Dulcimers and Strummers

Comment

Comment by Richard Sanabia on August 17, 2009 at 9:41pm

With a DULCIMER scale the 12 fret is really the 8th...

Comment by Richard Sanabia on August 17, 2009 at 9:37pm

remember, for dulcimers you have to put that into the Stewmac fret calculator, otherwise, you need to remember to leave off the 1/2 step.

Comment by Richard Sanabia on August 17, 2009 at 9:32pm

How many frets are you using?? I checked the fret computer, and it shows for a DULCIMER, the 1st fret at 1.80, and the second at 3.40, not 2.40....

Comment by Joe Scislowicz on August 17, 2009 at 8:37pm

Thanks DIane, I will give it a try. I sanded it down a little, and it helped do I will give it a shot. I never used a "0" fret before so next build I might give it a try. Build guitars with no problems, but this little one is giving me a fit!

Comment by Joe Scislowicz on August 17, 2009 at 7:24pm

Thanks Richard, I checked the distances from nut to 12 and 12 to bridge and I am right on 8.25" So that does not appear to be it. Total length is 16.5" I used the fret calculator and established Frets at 1.80, 2.40, 4.13, 5.48, 6.68, 7.23, 7.75 and 8.25". Glued the paper to the fret board and set the frets. I just reduced the hight of the nut and it had a small difference. Let me know what else you think. I am searching!

Comment by Diane in Chicago on August 17, 2009 at 7:20pm

An lower the nut as far as you can. Intonation at the frets nearest the nut can go waaaay off if they have to stretch far when making contact with the fretwire. That 's why I've switched to a zero fret for a nut, and that has solved most of that problem for me.

Comment by Richard Sanabia on August 17, 2009 at 5:39pm

Start with the bridge location. Note that you will need to locate the bridge the same distance as from the nut to the 12th fret, then from the 12th fret to the bridge. Be sure to count the "missing" frets to arrive at the 12th fret. The distance to the 12th fret should be 8.25 inches, then 8.25" to the bridge. It needs to be very very close to tune right. The note should be E at the 1st diatonic fret, ( 2nd chromatic fret),then F# at the second diatonic fret, (the 4th chromatic fret). I hope this ain't confusing....Rich in TN

Comment by Joe Scislowicz on August 17, 2009 at 5:04pm

Folks I need some help. I build a 16.5" VSL three string dulcimer with a cohiba body. It looks great, but I can't get it into tune. I am trying for a DAD, It easily slips out of tune. I was very careful to get the frets right but even wiht a D tuning on the first string (open) the first fret is F#, really strange. It should be an E right. I have built two dulcimers before and never had this problem. The nuts is still high, so I have some work to do to get it right. What should I be looking for to correct this. Any help would be appreciated as I am totally confused. Thanks.

Comment by Dave Alexander on August 15, 2009 at 5:27pm

Dunno if anyone minds if I cross-link, but I'm trying to spread the word about long neck dulcimer/strum sticks and found a thread on Ukulele Underground:

http://www.ukuleleunderground.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17653

Comment by Richard Sanabia on August 6, 2009 at 6:46am

William, I like to use the 24.9 inch Martin Guitar scale. I don't use anything longer because if you hold it like a guitar to play, the reach is very long if you use the longer dulcimer tuning like 27 inches. Use the Stemac calculator and leave off the half steps as desired. Get some adhesive backed paper to lay out the frets, then stick it on you fret board stock and cut away. After the cuts peel the paper away.

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