Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges

Subject: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: black walnut
Date: 29 May 00 - 02:26 PM

I am planning to have a bowing bridge replace the regular bridge on my fretted (four equi-distant string) dulcimer this July. I would appreciate any comments pro or con regarding this move, before I take the final leap.

Thanks, ~black walnut

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: Brendy
Date: 29 May 00 - 10:23 PM

I haven't a clue 'nut, sorry. But,

Refresh

B.

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 29 May 00 - 10:40 PM

blackwalnut I think I know what your saying. the bow does make it different I like a bowed psaltery to get the same effect with amuch prettier sound. the psaltery was meant to be bowed while I Think the dulcimer is a stetch. although you must do what you need to .Have you ever checked out a bowed psaltery. same kind of tunning. dulcimerdan

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 May 00 - 10:47 PM

Hey Dulldan!!!!.....I was about to ask the same question. Or if you really want a bowed App, buy another and convert it. Not hard to do. And you can always swap your own back and forth, but that strikes me as a pain in the rump to do on any regular basis.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: black walnut
Date: 30 May 00 - 01:57 PM

Lorraine Hammond has a bowing bridge on her dulcimer and although she doesn't bow often, she can pick up the bow for a verse or two without having to change instruments. She uses an old small Suziki bow. Apparently it is not at all necessary to change bridges to play with fingerpicking, pick or bow. The idea of a bowing bridge appeals to me, although it's so long now since I've heard her actually do it that I have the tiniest hesitation about doing it to my own instrument, although I suppose it's far from permanent if I'm not happy with it. I just wonder how it will make a difference to my technique.

I've heard bowed psaltery and it is a marvellous instrument in the right hands. I think that a bowed dulcimer might be quite a bit more versitile, however, because of the various tunings I can get into.

Since I live in Canada, and prefer not to ship my dulcimer across the border more than necessary, Dwain Wilder has said that if I send him my regular bridge, he'll send that back to me, and a matching bowing bridge, within a few days. So, I have to decide when I can "do without" my dulcimer for a few days! Hmmmmmm............

Thanks, Brendy, 'hopper, and 'spaw.
Any others' opinions on the topic are still very welcome.

~black walnut

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 30 May 00 - 07:35 PM

catspaw, loved your story about letting it all hang out on the bridge and I`m changing my name to Dulldan Dulldan

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 15 Oct 01 - 05:29 PM

I found this old thread and I thought I'd ask how a bowed dulcimer is played, what it sounds like, and just any other particulars that pertain to the style. Just curious.

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 15 Oct 01 - 08:24 PM

David Schnaufer has recorded at least one song using a bow. IMHO, it exaggerates the drone -- and the drone doesn't need it. There might be a sample at Schnaufer's web site.
Jean Ritchie's "The Dulcimer Book," includes a pic of Leah Smith playing with a bow, so the technique has been around for a while.
Maybe Black Walnut will check back in and let us know if she ever got the bowing bridge and how she's done with it.
Dwain Wilder of Bear Meadow Dulcimers installed the bowing bridge on Lorraine Hammond's and there might be a picture at his web site.

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 10:32 AM

Thanks Pinetop, I've seen the pictures. Maybe someone can add new information. I might send an email to kytrad and see what she knows about the tecnhique. I'll pass on what I learn.

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: black walnut
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 07:30 AM

Nope. I never did get the bridge, although I did talk to Dwain a little bit more about it. I haven't heard Lorraine play a live concert for a long time, but I just remember that it added a bit of variety to the programme when she played with her guitar-playing husband, Bennett Hammond. She used an old 1/4 Suzuki bow, I believe. I think that bowing would be an interesting addition to what I already do on dulcimer.

I just haven't gotten around to doing anything about it yet.

~black walnut

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 11:10 AM

Hi 'catter 'critters,

I sent a PM to Ms. Ritchie to see if she can add anything to the subject. I'm still very interested in this aspect about playing our little gems. Please, anyone, add whatever infor you might have. I'll post any ideas that Ms. Ritchie sends. I might check with Keith Young and see if he has ever built one of these instruments.

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 12:40 PM

I think Katlaughing was bowing?

~S~

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 06:39 PM

There's a sample of bowed dulcimer here. Click Tennessee Music Box; when the player pops up, hit the play button a couple of times til you get to the song named "Eternal (something or other)."

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 06:41 PM

Sorry, the title is Ten Thousand Charms.

Subject: RE: Fretted Dulcimer Bowing Bridges
From: black walnut
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 09:13 AM

Thank you so much, P.S.! I LOVE THIS....it sounds like the bagpipes my dad used to play!

~b.w.