I am about fret my 5th build, but want to make it a 4 string dulcimer, fretting and tuning . I have no musical knowledge but I think the high and low strings are tuned to G; my question is what should the other be tuned to?
Also do they normally have 2 high strings ?
Replies
Just got a Merlin tuned DADD. Should I get a different set of strings for best results if I want to tune it down to GDGG?
Would I need different strings if I want to use a slide much of the time?
Had to look it up to find out what a Merlin is, but I think the answer is "Yes" regardless of the instrument.
I've found that I can usually tune a string a step higher than it's made for without breaking it or a step lower without it getting too slack and buzzy. In other words, your low D string can go down as far as C without causing trouble, but below that you should probably get something heavier. Same with the other strings--don't go down more than one letter name.
I've been looking at pictures of a "Seagull MERLIN" at Elderly.com. Looks like a dulcimer fretboard. You should be able to tune DADD and play in the keys of D Major, G Major, and E minor--so you probably don't really need to re-string for GDGG. Tune it down a step to CGCC and you could play in C Major, F Major, and D Minor. Tune it up a step to EBEE and you can play in E Major, A Major, and F# Minor.
There are lots of Dulcimer Method books published. Search around for one that emphasizes playing chords. (Some dulcimer purists claim chords are a bad thing.)
Slide playing sounds interesting. (personally, I love slide on unfretted instruments), but the fretted instrument I'm looking at probably has lots of possibilities beyond what you can do with a slide.
Sorry for long message. Wish you lots of pleasure with your new instrument...
Thank you very much
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/dulciworld
Lots of examples and ideas there!
You can even double up on all the strings (like Dd-Aa-dd') on your next dulcimer. I've made a few of those and they are a real pleasure to play.
The trick I found is to be sure the string pairs are close enough together to be easily fretted at the same time. Easy to do if you have bigger fingers. Little girly fingers like mine, not so much. But also not so close together as to buzz!
Diane
Thanks for the reply. I am new to this so please excuse the silly question, but are the string pairs in separate tuning pegs?
IMG_0405.JPG
each string has its own tuning peg
Thanks.
Dulcimers are essentially tuned in a power chord...1511...translates to the following...GDgg...CGcc...EBee...AEaa...DAdd.
The two small strings are drones...and can be reduced to one string to make a strum stick-style instrument. Can be done with cigar box for body...or like this one (one of three I've made) with a traditional body/neck.
Depending on the scale, you can tune it G - D - GG, with a pair or unison strings for the high "double course", tuned an octave higher than the low string.
most common dulcimer tunnings are DAA and DAD. There are usually 2 melody strings, the middle and the bass. If you know your scale length you can use a fret calculator for dulcimer and get fret measurements. Put it all together and you'll have a great instrument that's easy to play.