What are the different kinds of dulcimers?
What are the different kinds of dulcimers?
The two main types of dulcimers heard today are the hammered dulcimer and the mountain dulcimer. These have evolved into two completely different instruments, but their precursors are the same instruments used for centuries in other cultures.
How do I choose a mountain dulcimer?
Finding and buying a mountain dulcimer is a matter of looking and listening carefully: ask around, listen to various players. Look for a solid wood instrument; ask about its finish, request geared tuners, check its action, and sight down the top of the fingerboard to make sure its dead flat.
How many different dulcimers are there?
There are three clearly distinct sizes of dulcimers: standard, dulcimette (octave-higher dulcimer), and bass (octave-lower dulcimer). I will discuss these sizes focusing on string length, the distance from the nut to the bridge, as the most important element.
How hard is it to play the mountain dulcimer?
The Dulcimer Is Easy to Play The dulcimer has only three strings, so it is easier to play than a guitar, banjo, mandolin, or fiddle. It is also not as hard to push the strings down as it is on a guitar. You do not have to be able to read music to play the dulcimer. Some people can pick out tunes by ear.
Is the dulcimer easy to learn?
Dulcimers are the easiest stringed instrument for beginners to play, ideal for children and non-musicians who want to play tunes or accompany singing. Dulcimers are a relatively quiet instrument. Their sweet quiet sound is well-suited to personal relaxation or playing in a cozy environment.
Is hammer dulcimer hard to learn?
Hammered dulcimer is one of the most satisfying instruments to learn because it’s easy to make a pleasant sound right from the beginning. You can start at any age, and you can have fun with it even if you don’t know any music theory and have never played an instrument before.
What’s the difference between a hammered and a mountain dulcimer?
People use the word “dulcimer” to refer both to the hammered dulcimer and to the mountain dulcimer. Hammered dulcimer is the type we make, and it is played by striking the strings with a pair of special mallets called hammers. Mountain dulcimer looks more like a guitar (often hourglass-shaped) and is played by fretting and strumming the strings.
Which is the best dulcimer for a beginner?
The Apple Creek ACD100 is also a great beginner, or “student” dulcimer… Which, in other words, simply means its made of cheaper materials, such as the laminated wood for example… Which is still more resistant than the cardboard used in the previous model.
How do you play a hammered dulcimer guitar?
Hammered dulcimer is the type we make, and it is played by striking the strings with a pair of special mallets called hammers. Mountain dulcimer looks more like a guitar (often hourglass-shaped) and is played by fretting and strumming the strings.
How big is the fingerboard on a mountain dulcimer?
It comes with 4 strings and heart-shaped sound holes on the mahogany body for enhanced resonance. The strumming area is scalloped to help players make the most of the 15-fret fingerboard. With a scale length of 26.5 inches and a weight of 4 lbs, the FL-220 will be as playable as any other decent model.
