Dampers

[jt3d]

After having encountered a session with Dan Landrum, and getting more tutelage from Dulcimer Dan Gilvary in percussion hammering, I'm more determined than ever to end up some day with a HD fitted with dampers.

Strange thing is I've talked to Russell Cook about this - I have a Masterworks 15/14. He says that they only put dampers his 16/15Cs. I realize he is into volume (albeit quality volume - Russell stands behind ALL of his instruments), it looks as though he would try and develop dampers for his 15/14s as well, since they are also a very popular item. Could it be that hard to design these on a slightly smaller scale for the 15/14? Are there any individual builders out there that anyone knows of that would do dampers for a Masterworks 15/14? Or am I just going to have to wait years to be able to afford a HD with dampers?

[gypsy]

I have been coveting the Masterworks damper system, since we started adding bluegrass. But since i have both the recording dulcimer, and the travel out of the house performing dulcimer, need two sets. And a mortgage on my car to afford same. Has anyone out there used his system? I sure like the looks and portability of it better than the Dusty Strings system.

[Dick Glasgow]

In my search for a new Dulcimer I did ask about Dampers but the general thought seemed to be that they weren't actually needed on 15/14s & smaller instruments.

However, I'm sure if you want, you can make just as much NOISE on a 15/14 as a 16/16 or larger, so I suspect that the reason they don't do them for those instruments, is just to keep the costs down, rather than because of lack of volume.

To be honest though, I have never seen a Dulcimer with a damper system fitted, except on video, but I must say, they look like a very useful piece of kit.

I had assumed though that these systems were pretty straightforward so just guessed they were all the same, so it's interesting to hear that the MW one if very different from, & superior (in your opinion) to the Dusty Strings one.

I'll be interested to read other folks views on these systems.

Cheers
Dick

[gypsy]

I've seen the Dusty strings method, and even tried it. If your dulcimer lives in ONE place, and never moves, it works very well. But my dulcimers are peripetic, and must needs be quick to set up and case. So, i really covet Russells system.

[jt3d]

Funny how small the world is - when I posted this on the ED site, my Bowed Dulcimer builder, Ken Bloom, responded in a PM that he can put dampers on my Masterworks - he's done it before and said it shouldn't be too hard! I am to take it over to his house so he can look at it and give me an estimate. He lives only 16 miles from me!

[cooper]

Dampers? YUCK! That is about as natural as putting pedels on harps

Are you sure you want to put dampers on such a small dulcimer? They seem to only be effective for dulcimers that have a good low range (like D500 or something that low).

[gypsy]

They would be really cool for some of the bluegrass stuff we do. And Pat Kelly gets an amazing sound using his dampers........they are integral to his style, much as the hammers are.

[lynngehringer]

Knowing that I will be upgrading (hopefully next year, if at all possible), I spoke with a dealer about the Masterwork's Russell Cook SE but without dampers. I really like the dampers but really cannot justify the cost as I will (for the next couple of years) will only be able to attend two festivals a year and there are no groups in our area, so I will only be playing for my own enjoyment and with the worship team at my church.

A friend from my online prayer group sent me a cd of hammered dulcimer tunes (which is wonderful) and is played on a chromatic dulcimer with a huge range (I wish it had been identified) with dampers which were used frequently. This has made me really want them now. I shall save my pennies and when I am ready to upgrade, I will see just what I can afford.

[Dick Glasgow]

Just for the record Lynn, did you ever see a Rick Thum with Dampers fitted?

I know there is a fair old kick from the bass strings on my 17/17, but I doubt if it has enough sustain to really justify fitting dampers.

Have you any idea what Rick thinks about dampers anyway?

Maybe he plays soooooo fast that he just wouldn't have time to use them! ;D

Cheers
Dick

[lynngehringer]

I do not believe that Rick uses dampers and have not seen one of his with them. He would have no use for them. I heard he is coming out with some new model by his "salesperson" at Evart but have no idea what it might be. Did you note, I have added my picture to your gallery?

[gypsy]

Lynn, you will LOVE the RCE dulcimer. Mine have been terrific....very stable, wonderful tone. But i still covet those dampers.........need to raise the price for our gigs! lOL!

[lynngehringer]

The RCE is considered by many to be the "Cadillac" of dulcimers here. I hope I will be able to get one, maybe next year. As I am just starting out, this is not urgent, but I love those dampers! With you performing, the cost can be justified, but still, even playing for myself, why shoukd I deny myself such a pleasure. I spend little on other things so when the time comes, dampers will probably be on mine.

My husband does woodworking in his spare time and has access to plenty of good wood and he makes my hammers and stands, so I don't have that expense. I have finger problems, so I have to hold the hammers in my hand, rather than just my fingers, so they have to have the flat top so he is able to make whatever I want. I just have him make them out of a single wood and pad some of them. They may not be as pretty as some, but they sound great and cost me nothing.

[Dick Glasgow]

Hey guys, is this what your talking about? Master Works Dampers System

[Nikita]

Strange that : here in switzerland we've been using that type of pedal for ages : my first hackbrett (t'was a Christian Schwander one) had that pedal, fitted with bicycle brakes wires. great thing : you can put your pedal anywhere. Marc Ramser makes a double-pedal system : one pedal just for the bass courses, and one for the treble. His dampers come from underneath the strings, not on top like the masterwork : prettier, I think. I must say I'm amazed at the price : 600 bucks... even for us so-called rich swiss, that's real expensive....

[lynngehringer]

Yep, that would be it.