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Post by earwighoney on Jan 26, 2014 10:06:54 GMT
There was some discussion about dulcimers recently, and I came across this video which I thought might be of some interest.
Audio of the instrument from 1.08.
Good value too for a Canadian built instrument.
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davewhite
Luthier / Guitar Maker
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Post by davewhite on Jan 26, 2014 10:53:08 GMT
Shubbs, Interesting. I still think that they are missing a trick if you really want the dulcimer sound and that is to reverse the strings so that you hit the trebles first. That's what gives that dulcimer sound in my view. It would make it a little trickier for a guitarist to play though in terms of chord fingering but as the man on the video says - there are no wrong notes Maybe I'll just have to make one my way and see how it turns out
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Post by earwighoney on Jan 26, 2014 11:19:21 GMT
Interesting. I still think that they are missing a trick if you really want the dulcimer sound and that is to reverse the strings so that you hit the trebles first. That's what gives that dulcimer sound in my view. It would make it a little trickier for a guitarist to play though in terms of chord fingering but as the man on the video says - there are no wrong notes Maybe I'll just have to make one my way and see how it turns out *coughs* I think you should build a 12 string guitar before that! You are still planning to a build a Stella alike and a flamenco for this year?
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davewhite
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Post by davewhite on Jan 26, 2014 11:26:33 GMT
You are still planning to a build a Stella alike That one may be next year - I want to see how the Port Orford Cedar wood from the tree I had cut down seasons this year.
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Post by earwighoney on Jan 26, 2014 11:39:12 GMT
That one may be next year - I want to see how the Port Orford Cedar wood from the tree I had cut down seasons this year. Ah, that wonderful tree in your front garden! Are you planning to use the POC as the soundboard or the back/sides for the flamenco? Are the logs big enough for a 2 piece back or will it be 3 or 4? I saw a guitar made all from POC (aside from the fretboard) once, it can even be used for the neck! Shame there are so few trees left in Northern America, where POC tree numbers have been hit by funguses...
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davewhite
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Posts: 3,544
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Post by davewhite on Jan 26, 2014 12:10:16 GMT
Shubbs, We'll see how it goes as it gets cut (when it stops raining ) but amongst other sets I'm hoping there will be a two piece top and back plus sides neck and linings from "The De Faoite Tree".
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Post by slasher on Jan 28, 2014 13:55:46 GMT
At one session I attend there is a chap who plays a twin neck guitar-style Appalachian dulcimer. I don't know where he got it. At another session there is another Appalachian player who builds and plays his own. Also we have a hammered dulcimer player. Same surname, but totally different instrument, like a nude piano!
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davewhite
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Post by davewhite on Jan 28, 2014 15:46:40 GMT
At one session I attend there is a chap who plays a twin neck guitar-style Appalachian dulcimer. If it's like one of these they are called Courting Dulcimers. They were played face to face, you on one side and your sweetheart on the other side - sweet:
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leoroberts
C.O.G.
Posts: 24,554
My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Jan 28, 2014 16:15:58 GMT
Audio of the instrument from 1.08. Good value too for a Canadian built instrument. $129 Canadian .... £159 GBP ... that's some added cost for shipping that GAK have added! More or less doubled the price!
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Post by slasher on Jan 29, 2014 11:56:00 GMT
No Dave, the twin necked dulcimer I know of has both necks at the same end just like a twin necked guitar. He plays it standing up. I might see this player/instrument this week-end. I'll try to remember to take my camera, and then try to figure how to post a picture! That Courting Dulcimer looks beautiful. What a nice sociable idea!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2014 13:22:21 GMT
Shubbs, Interesting. I still think that they are missing a trick if you really want the dulcimer sound and that is to reverse the strings so that you hit the trebles first. That's what gives that dulcimer sound in my view. It would make it a little trickier for a guitarist to play though in terms of chord fingering but as the man on the video says - there are no wrong notes Maybe I'll just have to make one my way and see how it turns out Your way makes a lot more sense to me, Dave, especially as some of the common dulcimer chords are achievable played flat on the lap but really difficult to reach played upright. I know, because I just tried them out. I have to admit that while I worked up a number of things using chords on the dulcimer I sometimes wonder wonder why I did it, as they all sound rather astringent and seem to cry out to be played on an instrument with more tonal range. For me the solo dulcimer only really comes into its own with its traditional sing and drone sound, with maybe a simple passing chord or two but no more than that.
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Post by slasher on Feb 3, 2014 13:34:54 GMT
I was at a session last night and saw the twin-necked dulcimer. Forgot my camera (senior moment). Asked about the instrument. It was made by Hugh Scullion of Scunthorpe. The top neck strings are tuned to G and the bottom neck to D. The owner very often plays with a ceilidh band where these keys are commonly used within one dance tune set. Tom Bliss plays a single neck version. It seems to be known as a Strummer.
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