2 dulcimer dilemma
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Hello all,
I have a very "spoiled" problem! Just starting out on the dulcimer with an hourdrop all-walnut model by Warren May that I bought from him last year: 6.5 fret present (as I think all his models have now), currently tuned to DAD. I then fell in love last week with an hourglass poplar model with a lot of green color, absolutely beautiful. It's currently being finished up in his workshop; admittedly an impulsive purchase which now leads to my questions ;)
Obviously I'm a novice and barely know what I'll end up needing/liking. That being said, how do I best take advantage of having two dulcimers by same luthier, each with a 6.5 fret, 4 strings, same length/size, different woods and different shapes? I know the woods will have different warmth/brightness, etc. Maybe keep the poplar in DAA? I'm interested in noter/drone playing although also joining a club nearby. Any thoughts appreciated! I'm quite probably over-thinking this as I don't have the second dulcimer in my hands yet!
PS: every time I need to restring, I wistfully think about some day having a flat-headed one 😉