Here's an overview shot. Notice I have only 3 of the 4 strings strung up. I broke one of the melody strings trying to tune up to G-D-gg. So, right now, it's tuned to D-A-d. It sounds a bit tinny due to the banjo strings. Will likely try guitar strings next.
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The sides, finger board and headstock of my MD are made of cherry trim wood, which is sold in strips 3cm wide, 0.5cm thick and 2.2 meters long. It's the best material I have found so far in my local for building instruments. The sound board and bottom board are made out of the same old 2mm plywood veneer, which I turn over and use the back side on. So, actually the materials are pretty cheap and certainly not instrument grade. But they seem to make a pretty good sound box in what ever shape I build them.
Sound wise, with banjo strings it sounds a bit too tinny, so I'm planning to try guitar strings. So far my cats don't seem to mind. But one cat is a bit nervous whenever it sees me carrying such a big box into the room. My two cats have opposite reactions when someone comes to the door. Our white cat always comes to the door to see who it is, while our black cat scurries away and hides. The black cat is the one that gets visibly nervous when I come in with my MD.
Really nice... How does it sound? I tried to make a cigarbox dulcimer - it sounded like a cat being hit with bagpipes :-) back to the work bench with that one i think.
Comments
Hi Uncle John & Flatfoot Johnny:
Thanks for the encouraging words.
The sides, finger board and headstock of my MD are made of cherry trim wood, which is sold in strips 3cm wide, 0.5cm thick and 2.2 meters long. It's the best material I have found so far in my local for building instruments. The sound board and bottom board are made out of the same old 2mm plywood veneer, which I turn over and use the back side on. So, actually the materials are pretty cheap and certainly not instrument grade. But they seem to make a pretty good sound box in what ever shape I build them.
Sound wise, with banjo strings it sounds a bit too tinny, so I'm planning to try guitar strings. So far my cats don't seem to mind. But one cat is a bit nervous whenever it sees me carrying such a big box into the room. My two cats have opposite reactions when someone comes to the door. Our white cat always comes to the door to see who it is, while our black cat scurries away and hides. The black cat is the one that gets visibly nervous when I come in with my MD.
-Rand.