Forum Activity for @dulci-clan

Sound Hole Placement

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

@ken - What I should have said in response was I had seen the video some time ago and what had been going through my mind *at the time* was the things I was corrected on *since* I started this thread,  i.e. the ignorant questions I asked being *completely new* to this instrument, like sound hole placements and shapes.  I am reading and learning by everyone's response, I guess sometimes communicating words in text isn't the same as being in person. What I should have said about the video was I had hoped to see different kinds of dulcimers being compared like bass versus baritone vs stick etc. Thank you for sharing your experience and expertise, I do respect that.

Please don't take me the wrong way, it has been an extremely stressful week at home. I do respect everyone's experience and willingness to share information on this post , and appreciate you, Dulcimore Dan, Ron Gibson, Kusani, ButtercupVictoria, Matt, John, in responding.

This instrument is so beautiful, I can't wait to learn how to play it. Thank you to everyone for your responses.

Sound Hole Placement

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

Appreciate that, Ron! You're absolutely right, it's already stressing me out trying to understand. The simplicity of it's design, seems to have a laid back easy vibe to play, and the mystery behind how this instrument came about is enough for me to relax and run with it.

 

 

Sound Hole Placement

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

I did see Vintage Fret too. Only an hour away, yeah! And thank you for that other link. My search was "dulcimer nh".

 

Sound Hole Placement

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

@Buttercup - watched that video a couple of times, it's fantastic, but they're all the same shape and sound hole placement, the only differences she notes is the type of woods, tops and overlays. I was hoping for a video with different shapes and different sound board placements. Thanks for the post :)

@Ken - - I'm in NH. There is a folk festival coming soon in Portsmouth, but looking on their website I didn't see or mention a single dulcimer.  Worth checking out though. Did find someone about an hour and half away that I could talk to, she mentions the Portsmouth festival, a Vermont one that just passed, and an Albany Society. Can't help but wonder if there are so many more around that I just don't see. Unfortunately I am unable to open the pdf, probably on my end here, I'll look into it later tonight. Thanks again for the input :)

Sound Hole Placement

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

I am not interested in building, just buying. Understanding the construction seems important to know as a new player.  Though it has some straightforward rules on sizes and constructions, finding there are so many different ways they're built, string numbers and types, it's hard to know generally where to start. @Dan, Kusani, Ken, Matt;  appreciate you reaching out.

This instrument is not common where I live, so I figured I just have to dive in, get one, clean it up, see what happens! My friend told me yesterday she has a friend that plays so at some point I can pester her.

Sound Hole Placement

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

I just saw a four string with one hole today near the nut side but not quite! So confusing to choose when just starting out.

Sound Hole Placement

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

Hi everyone, new here, thanks for having me.

In researching dulcimers, I'm seeing holes placed in different places, could be one each near the nut and bridge, both near the nut, both near the bridge, or four - two on the nut side, two on the bridge side. Does the placement of the sound holes affect the sound? Can't tell where there are so many different shapes and places they can go.