expect to have more fun in the future. It will do for now. Even my husband is enjoying this hobby.

And, I do have something in the works to get that quality dulcimer. More on that, as I get further along on the plan.