Changing a string
Here are my notes on changing strings.
Single string replacement
Replacing strings on a dulcimer where one continuous string is used per pair of strings.
You will see there are slightly different methods on changing a string, chose what works for you. My main tip is to use a small piece of 3mm plastic tube to hold the string in place on the hitch pin to stop it pinging off at just the wrong moment.
Tuning
There are not shortcuts, there is more than one way to tune your instrument. The best way to learn to tune your dulcimer is to just do it every day for 2 weeks. You will get used to making small adjustments and into the swing of your chosen method.
I generally tune from the top down on the treble bridge, tune the left hand side and make sure the right hand side is in tune, if not make my adjustments until both sides are in tune.
I then tune the bass bridge, top down.
I then check my duplicate notes agree.
The play scales and arpegios and stop and correct any beats.
Then play “Hunt the Key” which is Hunt the Squirrel A part all over the dulcimer.
For the fine detail on how to tune, I think these are about the best Youtube’s I have found on it.
Holding your hammers
THere are lots of different grips, your grip will probably develop over time. Try to start off gripping just between your thumb and first finger with a fairly loose grip, allowing the hammer to move but not slip out your hand. Don’t obsess yet about your grip, get on and play.
Try to strike the string about 2 inches from the bridge, use your ears and find the “sweet spot”, where it sounds best and try to keep to that, no bridge strikes please!
Learn your Dulcimer Layout
What note is what and how do I remember all this stuff?
My advice is not make paper templates for putting next to the bridge showing what each note is. It just adds to the confusion and prevents you from challenging yourself.
Tinat Bergmann does a really good Youtube on learning this and uses this simple phrases:
Eventually All Dulcimers Get Cold Feet Brrb
Do not try and learn it all at once. Do as Tina says, learn the top quatre and the bottom, and work from this.
Remember to subscribe to Tina’s channel, she has some great resourses available.
Mary Lynn Michal has an excellent tutorial on her website, HDHomeland.com. It costs a few dollars but is worth it. I use the final test video as a reminder at least once a month.
Do your Daily Exercises!
Mary Lynn Michal has a very good series of exercises on HDHomeland.com. “Sharpen you Skills” and also a great series of Theory lessons “Mastering Theory” that follow the book she and Ken Kolodner wrote “Complete Guide to Theory and Mapping for the Hammered Dulcimer”. Have a look at my blog for a review of the book and the online course.
Other Free Youtube Channels
Katie Moritz chord exercises. Great fun! Much more on her channel
TImothy Seaman – scales and modes
Get a teacher or pay for tune tutorials
Useful link to teachers
https://www.dulcimer.org.uk/online-events-resources/dulcimer-teachers-and-resources/
Teachers who have taught at Nonsuch workshops, in no particular order.
USA based Ken Kolodners Sandbridge site. Loads of information and videos you can purchase. Also details about the Sandbridge Dulcimer Retreat weeks.
https://www.sandbridgedulcimer.com/
USA based Mary Lynn Michal’s site, low cost and free courses, resources and online lessons.
USA based Rick Thum’s website. He gives a phrases by phrase breakdown of “old time” tunes for $12 each.
https://www.rthum.com/digital-products
USA based Karen Ashbrook’s website, Karen has taught at several Nonsuch workshops and offers online workshops and lessons.
USA based Tina Bergmann’s website, mentioned earlier, she has a great Youtube Channel and offers online workshops.
UK Nonsuch Dulcimer Club. Annual weekend of tutorials and music, regional events, quaterly magasine, very low membership cost. This is a must for UK players.
But remember, learning any instrument takes time and effort. If you want a smile listen to the Peter Cooke and Dudley Moore sketch on Youtube. Classic British comedy from the 1960’s!