3 or 4 strings Mountain Dulcimer | Answering your Questions

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

12:39 Adding the 4th string is great for more advanced players. The MaxDAD goes a step further & we have 5 strings tuned DADAD which is quite rich.

[@wilhelmseleorningcniht9410]

just decoration wise by the way, that dulcimer is absolutely beautiful. The sound holes and engravings are really cool, I've always found the little heart shaped holes to be a quite charming feature of many dulcimers

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade There are 6 string Dulcimers too w/ 3 pairs of strings (2 Unison Pairs & an Octave pair on the Low D) & you play it like a Regular 3 or 4 string Dulcimer but the Doubled Strings throughout makes it sound even richer. Those are easier to play w/ Jumbo Frets.

[@juliesaint-pierre7588]

God bless you for the good teaching

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade For 4 strings, I'd suggest using super big frets

[@joereed2425]

Thank U for your knowledge. I've picked a banjo since 1962..60 years as of today. Live in Johnson City TN ( Wagon Wheel ? ) 😎 The lady who taught me ...she and her husband use to travel with the Carter Family performing at schools, churches, and yes..barn dances until her husband got sick with tuberculosis in the early 1930's therefore the 2 of them had to stop performing so she could take care of him which was 90% incurable in the 1930's. She charged $3.00 for an hour and drew all her instructions out on her notebook paper, banging on her open back 1925 year banjo, dipping chewing tobacco or snuff as she taught. She was maybe 5 foot tall. She was always full of great stories about her, her husband, and other performers that they " opened for " such as Papa Stoneman and his family out of Galax, VA, as well as the great Jimmy Rogers as he performed in the East TN, Western N.C. and Virginia area before he became famous, etc. I still go to the Carter Cold Musical Barn located in Hilton's VA which was established by A.P. CARTER'S children Joe, Jenett, and Rita. This was the last place Johnny Cash performed...knowing his life was coming to an end and he had his son John Carter drive him from Nashville to Hilton's one weekend. Johnny died a few weeks later but he wanted to perform one more time in the location where it all started. As I recall my teacher...Mrs. Mary Myers said it took most the day for the Carter to drive 19 miles from Hilton's to Bristol for the Ralph Peer big bang recordings of the Bristol Sessions. In closing several of the songs I learned as a 12 year old were Carter's songs which Mrs Myers know we're popular...Will the circle be unbroken, Wildwood Flower, and others. WHAT A MARVELOUS TIME BACK IN THOSE DAYS😁 U take care and again thank u for what u do to help others learn music. Joe Reed Johnson City TN 423.367.4478 Phone anytime if u want to hear ole time music stories that I can fill u in on Thanks Again !

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thank you Joe for that beautiful story!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade Since I've decided to add a 4th string on my Dulcimer (which is an Electrified Chromatic Mountain Dulcimer), I had to switch to lighter string gauges & lower the action. But to make it a bit easier to play, I tuned mine down a step from DAD to CGC & that worked out great because I'm having issues singing the high notes.

[@jeannineeuckert6661]

This was information I had been trying to find for a few months now. Thanks!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade Actually the nut & bridge of 4 string Folk Craft Dulcimers is slotted to allow for a Doubled Melody String as well as 4 strings Equidistant spaced which is also pretty rad.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade I think 5 strings (MaxDAD) in Chromatic version gives ultimate versatility plus it can be strummed.

[@thewhiskeycowboy-official]

I like the sound of both 3 and 4. I have a 3 string. And it is pretty old school with simple scroll head and friction tuning peg. As such I really can't switch from 3 to 4 without adding another tuning peg. But for folks ordering a dulcimer I would always recommend ordering the 4 string and getting both the 3 and 4 string nuts/bridges (as you point out). It just allows for more options. As for finger pain... I never had any issues with that with a dulcimer. It's far more prevalent with an acoustic guitar. That said, indeed there are many styles of playing. Strumming with droning, finger style, pressing the strings with your fingers or even using a "slide". I tend to do a mix of these.... though not lately. I am refinishing and revitalizing my dulcimer at this very point in time. Dulcimers are such an overlooked and underused part of Americana and music. But they are super portable, and I love playing "modern" songs on them as well as the classics. Mix it up! Keep playing and keep the videos rolling! Cheers!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

If you do go w/ 4 strings, I'd suggest Jumbo Frets

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade For 4 strings, I'd recommend using Jumbo Frets

[@mikebadilla6970]

More to learn Thank You

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade I wonder how the 4 String Equidistant Setup will sound? I think it's always worth a try on LapJo

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade The interchangeable nuts & bridges makes this pretty rad.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Agree!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade Also with 4 strings they're easier to play w/ Jumbo Frets as it moves the strings alot closer to the fretboard. Jumbo Frets also tend to make playing easier especially w/ a Radiused Fretboard.

[@BanjoLemonade]

@ oh yes jumbo frets are super nice. I have them on 2 of my dulcimers. So nice

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade I'd imagine that Jumbo Frets would make a big difference in how playing on 4 strings feels because it moves the strings closer to the frets so you don't have to push down as hard.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade The Chromatic MaxDAD is great for fingepicking, & strumming too making it versatile. The Center Bass String acts as the "Pivot String" so you can change octaves.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade The 5 string Dulcimer is called a MaxDAD which has 5 single strings tuned DADAD (2 Octave D Power Chord). The 3rd String acts as a "Pivot string" so you can change Octaves when playing music. Something super cool.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade For 4 strings they suggest having Jumbo Frets because they allow for an easier action

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

I upgraded to 4 string dulcimer but I have Jumbo frets to help w/ fretting.

[@joeshea1010]

thank you

[@goodhandsofE]

Hi !! I just purchased a beautiful handmade dulcimer!! I'm 63, and I've wanted one since I was 8. It's 3 string, and I'm so excited. But intimidated. Lol

[@BanjoLemonade]

@@goodhandsofE You will love it! Have fun.

[@goodhandsofE]

@@BanjoLemonade ill be watching videos . I just ordered an electronic tuner and other suggestions

[@harrykey2448]

Thank you for the video.

[@dulcimama]

I play with 3 strings, but if I wanted to occasionally play with 4 I think I’d add a parking peg for the 4th string. I’m enjoying your videos, thank you.

[@-jank-willson]

I think it would be awesome to have a 'walking' dulcimer/dulcitar in 6 equidistant strings (6 courses, NOT paired) just like a guitar, so if you already new how to play a song on a guitar, you could just pick it up and play it 1-for-1

[@GarlandCoulson]

Thank you for this video. Like you, I feel I get better sound with only the three strings so I removed my fourth.

[@a1wireless1964]

Love your videos, can you please do a series on 5 string dulcimers

[@BanjoLemonade]

I would but I don’t have a 5 string yet. One day I will.

[@a1wireless1964]

@BanjoLemonade I was lucky enough to pick up a John Maxwell. They didn't know what they had… They were trying to play it like a regular ddulcimer. (It's designed to be a noter style).

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade The 5 string Dulcimer is called a MaxDAD & what makes it really cool is that the 3rd String acts as a "Pivot String" so you can change your octave between the Bass Octave & Standard Octave.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade I think 4 strings would be easier to play w/ Jumbo Frets as opposed to regular sized frets because the Larger Frets allow the strings to sit closer to the fretboard.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

MaxDAD is even larger in versatility & has lots of sustain.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade Try 4 String Equidistant Next because you get to have 4 strings & they're equally spaced.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

For 4 strings it makes sense to use Jumbo Frets

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade I'm planning on Purchasing a Custom made Chromatic Electric MaxDAD Dulcimer so I can prove to you that it's great for strumming & not just for fingerpicking.

[@BanjoLemonade]

ok great let me know when you get it.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade I just have to save up my money & get it custom built.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade That'll totally ROCK.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade The 4 string Dulcimer bridges and nuts are actually cut to where you can have either the doubled melody strings or 4 strings equadistsant which is pretty rad.

[@938quilt]

is there a video on how to change out nut/bridge? I was looking on folkcraft and looks like a lot of the ones already made are 3 tuners. the dulcimers I already have are double on the melody string(s) - just came that way. haven't played in a very long time but yikes I'd forgotten about the pain LOL!

[@BanjoLemonade]

On a Folkcraft instrument there is a slot to slide the nut and bridge into. Depending on your instrument it may be different. Sounds like your action height might be too high. I’ll link a video on how to lower it in a reply.

[@BanjoLemonade]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKm4fISurpd1rZY

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

For 4 strings I'd maybe tune down a half step to Db, Ab, Db

[@laciebolin7192]

I wondering about this same thing this morning. I just ordered a dulcimer from backyard music and had the 4th string put on. I kinda wished I knew this before I had ordered.

[@Cheesus4jesus]

Just take one of the melody strings off, it's easy.

[@thewhiskeycowboy-official]

@@Cheesus4jesus while true, the string spacing will be off. It will still play fine though. What folks can do is just replace the nut and bridge.(as she points out you can order both sets.. for 3 and for 4). I am revitalizing my mountain dulcimer and the maker was pretty sloppy so I am making my own new bridge and nut. It's pretty easy work.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@thewhiskeycowboy-official Or if you do go w/ 4 strings, try tuning down a step to CGC.

[@Fairy-door-78-86]

Mystery solved thank you .

[@Dan-rx3yh]

I looked for a dulcimer and a luthier in Brasstown NC told me that the forth string adds only about 10 percent more volume. He only builds 3 string but will build a for string.

[@BanjoLemonade]

@@Dan-rx3yh yeah this video is pretty old now, 4 years. Since this video I’ve only used 3. I live very near there.

[@kellysas312]

Mandy, which string would you recommend I remove - the one closest to me or the other one? I never even heard of a mountain dulcimer until our trip to Tennessee this past spring. I walked out of a store with one and have love it ever since. Your course has been so helpful. No instructors anywhere in my state in the midwest so than you so very much for helping us beginners!

[@BanjoLemonade]

Hey Kelly, if you can make it so you have an equal distance between each string. So remove whichever gets you closer to having all 3 an equal distance apart. Most times that would mean removing the inside one (towards the middle), but not always. Glad you are enjoying the course.

[@lanceriffle4841]

Another advantage 3 strings is the ability to do hammer ons and pull offs.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

4 strings work better on jumbo frets

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade For 4 Strings you need to switch to the lightest gauge of strings.

[@BanjoLemonade]

How long you been playing dulcimer Oscar?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade Couple of years (it's a Chromatic Version so I can play in every key) & w/ the 4 strings mine is tuned a half step lower to make it a bit easier to play. As a bonus the Half step down tuning makes it easier to sing the high notes.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade For 4 strings, lighter gauges might help.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade Hello are you there? It's black history month. John Pearse makes the lightest gauge dulcimer strings which are .009, .010, .012, .023w

[@Cheesus4jesus]

I've been searching for a strictly diatonic dulcimer besides my cardboard one. I've contacted several builders and haven't had any luck.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Folkcraft will build you whatever you like. - Tell them Mandy sent you.

[@jeannettemorrone5189]

For me I found removing the 4 th string made it less frustrating and it sure sounded cleaner. Awesome video!💕💕

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

If you do add the 4th string, I'd suggest tuning a few steps lower so instead of DAD, try B, F#, B.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade If you do add the 4th string, I would suggest Jumbo Frets

[@BanjoLemonade]

I’m not adding the 4th. I do play in all sorts of different tunings. I also play with heavier gauge strings. Only dulcimer I will use with double melody is a true diatonic fretted one.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade A 5 string MaxDAD Dulcimer (tuned DADAD) would be a new one to try next. Quite a large note range, & the 3rd string acts as a Pivot string.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade Actually a 4 string Dulcimer would be a bit easier to play if it was held like a Guitar (w/ thumb behind the neck) such as that Merlin. What if Folk Craft made Stick Dulcimers?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade Lighter strings allow for lower action & I was able to eliminate fret buzz by using jumbo frets made in Germany

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

BanjoLemonade How about a 5 string version called MaxDAD (DADAD)? That would be even more versatile even in a Chromatic Version.

[@BanjoLemonade]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 sure try it out

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade Having 5 strings gives you more range & flexibility. The Center Bass String (Middle String) acts as the Pivot String so you can change your Octave.

[@BanjoLemonade]

@ it’s not my thing because you don’t strum that (it’s more for fingerpickers and such)

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade Actually you can strum it too

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade The 5 String Maxdad Dulcimer also can be strummed, you'll get a sound that's much crisper & more Guitar-like. The Wound Strings are Roller-Wound (basically Brass-Flatwound Strings) to give them more Clarity so that the Low notes sound alot brighter instead of Muddy like they used to be.

[@blueykoala2687]

Mandy, I can I use Baritone strings on a "normal' Dulcimer

[@BanjoLemonade]

You risk wallowing out your string slots with the larger strings on your nut and bridge. Thicker strings (especially the bass string) needs to be higher off the fretboard to prevent buzzing normally. So I wouldn’t recommend it.

[@blueykoala2687]

@@BanjoLemonade Thanks so much for your quick reply. I'll leave mine as is, again thanks

[@-jank-willson]

@@BanjoLemonade @Bluey Koala I think you would have to make a custom dulcimer that could use those kind of strings

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade I've put Baritone strings on a Standard Dulcimer & they recommend changing the nut & bridge, which is why they actually included a special bridge & nut for those strings.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

My Dulcimer will be a 5 string MaxDAD

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The smallest Dulcimer is called Dulcimette

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Interchangeable Nuts & Bridges? That's something you don't hear every day.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Yes Folkcrafts are able to easily be changed

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade That is as Cool as Coconuts. I read online that 4 string Dulcimers often have the strings hover closer to the frets so that the doubled melody string is easier to press down w/ the lower action.

[@BanjoLemonade]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 - action height is more of an artists preference really. I know some who love high action at the back, I love it low all over.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade Generally speaking the Doubled Melody strings would be easier to press down if you either use lighter gauges or if the scale length is shorter. I think a shorter scale length would make 4 strings easier to play by lowering the tension by a huge amount.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@BanjoLemonade What would really help is if they made a Keyboard attachment for the Dulcimer so that w/ a 4 string dulcimer you could change the pitch by pressing the keys Like on a Nyckelharpa.