Instead of shortening the fretboard try picking closer to the bridge. This should help increase both the tone and sound volume. Also, attach strap buttons and a strap and angle the instrument so the top is facing away from the player and toward the audience. This will result in your forearm of your picking hand resting where the top and sides meet. If you like the results, then round the edge where the top and sides meet.
Absolutely. We'll offer chromatic, plus baritone and bass options. About the only limitation to start with (until we can prototype other fretboard lengths) will be the VSL. We went with 25" for the early models, but we'll absolutely offer longer VSLs in the near(ish) future.
We've experimented with a larger sound hole, and found no benefit for the tone. That leaves looks/appearance, and I really appreciate the understated appearance of the Classic F sound holes. We're still playing with the size and location of the F holes, though!
I want 15, 15.5, 16, and 17! But my personal dulcimer in this style will stop at 14. If I was a better player (a lot of the people I build for are AMAZING players) I could probably do fine with 15 - 17, but I don't have the right hand control to make it work right now. Maybe when I retire, and have more time to practice, though!
We're experimenting with different woods, and starting to make some estimates of time required to do each step of parts-making and assembly. We'll probably to a two-tiered system (like with our LAP-JOs - a standard version and a pro version), with ebony and pickup included with the pro version. And for now, it'll be strictly 3 or 4 strings, and strictly 25" VSL. As we prototype more variations, we'll add 5 string (MaxDAD!) and longer scale lengths. But for now, most likely two (as yet undetermined) price points.
Yes! We'll go with 3 bridge pins, like you see, but double up the center bridge pin to hold two ball ends. Common practice with 12-string guitars, so it'll work beautifully on a 3 (or 4) string dulcimer.
The dulcimer/guitar hybrid will be $1195 (the standard version). The pro version will be $1495. The pro version will have the ebony fingerboard veneer and a passive Fishman undersaddle pickup. We'll have options for head shape (our traditional head, two tuners each side is shown here), for Galax back (which is not on this prototype), on pickup type (we can upgrade to the active Fishman pickup system with onboard preamp, and on scale length (currently the only offering is 25", but we'll add a longer VSL or two in the coming months).
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing. I think I have to start saving my pennies... 😉 Q: With the different bridge setup, would you expect this to also be nylon string friendly?
This bridge setup might actually work for nylon strings. I'll experiment with that as we get going on production of the steel-string version. Nylon doesn't work well (at all!) on a standard dulcimer, but the top on this is so resonant, it might be just fine.
Beautiful and great tone and sustain. Nice to meet you virtually Richard.
To me, this sounds a lot nicer than the previous prototype!
Love watching the progression of this instrument!😊
Me too!
Instead of shortening the fretboard try picking closer to the bridge. This should help increase both the tone and sound volume. Also, attach strap buttons and a strap and angle the instrument so the top is facing away from the player and toward the audience. This will result in your forearm of your picking hand resting where the top and sides meet. If you like the results, then round the edge where the top and sides meet.
This is great! I want to hear you fingerpick something on it. 😊
It’s beautiful!❤❤
Thank you for letting us make it for you - happy playing! Richard
I'm so excited for this! ;)
This is exciting! Do you think you may be able to offer a chromatic fretboard on this new hybrid? If so, I am definitely interested in!
Absolutely. We'll offer chromatic, plus baritone and bass options. About the only limitation to start with (until we can prototype other fretboard lengths) will be the VSL. We went with 25" for the early models, but we'll absolutely offer longer VSLs in the near(ish) future.
Any consideration of a round sound hole under the strings?
We've experimented with a larger sound hole, and found no benefit for the tone. That leaves looks/appearance, and I really appreciate the understated appearance of the Classic F sound holes. We're still playing with the size and location of the F holes, though!
I would really need the 15th fret
I want 15, 15.5, 16, and 17! But my personal dulcimer in this style will stop at 14. If I was a better player (a lot of the people I build for are AMAZING players) I could probably do fine with 15 - 17, but I don't have the right hand control to make it work right now. Maybe when I retire, and have more time to practice, though!
Sounds great! When can we expect pricing details?
We're experimenting with different woods, and starting to make some estimates of time required to do each step of parts-making and assembly. We'll probably to a two-tiered system (like with our LAP-JOs - a standard version and a pro version), with ebony and pickup included with the pro version. And for now, it'll be strictly 3 or 4 strings, and strictly 25" VSL. As we prototype more variations, we'll add 5 string (MaxDAD!) and longer scale lengths. But for now, most likely two (as yet undetermined) price points.
For finger picking can you set it up for four equidistant strings?
Yes! We'll go with 3 bridge pins, like you see, but double up the center bridge pin to hold two ball ends. Common practice with 12-string guitars, so it'll work beautifully on a 3 (or 4) string dulcimer.
Looks great and sounds great! Is it thick enough to put some electronics in it to plug it in live?
Yes, absolutely!
Do you have a price estimate?
The dulcimer/guitar hybrid will be $1195 (the standard version). The pro version will be $1495. The pro version will have the ebony fingerboard veneer and a passive Fishman undersaddle pickup. We'll have options for head shape (our traditional head, two tuners each side is shown here), for Galax back (which is not on this prototype), on pickup type (we can upgrade to the active Fishman pickup system with onboard preamp, and on scale length (currently the only offering is 25", but we'll add a longer VSL or two in the coming months).
What size strings are you testing with?
.012, .015, .024rw. We can definitely go heavier (for more fundamental in the tone) or lighter (for easier playing).
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.
I think I have to start saving my pennies... 😉
Q: With the different bridge setup, would you expect this to also be nylon string friendly?
This bridge setup might actually work for nylon strings. I'll experiment with that as we get going on production of the steel-string version. Nylon doesn't work well (at all!) on a standard dulcimer, but the top on this is so resonant, it might be just fine.
@@FolkcraftInstrumentsSince1968 thanks for the replay. I'll watch for updates!