Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Richard Sanabia on October 10, 2010 at 11:30am

Hello Jarmo. I would use three strings in 1-5 tuning, C,G,c, D,A,d, or A,E,a are common examples. For the smaller box use a 19 inch scale, and seventeen frets would be useful without the intonation problems of more frets. I usually mark the 3, 5, 7 fret for chromatic fretting, and no marks for diatonic fretting. Richard in Tennessee.

Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on October 10, 2010 at 12:27pm

I'd agree with Richard, 17" or 19". There's another discussion in this group about fret placement that should help.

I generally only place a position marker at the octaves on a dulcimer, because the fret spacing lets you know where you are for the most part.

Happy building! Post pictures so we can see how you are coming along!

Permalink Reply by Henry Dervaric on February 16, 2011 at 4:20am

17" and 19" scale length. Nut to bridge? Wow are these Dulcimers really that short? I've tried finding some good video for reference to scale but no luck. I'm looking at doing a Blu-cimer for a coming build. Would you still use the same scale lenght?

Permalink Reply by Roger Morin on May 8, 2011 at 3:32am

Jay at tinyguitars has made most of mine at 22" and to ME they feel just right of course My boxes have been a padron or cohiba box. The cohiba is the best sounding by far.

Permalink Reply by Rand Moore on May 8, 2011 at 3:33am

Well I didn't mean to click the "I Like" button. I'm sure I was trying to view the attached .JPG file. Why do we need this feature anyway. I don't like new features. They just get in the way. My eyesight isn't so great anymore. And how come I'm starting to sound like that 'Roony guy on 60 minutes?

Happy Birthday, anyways Jarmo. Your builds are getting better & better. Keep up the good work.

 

-Rand.

Permalink Reply by Rand Moore on May 8, 2011 at 3:43am

Hi Roger.

Sorry for disturbing the water causing this corpse of a thread to float to the surface.

I personally prefer a 20" VSL on my stick dulcimers. I know the standard model McNally strum stick has a 22.5" scale length. Most people seem to prefer a smaller VSL (scale length) as they don't have to stretch their fingers so far when fretting chords and the like.

-Rand.

 

Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on May 8, 2011 at 4:07am

And I like 17"!

Permalink Reply by Wiley Rutledge on May 8, 2011 at 4:58pm

McNally now has a short scale strumstick as well. Different strokes for different folks.