Choice of Wood: Pertinent or Purism?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Thank you to Skip, Randy, and Ken for that information. I have made my choice now. I appreciate the input.
Forum Activity for @cj-smith
Choice of Wood: Pertinent or Purism?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Wally Venable:
Look at the violin world. The majority of violins are copied from a very few models, and most use the same few woods. Despite that, there is a difference between a $40 one and a $10,000 one.
My guess is that the Chinese factories sort bodies at each step of production, routing the best to their best finishers, with all starting from the same wood and basic pattern cut and carving. Actual testing and sorting is the key.
To get the best FOR YOU from any builder, you should visit the shop and try individual instruments.
Yes, I agree about the difference between prices. I'm not buying a machine built dulcimer. This is a well know builder in the dulcimer world I believe. Of course, I know the best would be to visit in person, but we are not prepared, due to the virus. at this time to make a trip. Wish I could and I certainly agree that would be better. Perhaps I should be waiting but I really want to get one with a 1 1/2 fret and since I can't travel, I'm choosing the same builder as one of my other dulcimers. Thanks for you help.
Choice of Wood: Pertinent or Purism?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
NateBuildsToys:
I am assuming you mean multiple dulcimers from the same plans that are the same size and shape by the same builder. This would imply that if the same builder made two identical dulcimers from the same plans and same wood they would sound identical, yet most luthiers seem to agree that is not the case.
Even then, the sound could be affected by thickness of wood, how long the wood has settled for, presence of knots, etc.
CJ:
Given the same craftmanship, what do you hear is the difference in particular woods. Of the three I'm considering one has a poplar body with a paulownia top. The 2nd ones has a figured walnut body with a spruce top. The 3rd has a cherry body with a California redwood top.
I am assuming you mean multiple dulcimers from the same plans that are the same size and shape by the same builder. This would imply that if the same builder made two identical dulcimers from the same plans and same wood they would sound identical, yet most luthiers seem to agree that is not the case.
Even then, the sound could be affected by thickness of wood, how long the wood has settled for, presence of knots, etc.
Thank you for that information.
Choice of Wood: Pertinent or Purism?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Given the same craftmanship (2 dulcimers built by the same quality builder), what do you hear is the difference in particular woods. Of the three I'm considering one has a poplar body with a paulownia top. The 2nd ones has a figured walnut body with a spruce top. The 3rd has a cherry body with a California redwood top. I already own one by this builder that I like so I totally trust the craftmanship.