Forum Activity for @joe-sanguinette

tape on the end of a pencil works like a charm. iv'e used it for years. once the evil forces realize they no longer irritate you the problem stops :)

It happens to the best of us. Just tell people it's a rattlesnake rattle given to you by a blind shaman when you played a rendition of Shady Grove that cured him of gout during the blizzard of '78. Hey, it's a better story than "I dropped my pick."

A knitting needle with some chewing gum?

(When the dulciner when moved makes a rattling sound: it's made by balls of hard chewing gum)

Playing the guitar it happened a lot to me, but not anymore. One is able to grow over it...

About loosing picks, in my case placing them on hidden spots in the house. I bought a 72 pieces bag, which makes them much more cheaper. I thought I had enough for the next two years. Wrong! I found them againover time, so the bag has a stable amout of 63 picksover theyears!

It's your question, you have to answer it. My ears have lost some of the high end hearing, so a double melody string makes the melody clearer for me. After 40 years playing 12 string guitars, my fingers don't shy away from doubled strings. But you need to please your ears and hands. I added a fifth string to one dulcimer so I could double the middle string. I tune it to D Aa Dd, most of the time. I play the melody on the middle strings when I need a 155 tuning, and on the melody strings when I need a 158 tuning. But sometimes I use other tunings. My answer cannot possibly please everyone, but it pleases me. You need an answer that gives the dulcimer do what you need it to give you, not us.

Neither is "better". It's like so many things in this wonderful mountain dulcimer world, It's personal preference that rules.

Define "better", please.

Brian Beach said:

I'll try this again:

Which is better:

A: 3 string dulcimer

B: 4 string dulcimer

Pick only one answer.

I broke a string on my 4 string folkcraft dulcimer, so now i'm playing with 3. I like both ways, but it is easier to play it with the 3 strings based on the way I play. Once I get around to putting on my new strings I'll install the 4th (can't leave one lonely string in my package).

I do three on all mine as well, as I end up using the melody string as drone as often as for melody. I've even gone so far as to remove the additional tuning machine on the dulcimers that are set up for four -- the hole makes a great place to tie in a strap for the instrument!

I did four strings for many years, and can see why someone would want to go that way too. As everyone is saying, it simply comes down to playing style and preference.

I only use 3 stringson most of my dulcimers,and if I therefore have an unused tuner,it makes a handy spot to attach my Snark!

Depends on definition of 'better', '3 string' and '4 string'. Plus, what's 'better' for me probably won't be 'better' for someone else or a different situation.

I have both 3 string, single melody string and 4 equidistant for both strumming and fingerpicking. I have 0 of 7 set up with double melody strings. I doubt I'll ever have a 5-6 string MD as I don't really care for the sound of double strings.

This is a doozie Brian I play noter / drone style, but prefer a single melody string. 2 of my dulcimers are in fact 3 string. A recent acquisition is a 4 string, but equidistant with a single melody string. But that's just my own preference.

I'd go with 4 just because with multiple notches on the bridge and nut you can have paired melody strings, paired middle strings, 4 equidistant or leave off one and have 3 equidistant. That being said, I like 4 string equidistant probably because that's what my 1st one was (is; I still have it.) Yes, as many have said, it is a matter of taste and what you get used to in playing.

I'd say a 4 string dulcimer that has the option on the nut and bridge to be strung as a double melody string and two drones or to string as a 4 equidistant string set up.

Now having said that, I remove or drop one of the double melody strings and play only 1 melody string in my finger dancing style, or lift one melody string over and set up as a 4 equidistant configuration and still play one melody string/finger dancing.

But neither a 3 string or 4 string set up is better across the board, they are simply better options for different playing styles.

Currently I am using 3 string because it is easier to do hammer ons and pull offs with a single melody string. This is for chord/melody style playing. For my noter/drone playing I use 4 strings most of the time. So I can't choose A or B; I need to choose both A and B.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I think the answers above are all correct, Brian. You're asking a question about two different experiences. That is like asking if a car ride or motorcycle ride is better through the mountains. They are much different ways to enjoy the mountains. If I am taking your in-laws, then I take the car. But these days I'd rather just ride.

Big smiles to you.

The correct answer is: YES

Brian, it depends. I took off the extra melody string on my Cabin Creek because I was splitting the strings. It is easier to chord for me with just the three strings. My Prichard only has three strings. That's the way they made them way back when. With the piano strings Kevin put on it I do not lack volume at all. I just recently acquired a used McSpadden and have left the double melody strings on it. They are a bit closer together than the double melody strings on the Cabin Creek. I don't seem to have trouble splitting the strings on this. It's also has slots to do equi-distant but I'm not ready to venture into the dark side yet, LOL. I have taken a couple of beginner workshops and the instructor recommends taking off the extra melody string. Hey, try it both ways and see what suits you.

Some interesting stories y'all. Thanks for sharing them. It is really neat to see how people respond to the mtn. dulcimer and it's wonderful to see so many who do "know the dulcimer".

I just wish all of us could go at the same time--what a great jam that would be! How fortunate it is, Mandy that you now live so close.

I can't exactly answer this question, Mandy, since I don't do public concerts. I do remember, however, that at Stephen Seifert's premier with the Tucson Symphony (where he had an 18 min. solo)in Feb. 2012, he gave a little information about the instrument, which was new to most of the season ticket holders in attendance. He then asked for a show of hands in the audience for whoPLAYED this instrument and there was a collective gasp from the season ticket holders as hands went up ALL OVER! This Feb. concert had sold out back in August, as dulcimer players from all over the country tried to get a ticket if they could work out a way to get to Tucson. The afterglow and jam up north of Tucson that night was so much fun! I always love getting together and sharing music with people from different locales. I hope we can get together sometime!

I find a mix of people...some know what it is and some are like what the heck is that! But once you play everyone loves it. It just has that affect on people. I still remember the first time I ever heard one, don't think I'll ever forget. had to have one then and to play not to hang it on a wall. Been in love with it ever since. Hey It's good to hear from you again girl, it's been a long time. Dana

My husband and I played a morning concert at the John C. Campbell Folk School this morning and had a great time. Cool thing happened though. I have been really wanting to play the dulcimer for folks, so I practiced up a couple tunes and brought it this time. I asked everyone (around 50 people) if they knew what it was as I held it up in the air. Most shook their heads yes and someone even said "it's a dulcimer". AWESOME! Then I gave a short little history of the instrument and played for them.

In most of my interactions with different people I really don't have a bunch who know what it is or even what it's called. It was just a breath of fresh air to be in such a concentration of folks who were familiar with it.

So to start a discussion about this - how do you find you are received when you bring out your dulcimer? Do they know what it is?

I went to a festival this past weekend and had strap buttons installed on both of my dulcimers. What a difference the strap makes! I always felt like the dulcimer was going to fall off of my lap, even using rubber fabric in my lap and a footstool for my feet. Now, I can just focus on the playing without subconsciously worrying about the darn thing falling off of my lap.

I'm glad that I paid someone else to install the buttons--I'm not a very precise or handy person.

I recently got a new strap and after using it for a few weeks one end of the strap kept slipping off the button, I went on line and found an easy solution. Get 2 rubber washers with 5/16 inner diameter put it on the end of the button over the strap and it works great. Only cost 60 cents each. Thought it might help someone else. Carolyn

Fortunately, my Folkcraft dulcimer came with strap buttons installed...I've installed them on a guitar once, and I might on an old Hughes dulcimer. I'm a former Jersey boy and Dusty, just so's you know, I lived close to the Meadowlands, and as everybody around there knows, it's just a peaceful bird sanctuary...you know what I mean?

Hi there Wout ! A while back someone asked me if I could change the camera angle I used when recording, so as they couild see what my noter was doing ? Easier for me, being a non techno, to change the angle that I played ! So I dropped the left knee, and away to go , no problem with noter drone, tho' as you say, almost a necessity to use a strap ?

best wishes

John

Looks like your husband did a good job Maryann. Usually at festivals when I work on someone's dulcimer I do it in private so they don't see me drilling holes or pounding on their precious instrument. These instruments are tougher than they appear. BTW, another former Jerseyite here.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I love the position of the right foot normal placed, but my left foot under the chair, which lowers the left knee. I can play much faster that way than in horizontal position. It can only be performed using a strap.

Playing more than one dulcimer in a performance one can use more straps, or, as I mistakenly thought, use two carabiner (hooks), but the metal makes the dulcimer too noisy! I wanted to avoid the idea changing 'strapped' dulcimers reminds the audience of changing clothes on a crowdy beach...

I attached eyebolts on the instruments and shoe laces on the strap.

BTW the slope position of the dulcimer doesn't work well when playing drone&noter style.

I too had trouble keeping the dulcimer on what little lap I have. I recently installed strap buttons and starting looking around the web for a strap. I couldn't find one that suited me so I bought some latigo lace leather and am in the process of braiding an adjustable strap. When I finish it I will try and post a pic.

Having spent lots of time in Jersey (and more to come later this summer) I think it fair to say that there are a lot more guns than there are dulcimers.

Some of those guns might be for hunting in the Pine Barrens or Poconos, but those in the Meadowlands have less noble functions.

Maryann Lang said:

guns and dulcimers - yup I think this former Jersey family is thoroughly redneck now! (and lovin it!)

I guess I'm just not vigorous enough as I don't use a strap, and have never had a dulcimer fall off my lap or my possum board yet. Knock wood!!!!!! Of course, one of my favorite possum boards has an extra leg that gives me a sort of tripod placement on my lap.

Well you can imagine me installing strap buttons on my own on my very first dulcimer. I was drilling holes and covering my face in tears at the same time!

But that strap made all the difference in the world. The instrument "became mine" immediately. I can position it exactly the way I want regardless of how high my chair is or how far my legs are apart. And I can play more vigorously, not worrying about moving my precious instrument. I would have given up on the dulcimer had I not found the courage to install strap buttons.

Just you wait until you decide to have an extra fret installed. Now there's mental agony, not only do they cut into your baby with a saw, they hit it with a hammer as well. Shudder!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maryann Lang said:

I would never judge but I would highly encourage! It is very frightening to watch. Almost as bad as watching my daughter get her ears pierced! (Except my dulcimer did not cry - althought I almost did for both events!)

My daughter plays the uke and she definitely would never add a strap.

I love using a strap on my dulcimer. I play pretty aggressively (I guess) because it would be almost impossible for me to play without one I think. LOL.

I'm a "pro strap" type though because even when I'm sitting down I like to be wearing my banjo strap, guitar, strap, and mandolin strap too. I can't imagine playing without it actually. I tend to like to go from sitting to standing a lot too though (not on dulcimer of course though).

Check that the fret isn't loose first. If you press one end down and the other pops up then tapping or filing may not be the answer. That becomes a different problem with a different solution.

"...you can then sand it with fine sandpaper and get the shape pretty close without damaging the wood."

The danger with this technique is that sanding will give you an irregular surface. Fret tops need to be flat all the way across, so my procedure is to use a series of fine files to do all the cutting, and only then touch up with sanding.

For sanding, by the way, if you want better control than you can get with fingers, Skip's advice on the wood block is good. For finish polish in this sort of situation, though, I use foam-core nail files. They are available in grits from 100-600 at Sally Beauty Supply (they are usually around in shopping malls everywhere here in the Northeast, at least or go to their website). The 400/600 pink stick, with just a drop of mineral oil for "wet sanding" gives a great finish on a fret, with just enough "give" to form around the crown but not enough to cause lumps an bumps.

If you can find some thin sheet metal or wood to tape over the fretboard on eather side of the fret, you can then sand it with fine sandpaper and get the shape pretty close without damaging the wood. Aluminum foil is too thin and soft to do the job, but a Popsicle stick may do just fine. There are slotted sheet metal tools made for the purpose, but if you aren't going into a new career as a luthier you may not want to buy specialized tools.

Skip's advice is good. Another option if the the slot for the seventh fret is deep enough, you might be able to tap it deeper in to the slot. I would check that before filing.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."