r/Dulcimer

Instrument for Playing in a (Recreational) String Group

I've heard people play Mountain Dulcimers in the "drone + noter" as well as the "chord crawler" ways -- I'm in a mostly-ukulele group that welcomes other stringed instruments as well (recreational group playing music in different genres, written out as "words with chord callouts"). I'm thinking of getting (or even building) a Mountain Dulcimer, and would like to ask the r/ if this is a good choice of instrument for this (mostly "power chords"), or if I should go with something like a 3-string guitar in GBE tuning?

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u/PlasticBubbleGuy — 5 days ago

How old is this dulcimer?

This was my first dulcimer, bought about 10 years ago from a thrift store. I’m wanting to donate it to some kind of Appalachian historical society as it’s no longer playable, but I need some opinions on the age so I can give them specifics. It was clearly handmade, but there are no initials, stickers, or any kind of marking anywhere to denote maker or serial number. It has the original metal friction tuners, but I had the replace the plastic pieces when I first bought it. It has just 3 nails acting as endpins, and as you can see the pin for the high Ds has shifted due to the tension. My guess is it was made in 40’s-50’s but any opinions at all would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone has any thoughts about what kinds of wood it’s made of. Thanks in advance!

u/mt2578 — 6 days ago
▲ 14 r/Dulcimer+1 crossposts

Need more help making my dulcimer

I recently placed a Reddit post about this and got a great starting point. I'm using a cookie tin as a soundbox and have already bought some parts so now I need the details. how long do I make the neck so it's easy to calculate the distances of the frets how do I attach the neck to the soundbox I have ball end strings so how do I make sure the strings are secured how do I make the bridge and the nut plz help

u/Beginning_One_9290 — 8 days ago