simond

Hi Simond, welcome!
Unfortunately, because that song is copyrighted, we can't allow tabs of it to be posted here on FOTMD. That's also the reason it won't be easy to find actual dulcimer tab for Simon & Garfunkel songs online or in tab books... because it's copyrighted and therefore would require pating fees for its use. 
It strikes me as a difficult song to put to tab, unless you are just singing it and playing chords to accompany yourself, like a guitar player. Along that line, maybe you could do that? There might be guitar tab online somewhere, showing the chords to such popular folksongs. Then if you learn to play the basic chords on your dulcimer, you could sing the song and play chords along with it. Hope this helps.

Does anyone have a dulcimer tab for The Dangling Conversation by Simon and Garfunkel?  This is the only version I can come up with which I don't think is very good

Thank you Jim.  Good to be part of the community!

Simon

Hey Simond, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us.

John has pretty much answered your questions.

Or you can simply remove one of the paired melody strings and play it as a 3 string. All of mine are 3 string.

That is a beautiful dulcimer in the photo you attached. Is it where you can see it, touch it, play it?  If you like the sound and how it plays for you and the craftsmanship is up to par will be important considerations. Of course this builder may make an hourglass model as well.

Best wishes in your search. It is always exciting to be finding the next one.

OK, thanks, John

Simon, the shape can make some tonal difference, but the depth of the soundbox and its volume in cubic inches (centimeters?) is what makes the most difference in sound from one style to the other. 

As for playing double-melody string, 4-string dulcimers, it's not harder to do.  You can treat the first two strings as one if they are close together, using your fingers or a noter.  Tune both of them to the same note.  If you like, you can add a tiny nail to the side of the fretboard and pull one of the pair down and under the nail, effectively making it a 3-string dulcimer.

I have found someone who makes folk instruments, including mountain dulcimers, in NZ.  He has a lovely-looking home-made 4-string tear drop mountain dulcimer for sale in which I am interested.  I am attaching a picture of it.  Does anyone know what difference  the shape makes?  I am used to hourglass . Also, is it harder to play 4 strings (2 are melody strings) rather than 3?

Thank you, Ben.  It's good to be able to connect with y'all as I'm now geographically remote in NZ!

Hi Simond, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer, and to meet some good people.

Ben

Thanks, Ken.  4 people have now said pretty much the same thing to me.  Pretty conclusive!

I concur on the advice regarding Roosebecks. If your current dulcimer is still serving you well, waiting until you return to the UK is probably the best option. In meantime you can check on dealers there or with some of the dulcimer clubs about purchasing a dulcimer there.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Thanks for your advice, Richard

My experience has been similar with the Roosebecks. A friend had one and the intonation was off at several frets. And the tuning machines were very cheaply made and difficult to tune and or hold a tune.

I understand your desire to try before you buy. Maybe a "looking for " ad in some publications or at online sites in NZ may reveal one in country that is of a good quality.

It's nice to hear from you, Simon!  Your dulcimer is very nice in appearance compared to many I've seen.  It's good that you've been learning on it. 

I personally would advise against purchasing a Roosebeck dulcimer because the build quality varies so much.  They're made in Pakistan, and can be quite nice or quite awful, according to reports I've seen.

Thank you, Ken and Richard, for your messages of welcome.  It's good to be back! 

Yes, I do have a question, for anyone who can help.   I am looking to upgrade my old dulcimer.  It's called a Coventry dulcimer and I have attached a picture of it.  I have had it for over 10 years.  It's been good to learn on, but it's rather clunky compared to many that I've heard on-line.  I've attended quite a few Quarantune workshops over the past few years and have heard some very sweet-sounding instruments.

I live in New Zealand and there is very limited choice here.  So far I have only found one music store in the country that sells mountain dulcimers and they just have 2 Roosebecks!   Does anyone know anything about this make?  They are priced at NZ$449 (approx US$275).  I am still making enquiries within NZ. 

I guess the alternative is to look overseas - I have had a brief look on the McSpadden web site and ebay - but then I have to pay for shipping and I really want to try before buying.  I will probably be travelling back to the UK, my country of birth, next year, so perhaps I should wait until then.  I don't want to pay a massive amount - I'm not that good a player - but if I could get something better than my current instrument I think it would encourage me in my playing.  I tend to play in fits and starts, depending on my mood. 

I purchased the Tabledit software a couple of years ago and am using this to tab some of my favourite songs.  I find this helpful, but it can become rather stereotyped.  I end up tabbing slightly different versions of the same song!  I am a big fan of Stephen Seifert and like his intuitive and improvisational approach to playing.  

Glad you rejoined Simond. Welcome once again to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Jump right in and join in the discussions as ask questions as you have them. And be sure to ask questions. We are here to support one another.

Welcome back to FOTMD, Simond. Glad to have you here again. I look forward to seeing you participate in these discussions. 

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."