Comparison of Master Works Hammered Dulcimers | Presented by Joshua Messick & Russell Cook

Joshua Messick & Russell Cook present an in-depth comparison of the hammered dulcimer models handcrafted by Master Works. The video includes detailed specs, build technologies, design methods, & sound samples of the Pioneer, Ultralight, Russell Cook Edition, Russell Cook Edition Extended Range & DulciForte hammered dulcimers.
|| How to Order
Please help support this channel by purchasing from Joshua. Your instrument will ship brand-new from the Master Works workshop. To order and receive more information, contact Joshua at JoshuaMessick.com.
|| Download Buyer’s Guide
bit.ly/PDFBuyersGuide
|| Download Hi-Fi Sound Samples
bit.ly/SoundSamples
|| Pioneer vs. Ultralight: An In-Depth Comparison
• Pioneer vs. Ultralight...
The information in this video is cumulative. To learn the most about each model, please watch the entire video.
CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:21 Buyer's Guide
00:00:50 Fireside Chat
00:01:58 Side-by-Side Sound Comparison
00:03:18 How to Order
00:04:33 Pioneer Information
00:08:49 Pioneer Sound Sample
00:09:47 Ultralight Information
00:17:17 Ultralight Sound Sample
00:18:23 Russell Cook Edition Information
00:25:39 Russell Cook Edition Sound Sample
00:26:31 Russell Cook Edition Extended Range Information
00:34:35 Russell Cook Edition Extended Range Sound Sample
00:36:01 DulciForte Information
00:44:07 DulciForte Sound Sample
00:46:34 Ordering Assistance

[@JoshuaMessick]

Hello, KZbin! I'd love to hear from you -- if you have any comments or questions, please comment. You are the best!

[@bearnkat]

I am so glad, I found this video comparison. I just talked to Tyler at MasterWorks about ordering an instrument for pickup in July. I've been wanting a MasterWorks dulcimer for decades.

[@JoshuaMessick]

That is wonderful to hear! So glad you found the video helpful!

[@patrickyokley5529]

A year and a half ago I wanted to learn to play this and I spent many weeks listening to the various players online and the tones I heard from yours and Ted Yoder's instruments were always the most pleasing to my ears. After a bit of watching and seeing the logos on both were from them, I purchased a MasterWorks Pioneer (Cranberry Stain). I'm still not good, but I can play music and I love the sound.

[@JoshuaMessick]

P Yokley Thanks for sharing this story with me, P-Yok! Keep up the great work with your Pioneer. Congratulations!

[@JordanMitchellOnTheWeb]

Well, Joshua, your music has inspired me to actually try playing this thing. As a complete and utter beginner who's always been enamored with the sound of the hammered dulcimer (but never played any instrument aside from a few strums of the mountain dulcimer), I just couldn't help myself anymore after listening through your work. (Many times). So my student model arrived on Friday a long 3 weeks after placing an order. I'm absolutely enthralled. This is a great tour of the Master Works product lineup and though I won't be starting out with one of theirs, it's never too soon to start thinking ahead :) Greetings from just over the watershed in Swannanoa!

[@JoshuaMessick]

Wow, thanks so much Jordan! I'm honored to hear my music played a role in your new musical adventure with the hammered dulcimer. So sorry it took me a while to get back with you. I'm recording a new solo album, and I've been taking a break from KZbin/social media to focus on the recording. When you're ready for your Master Works instrument, please keep me in mind, ok? I'd love to have your support. Also, I hope to see you at a concert, someday soon. All the best, Joshua

[@jessecerasus9621]

Hey guys! It is a real pleasure to know both of you. I love people who dedicates themselves like you do to your passion. Keep on the good work and there might be a Master Works Dulcimer resonating in the extreme north of the Appalachians, the Gaspé peninsula, my home. Cheers.

[@JoshuaMessick]

Thanks, Jerré! If you'd like my help getting a dulcimer, you're welcomed to reach out to me at JoshuaMessick.com.

[@spineloccio5394]

Joshua, Great interview! I hope y’all enjoyed the first snowfall. We had snow for about four hours on Saturday before everything melted. Still shopping my JRS...hopefully!

[@JoshuaMessick]

Thank you for watching! The first snowfall didn’t last long- just enough to dust everything. I’m not complaining :) When the time is right for you to play a DulciForte, everything will come together.

[@codylanham1846]

Awesome video! I love how in depth everything is explained. Thanks for the great info.

[@JoshuaMessick]

Cody Lanham Thanks, Cody! It was great speaking with you today. I appreciate you!

[@codylanham1846]

You too Joshua! Thanks for answering my myriad of questions 😄

[@louellen6788]

Just what I needed to be sure a RCE Extended Range is what I want. THANK YOU!

[@JoshuaMessick]

Thank you, Lou! I'me excited for you. I'm here to serve, if you need my help with your new instrument. Please get it in with me at JoshuaMessick.com

[@mikedavis8251]

Nicely done!

[@JoshuaMessick]

Thank you, Mike!

[@kristine5019]

OMG!!! It is so awesome that you made this video. It is really good, and answers all my questions that I personally had when I was trying to decide which instrument to buy. I had to bother you Joshua and you Russell and others at Masterworks and another famous hammered dulcimer player to try to decide what to purchase. So many of my friends have no idea what a hammered dulcimer is. I personally have not played outside of the comfort of my own home. I have no desire to become rich and famous, but I do have a deep desire to have a quality instrument and the last and lasting hammered dulcimer to last me the rest of my learning to play life. I fell in love with the Masterworks design when I saw it, and I can't wait to share this video! And as I type, my new RC edition 17/17 is being built for me with some amazing upgrades.. Thank you thank you for this video. (And thank you Gail at Masterworks for countless hours on the phone helping me and also for the choices in woods!)

[@JoshuaMessick]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I am so glad you found this video helpful. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Enjoy your new Russell Cook Edition hammered dulcimer! Congratulations! Best, Joshua

[@elegantcreations1669]

Can you pls talk abput tuning and changing the strings

[@cf-kw5qo]

I love the tone of my pioneer HD ,

[@jameslayton3843]

Hey Joshua, I recently built my own dulcimer (rather small, only a 10/9) but used it as a proof of concept to see if I could actually play one. I’m now looking round to see options for possibly buying one so I found your video very informative. Unfortunately I’m based out of Australia and was just wondering if you knew anyone out here in the dulcimer business. I was also curious what songs you used in you little samples of each dulcimer, they were very nice pieces. Cheers

[@JoshuaMessick]

James Layton Hey there, James! Thanks for watching. Although I don’t personally know anybody in the business, Master Works would be delighted to ship an instrument to you in Australia. About a year ago, I helped sell one to a gentleman in Perth. If you would like to visit more, just get in touch! JoshuaMessick.com. The piece I used in the sound samples is an original, Autumn Rain. On the DulciForte, I ended the extended sound sample with the chords to Greensleeves/What Child is This?

[@mrice3274]

Hey Joshua ... my dulcimer is the "Bantam Weight" model, how is it different from the Ultralight? Thanks ... great video! Maurice

[@JoshuaMessick]

In 2019, the Bantam Weight and Ultralight were consolidated into one model. The technologies of the Bantam Weight are now included in the Ultralight. With the introduction of the extended ranges and DulciForte, the model lineup needed to be simplified. Also, the 12/11, 15/14, Voyager and Soprano were retired. Thanks for watching!

[@NIGHTZRBX]

Hi Joshua I just started to play Thai dulcimer from last year and when I see you play this dulcimer I fall in love with it. My background from Thailand but I live in Brisbane, Australia. I think it’s really hard to find dulcimer here. Are you able to recommend how to get one and are you able to teach me online?

[@JoshuaMessick]

Hey there! So glad to hear from you. I’ve played in Thailand twice. It is a wonderful country, and I hope to return someday. I’d love to help you out. Could you please email me through my website, JoshuaMessick.com. I look forward to visiting with you.

[@phartrn]

Does the sound improve the more they are played?

[@JoshuaMessick]

You can help support this channel by purchasing your Master Works instrument at joshuamessick.com/product-category/hammered-dulcimers/. Your instrument will ship brand-new from the Master Works workshop. Also, I'd love to help by serving as your rep! To receive more information, please leave a comment or get in touch at JoshuaMessick.com. I appreciate your support!

[@user-te9wr2kh3i]

Hello,Joshua. I use RCE-XR. It's a very good musical instrument. By the way,What's the name of the first song in the video? It's a great song.

[@JoshuaMessick]

Hello! I am happy you enjoy your RCE-XR. The first song in the video is from my upcoming solo album - this is just a preview - more coming soon ;-)

[@christinamckelvey2580]

I have a Pioneer that I bought from a friend when she upgraded. My D# on the lower left bridge is making a strange sound that is not present on the G# on the right side. Do I need a new string or is there another reason it might be sounding so different?

[@JoshuaMessick]

Christina Mckelvey Hey there, Christina! Thanks for watching the video. For product support, I’d reach out to Master Works directly at MasterWorksOK.com I wish you much success!

[@christinamckelvey2580]

@@JoshuaMessick Thanks!

[@phartrn]

I need help in purchasing . I have never played this instrument but play other instruments. As a beginner, where do I begin this journey

[@JoshuaMessick]

Hey Peg! I'd love to help you out. How about we take this conversation to email? You're welcomed to reach out to me at JoshuaMessick.com -- I look forward to visiting with you! Best, Joshua

[@phartrn]

Is the pioneer chromatic?

[@Caritasaveritas]

I’d love to learn how to play. Where would I start?🍃

[@JoshuaMessick]

I'me excited for you! It will be fun :-) I'd start by attending the next Virtual Dulcimer Festival in June. You can learn more about it here: www.virtualdulcimerfest.com If you'd like to own a hammered dulcimer, please get in touch with me at JoshuaMessick.com.

[@alexvesoskypiano]

I was thinking of saving up some money for the Pioneer package. I was wondering should i buy it on Amazon? or The Masterworks website? If you could answer this i whould really apreciate it.

[@JoshuaMessick]

Thanks so much for asking. Amazon takes a lot of the money, so it is a bad deal. If you buy it through my website, the price is the same and I will also receive a modest commission. Here is a link: joshuamessick.com/product/master-works-new-pioneer-package/ If you have any other questions, please get in touch with me. Thank you!!

[@alexvesoskypiano]

@@JoshuaMessick thank you i also have two questions 1 does the hamered dulcimer that i buy come with the strings already on it? 2 is it ok that i get hammers from a diferent hamered dulcimer to play on the one i am planing to save for?

[@JoshuaMessick]

@@alexvesoskypiano 1) Yes, it is fully strung and ready to play. 2) Sure! Any hammers works great. It does come with some hammers, just to get to started.

[@alexvesoskypiano]

@@JoshuaMessick Thank you for answering my questions :)

[@JoshuaMessick]

@@alexvesoskypiano I am very glad to help! Please let me know if there is anything else I can do :)

[@RabeccaPrimeau]

I’d love to get a buying guide I want to learn

[@JoshuaMessick]

Hey Rabecca! Please reach out to me at JoshuaMessick.com and I'll be glad to help you out. I look forward to visiting with you.

[@caupolicanvg]

Hola envias a chile?

[@JoshuaMessick]

I do not speak Spanish, but I think you are asking if the Master Works dulcimers can be shipped to Chile. Yes, they can,. Please reach out to me at JoshuaMessick.com -- I'd love to help you!

[@carolynleedonovan]

Wow

[@JoshuaMessick]

Carolyn Donovan Thanks for watching! Super glad you enjoyed it :)

[@hwwelds9050]

It looks like they stopped making the 15/14?

[@JoshuaMessick]

Yes, it is no longer available.

[@hwwelds9050]

@@JoshuaMessick So that doubles the value of my 15/14. ;-)

[@mistymarr4594]

What does it mean that you “don’t offer chromatics” for the Pioneer dulcimer? How does that affect playing abilities? I don’t understand the ramifications of that. Thanks.

[@JoshuaMessick]

Misty Marr Thanks for watching! Here is a follow up video that may shed more insight: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIXCYX6lhrihn5o Jump forward to 6:19, where i discuss this topic. I hope this helps!

[@mistymarr4594]

@@JoshuaMessick Thank you! That answered my question.

[@JoshuaMessick]

Misty Marr Super! I’m glad I could help.