Vibration and tone of my Dulcimer as I play...

Gary Major
Gary Major
@gary-major
11 years ago
11 posts

Thanks again.

Maybe I am getting the angle wrong. I play banjo and Guitar and possibly that is why I try to hold it at the wrong angle. When I chord it seems harder also. Will have to chat with you one day. If you can message me or e-mail me your skype name and the best time to contact you.

Have a great day.39.gif

Gary Major
Gary Major
@gary-major
11 years ago
11 posts

Thanks Linda.

I tried that and found it too hard for me to play. Great idea though and I think it may work for others also.113.gif

Ken Hulme
Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme
11 years ago
2,157 posts

Pam -- a possum board is simply a rectangle of 3/8" or thicker plywood or board that is a bit wider and longer than the body of your dulcimer (tuning head doesn't count). To that board you glue two short lengths of square dowel about 1/4" to 3/8" square and as long as the board is wide. Glue the dowels so they will be a few inches in from the ends of the dulcimer as it sits on them. Don't pad the sticks -- it will negate the effect of freeing up the back. If you find you need to hold the dulcimer in place, drill holes near the ends on either side of the instrument and use small bungees or rubber bands.

Gary Major
Gary Major
@gary-major
11 years ago
11 posts

Thank you all for the quick response. I have the plans for a Possum Board and I think that would work.

What a great place FOTMD. You are all truly good friends.113.gif

Gary Major
Gary Major
@gary-major
11 years ago
11 posts

Hello all:

As I am playing my Dulcimer I have it on my knees with a strap for support. However as I played a chord then tilted the dulcimer I got a more richer sound and more vibration. When I returned to the regular position on my knees it went a bit dulled again.

Would this be because of the wood the dulcimer is made up with? Am I stopping the vibration by it on my knee support? Is there a apparatus or some way to keep the sustain when the Dulcimer is on my knees as the same if I tilted it? I play through a pic up and amp also and one can really see the difference in the sound when resting on the knees and off the knees.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.118.gif


updated by @gary-major: 07/22/26 03:17:06AM