Higher Ground - DAdA tuning

Here is the hymn Higher Ground played in noter drone style using a quill and reed noter. The dulcimer is a standard cherry McSpadden (without a 6+) and the tuning is DAdA - the 4 strings set equidistant. Jean Ritchie used this set-up regularly and it gives a rich sound to drones whilst maintaining the clarity of the single melody string. The sound quality is pretty poor on my cheap camera - I need to find some better video tools!

[@bearshield7138]

wonderful sound

[@birdrockdulcimers]

Hi Robin T,
There are a few videos here on UA-cam of Jean using the 4 string dulcimer that George Pickow made for her. So I just watched her playing and picked up the tunings she was using. John Shaw also confirmed what I'd found out. I think she switched from a 3 string some time in the 60s. On her later teaching recordings (now on CD) she is working from a 4 string equidistant set-up.George also made her a 3 string for Jean in the 50s and thats on a lot of early photos of her.

[@waterswivel]

Beautifully played, Robin. Where did you learn of Jean Ritchie's use of this string set-up and tuning? The sound is most pleasing.

[@MrSnuffyb]

Very nice! Love it....