How to Play the Music Stick Part 1

[@tomb7497]

Wow.., I'm nearly 50 and never understood stringed instruments before.. In 5 minutes watching you video, I've learned more than a life time of wondering. I'm gonna make 2 for the kids.. Thanks from England Tom

[@tilltanky5367]

These are not dulcimers or related to mountain dulcimers, though many people get these mixed up with walking dulcimers or ‘dulcitars’. Only thing that is the same between these 2 instruments is the diatonic scale. Walking dulcimers, modern versions of which are sometimes called ‘dulcitars’, are basically mountain dulcimers that have been re-shaped to be played while standing up (like a guitar). The seagull Merlin is an example. Whereas music sticks are descended from the one-string pickin stick, an old mountain instruments. They are both played in different ways. Walking dulcimers, because of their wide neck and 4 strings in 3 courses, are designed to be played like lap mountain dulcimers, with the 2 paired strings fretted, and the other 2 left open as ‘drone’ strings. Whereas music sticks, with their skinny neck and 3 strings in 3 courses, are designed to be played chorded, like a 3 string guitar

[@deviate910]

Thank you!

[@artravision]

I really appreciate your friendly teaching style. I learned a bunch!

[@lindareese4579]

Thank you so very much sir...

[@bearshield7138]

thank you

[@walteryoung2025]

Cedar Creek dulcimers makes a version of this where you can play every single chord with one finger. They call it the cord stick.

[@tilltanky5367]

These are not dulcimers or related to mountain dulcimers, though many people get these mixed up with walking dulcimers or ‘dulcitars’. Only thing that is the same between these 2 instruments is the diatonic scale. Walking dulcimers, modern versions of which are sometimes called ‘dulcitars’, are basically mountain dulcimers that have been re-shaped to be played while standing up (like a guitar). The seagull Merlin is an example. Whereas music sticks are descended from the one-string pickin stick, an old mountain instruments. They are both played in different ways. Walking dulcimers, because of their wide neck and 4 strings in 3 courses, are designed to be played like lap mountain dulcimers, with the 2 paired strings fretted, and the other 2 left open as ‘drone’ strings. Whereas music sticks, with their skinny neck and 3 strings in 3 courses, are designed to be played chorded, like a 3 string guitar

[@alanwilton6806]

The same as a Strumstick then, just under a different name.

[@tilltanky5367]

These are not dulcimers or related to mountain dulcimers, though many people get these mixed up with walking dulcimers or ‘dulcitars’. Only thing that is the same between these 2 instruments is the diatonic scale. Walking dulcimers, modern versions of which are sometimes called ‘dulcitars’, are basically mountain dulcimers that have been re-shaped to be played while standing up (like a guitar). The seagull Merlin is an example. Whereas music sticks (such as the McNally strumstick, or cedar creek chord stick) are descended from the one-string pickin stick, an old mountain instruments. They are both played in different ways. Walking dulcimers, because of their wide neck and 4 strings in 3 courses, are designed to be played like lap mountain dulcimers, with the 2 paired strings fretted, and the other 2 left open as ‘drone’ strings. Whereas music sticks, with their skinny neck and 3 strings in 3 courses, are designed to be played chorded, like a 3 string guitar

[@soslothful]

Where to purchase one?

[@kennethbailey3197]

Why don't it play the music the man is just stud like stachue it's very of putting Ido hope some one will make it work thank you

[@masterofzero7105]

I agree you do sound like a nice guy ...but that little dulcimer just doesn’t have enough a** to sound good ...it sounds like a muted string on a ten can ...don’t like the stick but I do like your style 😎👍

[@squirlmy]

I saw you comment on a Strumstick video, too. Just attach a pickup, cord and amp. Plug that baby in and you've got an Electric BoomStick!

[@ohheyididntseeu]

I have no clue what youre on about. This is such a beautiful sounding instrument, and has plenty of potential and flexibility. It isnt quiet at all, and as the dude above said, you could attach a pickup and such if you really feel necessary. Not every stringed instrument is the exact same, my friend!

[@alanguages]

@Master of Zero, Strange how you can say that, as the video evidently is clear the instrument can make musical sounds. Your criticism is seems out of place, as it would resemble others who criticize people who use spoons, washboards, bones, leaves or even paper bags to make musical sounds. If the dulcimer isn't for you, then it isn't for you. That is your choosing.

[@robbee23]

I guess that's why you are called Master of Zero.

[@deviate910]

No worries on the criticism here, Yes, there are trade offs in sound quality . Not having a big resonating hollow chamber (on a real guitar or dulcimer) will dampen or mute the sound quality somewhat. It's the nature of acoustical properties from such a small strum stick. Hopefully this'll simply be an approachable entry point for musical instrument building; which will lead to someday working towards building a real guitar with more or a voluminous resonating chamber!