The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #21364   Message #228572
Posted By: GUEST,squirrel
16-May-00 - 12:39 AM
Thread Name: Four Equidistant String Dulcimer?
Subject: RE: Four Equidistant String Dulcimer?
I got a factory dulcimer last July, and played it until I thought I needed my own. My new dulcimer is a Kurt Simerman (Leo, IN), and will accomodate four equidistant strings. I have not tried them, and have not found any tablature for it. I like to play D-A-A, and have bought about every book available, confused myself to the max at times, but I like to think that I am starting to form my own method of playing. I consult Dennis DenHartog (folknotes.com) in my area, he's great. I also belong to a historical singing group, these girls have been playing for 10 and 20 years-they are so forgiving of my talent. Anyway, my new dulcimer has a wormy chestnut top (from an old barn), and walnut body. Kurt contracted a wood carver to carve a squirrel at the scroll, and designed squirrel soundholes, as per my wishes. Since squirrel has always been my nickname, I thought it appropriate to have a "squirrelcimer." I am working very hard to play as good as the dulcimer looks. I use my extra string at times for a double melody string, but usually I park it at the side of the fretboard. Is there such a thing as mandolin tablature, and would that work on the dulcimer?