What is the vibrating string length of your dulcimer? I useheavier strings on my shorter dulcimers, because they tune up to pitch at lower tension.Ibuy strings in bulk and experiment, but my usualsfor DAA these days:
25.5" VSL -- .024/.014/.014
27.5" VSL -- .022/.013/.013
28.5" VSL -- .020/.012/.012
Hello Babs, it was only after looking at the youtube link that I realised the reason for at least some of the confusion. Whereas we in the UK and other English -speaking nations use do-re-mi-fa etc to indicate the note positions and relationships of a scalein any key, in most of continental Europe they mean specific pitches (notes or keys). So for Fabio:
Do meansC
Re meansD
Mi means E
Fa meansF
Sol meansG
LameansA
TimeansB.
In the video he is playing the song in the key of G, (orSol, as he would call it), and the Fa# is simply an F#, the seventh note of the major scale in that key. There is no need to bend a string to get the note: if you wanted to play the tune in the same key as him one way would be to tune DGdd - the F sharp would be at the second fret, just below the tonic note of G at the third fret. If you wanted to be one octave higher, these two notes would be at the 9th and 10th frets respectively.
If you wanted to stick to your original plan of transposing the piece to the key of D, using DAdd tuning, the equivalent note in that key would be C# (the seventh note in a D major scale). In this tuning C# would be at the second fret of the middle string or at the 6+ fret of the melody string(s), depending on which octave you wanted.
Wonderful news Dana, I am very happy you now have this option.
Take care of yourself, you are in my prayers.
Glad to hear it Dana. May it continue to go well...and continued prayers.
Dana R. McCall said:
I got GREAT news yesterday! I had the first of three radioactive implants this week and the doctor told me my tumor has shrunk a lot, it really has surprised them also. It has shrunk enough that I can have surgery. Surgery was not an option before and was thought I might not be able to have it at all so this was wonderful news. I can banish this alien from my body. I'm one happy camper.
Dana, I only now just noticed this thread, so I have just learned of your situation. I am so sorry to hear of what you've been going through. But I can tell you are facing things head on. And how wonderful is it that dulcimer music can be part of your treatment! You are spreading the joy of dulcimer music even while fighting cancer! I'll keep you in my thoughts, Dana.
Hi Dana,
Having been down some medical rabbit holes, I do believe that humor helps. Joke books, knock knock jokes, funny movies -- anything for a giggle. Great time to catch up on all the funny cat videos on Youtube. Sometimes the brain can't focus on a book but will rally for Groucho Marx or the Three Stooges. I do wish you every success in the days ahead.
How wonderful that you played for the folks in the waiting room Dana. Music is such good medicine, a real tonic.
Your new report sounds very encouraging- you must be a real strong woman...that cancer didn't know who it was messing with. BIIIG hug to you and warmest wishes for a strong recovery.
Dana, A lot of hard stuff going on. Prayers and thoughts with you through this difficult period in time. Sorry for the loss of your sister--way too young. May she rest in peace.
That is so great that you played for the folks in the waiting room. I hope the guy picks it up and comes to you for more tunes on it and those who just look at them, well hope you encourage them to get to strumming.
It is a nice way to relax people, I have played mine during my monthly treatment of chemo for RA, it has given those who are feeling bad a smile.
Good Wishes for the possible lessons and your treatments.....will be thinking of you.
Dana R. McCall said:
Lexie the only one that plays is the guy that puts you under for surgery. He has built five and says he plays chord style. The others just have them I told them I'd give lessons. And I have played for the radiation waiting room. Loaned a dulcimer to a fellow patient that wants to learn. He is picking out some hymns by ear.
Dana, so glad to hear the good news and that you are feeling good! I hope you continue to improve and get to the point where the surgery can be done soon. Thinking of you.
Wonderful news Dana and so happy you are feeling good. Did you play your Doctor's and Staff a song on your Dulcimer?
It is terrific maybe you will be able to meet with them and play together.
You and your family are in my prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Dana, and your family at this time of sorrow and troubles. As we go into Spring, I hope this special time of year, one of renewal and rebirth, will bring with it a special gift of renewal and rebirth into health for you.
Take care of yourself and your family, sounds like you have had a time.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Hey Dana, sorry about all that has happened to you and your family. Prayers and thoughts are with you that all will go well.
Ben
You will be in our thoughts and prayers Dana. God bless.. Kevin.
Oh my, Dana. So sorry to hear all that! Hope everything goes well.... you know you're in my prayers as well.
That's way too much to have to bear- may you forge ahead with gentle strength.
Sending you my haertfelt wishes for a strong recovery and hugs hugs to you, Dana.
Dana, I am so sorry for everything you are going through. Just know that we are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and wishing you the very best.
i'm sure thats your problem. you have to remove the fret and deepen the slot in the fretboard. if the tang is crooked or.....the fret is beat up.....or filed down too much you will need to install a new one.
it's not hard to do. good luck. if you get the slot a bit too wide and the fret is loose use a little
super glue.
