banjoboy
Dulci-Psaltery (0 - 10 Posts)
Posts: 4
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Post by banjoboy on Jun 1, 2009 6:04:50 GMT 1
Questions before I dive into dulcimermania: 1) Is a four string dulcimer a good choice for a beginner? 2) Any tonal difference between teardrop and hourglass? 3) Does anyone make an entry level (inexpensive) dulcimer with f holes instead of hearts? What's your recommendation re: the best instructional material for someone who's had absolutely no experience with a dulcimer? Thanks for your help.
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banjoboy
Dulci-Psaltery (0 - 10 Posts)
Posts: 4
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Post by banjoboy on Jun 11, 2009 20:06:40 GMT 1
I posted this thread ten days ago and have yet to receive a response. Perhaps you're all hammered dulcimer players and have no interest in mountain style. Or, no one's interested in helping a dulcimer neophyte. In either case, I'm sorry if I've wasted your time.
Banjoboy
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dulcimike
Dulci-Mt-D (140 - 160 Posts)
Posts: 155
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Post by dulcimike on Jun 12, 2009 0:44:25 GMT 1
I, myself, am a hammered dulcimer player, so I don't know the answer to your questions. It's been really, really slow on here recently, so don't let the lack of response get you down. When they surface again, there will be someone who can answer your questions. I have no idea where they are, but I know they haven't been on here a lot recently.  |
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banjoboy
Dulci-Psaltery (0 - 10 Posts)
Posts: 4
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Post by banjoboy on Jun 12, 2009 19:10:09 GMT 1
Thanks Dulcimike. At least I know there's someone out there! By the way, hammered dulcimers are great. I'm just intimidated by their relative complexity. Also, portability is an issue. But, they've got a wonderful sound!
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dulcimike
Dulci-Mt-D (140 - 160 Posts)
Posts: 155
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Post by dulcimike on Jun 12, 2009 23:25:31 GMT 1
Thanks Dulcimike. At least I know there's someone out there! By the way, hammered dulcimers are great. I'm just intimidated by their relative complexity. Also, portability is an issue. But, they've got a wonderful sound! Well, HDs are completely different beasties than MDs. And the complexity is only apparent, not real - once you know how it's laid out. Portability can be an issue with HDs, moreso than with MDs. |
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Post by Dick Glasgow on Jun 13, 2009 9:12:42 GMT 1
Perhaps it's your forum name here ....... well, you know how much folks Love the Banjo! ;D But seriously, I'm a complete beginner on the Mt D, so I'm not much help to you & was really hoping that some of our resident experts would respond to your questions. However, while you are waiting to hear from them, I'll throw in my 2 cents worth. 1) Is a four string dulcimer a good choice for a beginner?I'd say it's a great instrument to get started on. It's the one I have & I'm finding it very easy to pick out melodies on it & not a problem to tune. I'd say more strings probably give you more options, but also more problems & I'm a great believer in trying to walk before I run. 2) Any tonal difference between teardrop and hourglass? Sorry, but I have absolutely no idea as I've only played the hourglass type. 3) Does anyone make an entry level (inexpensive) dulcimer with f holes instead of hearts?There are so many different soundhole designs out there that I would be very surprised if the shape of the sound holes made any difference to the sound of the instrument ... but I could be wrong. 4) What's your recommendation re: the best instructional material for someone who's had absolutely no experience with a dulcimer?I'd say, try & find someone nearby who actually plays the darn thing, that's probably the fast track method to playing. So, like I say, not much help, but at least you have a couple of answers. Cheers Dick P.S. I've also asked your questions over on the Everything Dulcimer website, so if you follow this link, you can check that thread for replies. Four questions from a 'would be' player.In any case, you should be a member of that forum, as it's the natural Internet home, for anyone interested in playing the Dulcimers.  |
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banjoboy
Dulci-Psaltery (0 - 10 Posts)
Posts: 4
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Post by banjoboy on Jun 15, 2009 7:06:59 GMT 1
Thanks for the info and referral. Sorry about my forum name. But, for those of you who cringe at the sound of a banjo, here's a great joke: What's the difference between a trampoline and a banjo? Answer:
You take your shoes off before you jump on a trampoline! Thanks again for the help!
Banjoboy
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dulcimike
Dulci-Mt-D (140 - 160 Posts)
Posts: 155
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Post by dulcimike on Jun 15, 2009 18:05:07 GMT 1
Ah, I walk towards a good banjo. And I walk towards bagpipes, as well. Ptarm does, too. |
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Post by Dick Glasgow on Jun 15, 2009 20:07:32 GMT 1
... only because I'm getting a little deaf, in my old age! ;D
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dulcimike
Dulci-Mt-D (140 - 160 Posts)
Posts: 155
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Post by dulcimike on Jun 16, 2009 1:13:51 GMT 1
... only because I'm getting a little deaf, in my old age! ;D You're hearing hasn't gotten worse since I've known you. |
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Post by Dick Glasgow on Jun 16, 2009 8:30:53 GMT 1
PARDON? 
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Post by Dick Glasgow on Jun 16, 2009 18:58:57 GMT 1
Maybe not, but my eyesight certainly has! ;D
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dulcimike
Dulci-Mt-D (140 - 160 Posts)
Posts: 155
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Post by dulcimike on Jun 16, 2009 23:35:15 GMT 1
Maybe not, but my eyesight certainly has! ;D Yeah, I see  what you're sayin'.  OK, now back to our regularly-scheduled program...... |
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what you're sayin'.