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| Dulcimer Concepts
By Bill Buffington I have been told that my electric instruments aren�t dulcimers. I�m familiar with the technical definition of a mountain, Fretted, lap, Appalachian, etc. dulcimer. I suppose that�s technically correct but they sound like a dulcimer and dulcimer players can play them, but... they don�t look much like a dulcimer. Well, two out of three ain�t bad. If you are a dedicated dulcimer traditionalist who believes that wooden tuner pegs and �Old Joe Clark� are all that should be in the �Dulcimer World�, this may not be your kind of a web site. If, however, you think that a dulcimer should be an instrument for all kinds of music and having fun with music, please stick around. I appreciate your interest in my instruments. |
| I don't offer my instruments to replace acoustic dulcimers but as an addition to them. I have a deep respect for the heritage of the Acoustic Mountain Dulcimer and I own several . You will have to admit, if you are playing for an audience or with other instruments, a dulcimer needs to be amplified to be heard. A magnetic pickup gives a different quality to the sound and the sustain goes on much longer. The touch is also much more sensitive. Hammer on's, pull off's, string bending, and slides are much easier to do.
In my opinion, you should start with an acoustic dulcimer and move up to an electric after you have more experience. Most of my clients already have other dulcimers and are fairly accomplished or professional players. I think that you should look on my instruments as a growth step and another way to have fun with a dulcimer. |
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