@Debi, you should know, first of all, that 26.5 is not considered a "longer" scale length.  I would say "longer" would only apply when you get to 28".  Second, your fingers will stretch.  That 1-2-4 A chord might be a challenge at first to play on a 26.5" scale length, but you will be able to do it, and over time your fingers will stretch and strengthen and it will get easier.  Third, there are always workarounds for chording if you really can't reach a chord. Instead of 1-2-4, you could play 1-0-4 or 4-4-4, assuming you need that 4th fret on the melody string for the melody.  If you are only strumming chords, then 1-0-1 will work as well, or 4-4-6+.

I only use the 1-2-4 chord as an example because it is the hardest stretch of all the "normal" chords on a dulcimer tuned 1-5-8 such as DAd.  But the same principle applies to other chords and chord shapes as well.  There are always alternatives.

Thank you, Strumelia. I think it is helpful for people to have a visual example. I remember years ago a Folkcraft catalog had a pull out section that showed the difference in various vibrating string lengths they offered. I can't remember whether that was under David's or Richard's ownership. I probably have it in a file somewhere. I guess I'll look for it when I get the time. I have an old Windows program, WFret, that prints out a fret board diagram for you. I've thought of printing out different vsl fret boards and pasting them on poster board so people can see the actual distances. It might be a good rainy or snow day project for this coming winter.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Wow @ken-longfield , that is amazing!  

Perhaps these calculations will be helpful to see the differences in distances between frets on a 24 vs. 26.5 vsl. I used the Stew-Mac fret calculator for this.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.

Thx to everyone who responded.  Your suggestions were most helpful and encouraging!    I will look for those hand stretching exercises that were mentioned.   

Nate makes a great point- just because the entire lengthh of the vsl between nut and bridge is a substantial 2.5" longer, that doesn't mean the chord stretches for your fingers will be 2.5" longer. The distance between frets you are using in a chord will be a modest amount longer.

Do you know anyone with a regular length dulcimer you can try out? ('regular' usually meaning somewhere between 26 - 28.5" vsl)
I have found that very often beginner players are solidly convinced they will not be able to make stretches that later on they discover are actually do-able.

Something else to keep in mind...  assuming you wish to tune both dulcimers to the same key and the same notes on your strings, you may have to use slightly thinner gauge strings on a 26.5" vsl dulcimer than on a 24" dulcimer. (Not sure if you are currently using heavy-ish strings now on your 24" scale dulcimer, and you also haven't said what keys you usually play in on your shorter dulcimers).
OR, you could take the opportunity to designate the new longer dulcimer to be play tuned down to a lower key, like maybe to the key of C instead of in D.
All this depends on your personal music goals and needs.

I don't think the difference between 24 and 26.5 is that huge. Long stretches like a 1-2-4 chord might be about 1/2 inch further. I would say that hand stretching exercises may be a good way to overcome that extra little bit of reach you'll need.
Personally, I prefer shorter VSL instruments for chording, but when I do play longer dulcimers, it doesn't take too long for my hands to get used to reaching just a little bit further.

I'm assuming you mostly play in DAd tuning?
Are you able to concentrate more on playing the melody notes without necessarily playing the full chords of the song you are playing? Perhaps some of the 3 finger chords you use can be played with only two of the strings strummed, avoiding strumming the third note of the chord altogether?

Another thought- people who do what's called 'fingerdancing' are sort of replicating noter style play but using their fingers .  This can be done over several strings, and you can learn to incorporate a little of that style and perhaps train yourself to play more the melody and less full chording. Not sure if i described this well or not.

I'll also mention that doing hand and finger stretching exercises actually CAN over time extend the distance that your fingers can stretch to make a chord. And such hand stretching exercises are supposed to be good for your hands and their dexterity.

Couldn't resist....sorry...

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Hi Folks,      

Hope everyone is doing well.  I am interested in suggestions for someone who normally plays a 24 to max 25 VSL dulcimer and wish to get a specific instrument that has a 26.5 VSL.  As much as I appreciate noter style of playing, I primarily am a chord melody player.  I am looking for any suggestions as to alternative ways to play a longer VSL without killing my hands.  Thanks in advance for any suggestions that you are able to offer.