Usually going up or down a string gauge doesn't cause big problems on a dulcimer. An .024" will give a little more bass sound than a .022". It should be fine.
These loop end strings I can't use are .012, .012, .014, .022w
Is it ok to go with a .024w instead of the .022w ?
Also, would 80/20 or phosphor bronze be a good choice ? The shop has any type I'd want. Most any gauge singles.
I use heavy gauge strings on my acoustic guitars but I tune down a half step on those. (Easier on my voice and limited range)
Not sure about using heavier strings on a dulcimer tuned down 1/2 or a whole step. Anyone do it ?
Tia
Thanks jost, the seller had it priced right imo. Low enough I didn't try to haggle with him.
I just noticed the set of strings that came with it are loop in and I need ball end. None to be found in town but a local shop sells single strings so I'll go out there tomorrow and make my own set.
Tonight I'll peruse my copy of Jean Ritchie's The Dulcimer Book. I bought it probably 30 years ago and just remembered I had it.
Congratulations to your new dulcimer. Look like you found a real treasure and bargain
I just met the seller and bought it. I don't like to describe pre owned instruments as mint but this one is certainly flawless.
All the "case candy" is there. COA, picks, one with Mr May's name on it, all of it. Original sales receipt. Even saved a trip to a music shop. New set of strings are in the case. In tune too.
And it looks better than the ad photos !
Hi John, thanks for your thoughts on Mr May's work. Seems I can't go wrong with the one I'm considering.
You can't go wrong with a Warren May dulcimer unless it has been damaged. He makes a world-class product.
Good morning Ken, thanks for the info. The hollow fretboard isn't a concern. I just saw it mentioned on a UK seller's site.
The VSL (on dulcimers call it Vibrating String Length, not "scale") is easily measured from the inside edge of the nut to the inside edge of the bridge. The VSL is only an issue if you have really small hands -- 26-1/2" to 27" is fairly normal for VSL these days. Whether or not the fretboard is hollowed is a very minor factor. Neither thing you mention should be a deal-breakers in the purchase of one of Warren's dulcimers.
Ok thanks Ken, I'll give him a call in the morning. I have the dulcimer # so he can easily check.
I'd say those are good specs. You can always just try to call Warren and ask. His shop downtown is closed but he still makes a few at home. He's listed in the Berea phonebook I believe.
Hi, I'm new to dulcimers but have done a little research and it appears that the wide Hummingbird Hourdrop models may all have hollow fretboards and 26 1/2" scale. But no specs are listed on Mr May's site. Is it safe to assume it will have those specs ?
The one I'm considering is a 2006 in like new condition with a case. It's cherry as well.
Tia
Sounds like a good, inexpensive alternative.
A strap is what I use. Sure there is a tiny bit of getting used to it and 'fitting' the proper length, but it's soooo much easier than hauling around folding tables or footstools. I use loops and big buttons to make the strap adjustable depending on if I'm wearing heavy or light clothes.
I agree. An adjustable strap is pretty easy to get used to. I've even found as I have progressed, I've changed the positioning of the dulcimer by adjusting the strap (and my legs). So, the flexibility is an advantage. Experimenting with a strap is a cheap investment and might be a pleasant surprise for her.
Definitely going to look into that. Thanks
Thanks everyone! So far I am really thrilled with the new instrument, such clear, beautiful sounds. I am going to enjoy getting to know it better😀
A strap is what I use. Sure there is a tiny bit of getting used to it and 'fitting' the proper length, but it's soooo much easier than hauling around folding tables or footstools. I use loops and big buttons to make the strap adjustable depending on if I'm wearing heavy or light clothes.
Your Ron Gibson is a beauty-- have fun with it! Happy strumming!
Congrats on your new baby! The two Ron Gibson dulcimers that I've played were both really fine instruments.
And Mike Casey's book is probably the most comprehensive dulcimer technique manual around.
Enjoy!
Congratulations, very nice looking dulcimer. Hope it brings you years of music joy!
Congratulations on your new dulcimer. I am sure you will enjoy it and have fun playing it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Too funny, last week I didn't own a dulcimer and now I have two!
Last week I built a Hughes dulcimer kit, I posted about that on the Makers group.
Today a Ron Gibson cherry hourglass dulcimer came to live with me and it is just gorgeous. I actually did an unboxing, or more like an uncasing video on You-Tube. Here is the link:
Check out this beauty! I have been practicing right and left hand scales as in Mike Casey's "Hands-On Dulcimers" which came today as well. I also found the tabs online for Ode to Joy , which I really like playing on my ukulele so was glad to track that down. It's gonna be a fun, musical summer in my home!
Jost,
Thank you very much for this. I have several books, older and newer, and I haven't found one that covers it all. I've been customizing the lessons each week, taking a little here, a little there, etc. I will definitely look into this book!
So far, we've only had maybe 6 lessons and are using the DAA tuning, but I'm thinking it's time to go to DAD as well.
thanks again
ms
@melvoid I just noticed that you play bluegrass banjo and released a method for it. So I have another book recommendation: Mark Nelsons Favorite Old-Time American Songs for Dulcimer https://www.melbay.com/Products/97189EB/favorite-oldtime-american-songs-for-dulcimer.aspx
It features what the title promises and features around 100 tabs of old time folk songs. Probably you will recognice most of the them, since some of them are featured in your method too. What I like about this book that it contains tabs for the classic noter/drone playing but also for the modern chord style. So it's quite nice for beginner students which might need some time and experimenting to decide which playing style they prefer. Even better: It features several tunings and explaining them and their use for different keys, even for chord style. This might not sound like a big deal but most chord players and instruction books stick to DAD tuning. Which is just fine (everybody should do what suits them best) but I appreciate that Mr Nelson give his readers more options.
There is just one bad thing to say: He also has a kind of little story to every song. In most cases though I think that they are just goofy or too far fetched to be enjoyable. On the other hand I'm German so it might just be my humorlessness genes ;) Otherwise it's a great book and the storys are easy to ignore.
Regards, jost
Dusty,
Thanks for the thoughts. We did discuss a strap. I've not tried that myself 'cuz my lap works fine without, but I think it might be worth looking into.
Thanks again.
It's a great question, @melvoid, as you can see from the thoughtful responses. I only moved it because the "Site Questions" Forum is for questions about how to use this site, and this discussion will be more easily found in the future if we group it with questions about dulcimers.
When I first started playing the dulcimer I only played on my office chair since I could vary the height considerably, lowering it enough to get a nice flat lap. I also used to lower the arms to kind of lock the dulcimer in place. But I realized that I needed a solution that would enable me to play elsewhere, so I put strap buttons on and immediately found I had more control over the dulcimer and did not rely on a flat lap as much.
I use a foldable waiter's tray table. They come in various heights, available on line or at a local restaurant supply house for about the same $25.
Some folks use a 3 sided "granny walker".
I have short lower legs (28 inch inseam), although I'm about 5' 6" in overall height. Chairs from the 1930-1950 period fit me fine, bur chairs have grown about 2" since about 1960.
I use a block of foam (firm urethane?) which is about 2" thick and about 10 by 12 inches on top as a foot rest. It is half of a piece of shipping foam from a computer or something. I ran a piece of paracord through a hole across one end. It's light, doesn't shed or need cleaning, and the cord makes it easy to carry.
The foot block sure beats carrying an old wooden folding chair.
No problem with the move.
I just thought "How do I get this dulcimer to stay level?" seemed like a good quesion :-)
A cheap suggestion would be an ironing board. They can be adjusted to any height.
By the way, I moved this discussion to the "General Mountain Dulcimer" category since the "How Do I" Forum is specific to questions about how this site functions.
I just thought if the tv tray worked it could also be turned into a table/music stand by adding the top [if needed] and a slanted vertical music /tablet holder.
I have a foot stool that I use to level my dulcimer. I ordered it through this website: https://www.dulcimerbaglady.com/footstool.htm. It works great when a chair is too tall for me.
Might be worth looking into. It just occurred to me that maybe some sort of foot stand/block might work. Like a classical guitarist uses, but for both feet? Or a lower chair?
I'm so confused.
Thanks for the reply!
A tv tray may work. There are some with L shaped legs that are height adjustable. A short board would add extra length if needed.
Hi,
I have a student who isn't terribly tall. When sitting on a chair, her legs aren't level so she has trouble holding the dulcimer on her lap. She has better luck at her dining room table, but it's a bit high. Does anyone know of an adjustable/portable table that would hold a dulcimer? Wide enough so it doesn't jump when fretting or pressing on one end.
I've suggested a strap, so she might try that, but she really likes a table we have at the store where I teach and seems to play pretty well with that setup (although it's not wide enough).
We thought about something custom, but that might be a bit pricey...
Any thoughts?
Thanks
ms
Yes, but strictly Bluegrass on that instrument. In fact, I just wrote a methods book.
Are we allowed to self-promote? If so, https://www.halleonard.com/product/354325/do-it-yourself-banjo
wally-venable makes a good point with using a tuner to check the freet placing/set up.
So: If you can check in the store or order online with return policy this should be enough to check the basic playability of the instrument. This is btw a good idea to do in any case, even if the instrument is more expensive or from a renowed builder. You never know how it was stored before ;)
I remembered that this site had a warning against some cheap brands thus I used the search function.
So for another point of view concerning Apple Creek and two other low level brands:
https://fotmd.com/strumelia/group_discuss/2332/beware-of-internet-ad-sites-of-the-best-dulcimers-to-buy
Of course wally-venables argument for trying Apple Creek with a tuning app/device holds true for these too.
Regards, Jost.
You're welcome Ken. Thanks to the Disney Law, the copyright is in effect for 78 years following the death of the holder and I think the heirs may be able to renew it. I'm not certain about that as it has been quite some time since I read the statute.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Thanks Ken. I wondered about that when I started looking for Larry this morning and discovered it is copyrighted by Ralph Stanley. Although Ralph died in 2016, the copyright should still be held by his estate.
