1.
Always start by making the string play a note lower than the one you
want to tune to. If the note is sharp, (too high in pitch), then turn
the tuner until it is below the note you want and then tune up to the
proper note. This allows the gears in the tuner to keep a positive grip
on the string tension making the tuning much more accurate and stable.
2.
Try to pluck the string with the same force each time in order to more
easily hear subtle changes in the note as the tuner knobs are turned.
3.
Turn the tuner very slowly as you work up to the proper pitch. It can
be very easy to over shoot the note. (If you go too far back down so
you can once again tune up to the proper pitch)
4.
After tuning all strings start back at the first string you tuned. Check
each string again to be certain the tuning didn't change by the time
you tune the final string. Sometimes the first few strings will change
in pitch as you change the tension of the other strings.
5.
Make sure the strings are in good shape. If they are discolored they
probably have too much dirt and oil built up on them from your fingers.
Clean strings are much more responsive and resonant than old worn strings.
(See string care to learn how to change or clean
strings)
6.
The use of an electronic tuner greatly improves the accuracy and ease
of tuning a dulcimer. Another very handy tool is a tuner clip. The tuner
clip picks up the vibrations of the strings so the dulcimer can be tuned
in an room too noisy to hear the dulcimer string as it is plucked.
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String Care:
Dulcimer strings
actually have a much shorter life span than most players realize. Even
when strings are not played for a period of time the steel tends to
oxidize and corrode. As the strings are played, finger oils tend to
build up on the strings causing the strings to become deadened and much
less resonant.
If you play your
instrument daily (10 minutes or more) you should change strings monthly.
If you play your dulcimer occasionally, you should change strings every
2 months.
Not changing
strings will not damage your dulcimerbut it does diminish the dulcimers
capacity to have a full rich voice. Keeping fresh strings on your instrument
are the surest way of optimizing the full potential of your dulcimers
beautiful voice. Dirty strings contribute to muddy tones, poor volume,
and more difficult playing.
Strings can be
kept in better condition between changes by using a string cleaning
solution on them that helps to remove dirt and oil buildup. Avoid getting
the cleaner on the dulcimer finish as much as possible. I place paper
under the strings when using a string cleaner to keep the cleaner off
of the fretboard. String cleaner also protexts the strings and gives
them a longer playing life.
Changing Strings:
1. Remove all
old strings being careful not to lose the nut or bridge since the strings
may no longer hold them in place. (Draw a sketch or make a note of which
string was wound around which post. Include details such as the direction
the string was wound around the post (clockwise or counterclockwise).
2. Start by hooking
the loop end of the new string on the tail piece pin.
3. Trim the string
so it extends about 2 1/2 inches beyond the post you will be wrapping
it around.
4. Push about
1/4 inch of the sting through the hole in the tuner post.
5. Begin wrapping
the string around the post keeping tension on the string so it does
not jump of the tail pin.
6. A string winder
helps to make this job much faster and easier as the string is wound
by turning the tuner head.
7. Continue these
steps until all strings are attached. (It is helpful to find a friend
to help keep tesion on the strings as they are started around the tuner
posts so they don't jump off the tail pins.
8. Use the string
winder to bend over the sharp string tip so it does not catch on clothes
or prick you.
8. Pull up on
the strings after they have tension on them to slightly stretch them
and make tuning them up to pitch a little easier. See the tuning
tips for details on tuning the strings to pitch.
------------------TOP------------------ Bridge Adjustments:
The following
instructions explain how to raise and lower the string height on your
performance dulcimer. You may want to lower the height to make the strings
softer (lighter) to press when playing. You may want to raise the string
height if there is a buzzing noise when pressing down the strings at
specific fret positions. The best way to determine the right height
is by making small adjustments 1/2 turn at a time. You need to complete
all steps after each adjustment and test by playing the instrument fully
tuned.
1. Loosen the
string tension on all strings so the strings can be removed from the
bridge string slots. Remove the small bridge insert by gently pulling
up on the bridge.
2. Insert a 5/64
inch Allen wrench into the head of the set screws located in the bridge
slot. You can change just one screw to change the height of just one
side of the bridge. For example, if the bass string is buzzing, you
can just raise the bass side of the bridge. You can also adjust the
entire bridge by making the same number of turns on the set screws at
each end of the bridge.
3. Keep track
of the number of turns made so you can go back to your starting position
in case your adjustments make the playability worse.
4. After each
adjustment re-tune the dulcimer and test to see if the adjustments were
adequate. (You can also use a ruler to measure the strings before and
after making adjustments to give you a better indication of how the
strings reacted to your adjustments.)
------------------TOP------------------ Finishes:
Simerman Dulcimers
have a polyurethane finish if they were built before 2000. Simerman
dulcimers after 2000 have a lacquer finish. Both of these finishes are
very durable. The urethane is a bit more water resistant but the lacquer
is much easier to repair if damaged.
The best way
to clean your dulcimer is with a soft flannel cloth. The dulcimer can
be cleaned with a gentle rubbing. If the finish is very dirty or if
you would like to create more shine be sure to use a NON-WAX polish.
It is important to use a non wax polish because certain woods have a
porous texture that will trap the wax in the pores. As wax builds up
in the pores of the wood the wood becomes deadened and less resonant.
Non-wax polishes clean and shine very nicely without the danger of clogging
the wood pores.
Small scratches
may wear into the finish from normal use. These small scratches can
be gently buffed out using a specially prepared Scotch buffing pad.
The pad is lightly rubbed over the scratched area. The area becomes
dull looking as the pad is worked over the surface. Follow up with a
flannel polishing cloth and the sheen or shine will reappear as the
area is vigorously rubbed with the soft flannel cloth.
------------------TOP------------------ Cracks:
If you ever discover
a crack on your dulcimer take precautions to keep the crack clean. You
may place masking tape over the crack to keep dirt and oil out until
the instrument can be repaired.
DO
NOT REPAIR THE DAMAGE YOURSELF!
It is best to
let the original builder repair the dulcimer. I have spent more time
repairing other repairs than the time it would have taken to repair
the damage properly the fist time. The builder has a definite advantage
over the dulcimer owner when repairing an instrument because the builder
is most familiar with the instruments construction and finish.
If a portion
of a sound hole is completely broken away, simply place it in a small
plastic bag to keep track of it and to protect it. Have repairs taken
care of as soon as possible. Often times an instruments condition can
continue to worsen until it is repaired.
------------------TOP------------------ Climate Control:
It is important
to keep your dulcimer in climate with stable moisture. The ideal moisture
content in the air should be 50%. When the moisture in the air is greater
for a month or two there is no real danger to your instrument. Dry conditions
below 50% humidity are the most damaging conditions for dulcimers. Dry
conditions can lead to cracking and glue joint failure because the dry
air causes the wood cells to lose moisture shrinking beyond its limits.
The best way
to control the moisture level for your dulcimer is to use a humidifier
in the winter months if you live in an area where heating during the
winter months is necessary or in a dry desert climate such as Arizona.
Humidifiers protect your dulcimer by slowly releasing moisture into
the air around the instrument so the wood does not become dried out.
There are two
general types of humidifiers. One fits into the dulcimer sound hole
so that your instrument can be protected even when not left in a case.
The other type is designed to be stored inside a dulcimer case with
the dulcimer. I prefer the case humidifier because it tends to require
less attention and is most likely to keep the instrument stable while
enclosed in the case.
------------------TOP------------------ Fretboard:
If
the fretboard is made of the same hardwood as the body of the dulcimer
it has been finished like the rest of the instrument and should be treated
the same as the rest of the dulcimers finish. The frets and fretboard
can be cleaned by lightly by buffing it with oooo steel wool (extra
fine) after the strings have been removed. The best time to do this
is when you are changing strings.
If the
fretboard is overlaid with ebony or rosewood it requires special treatment.
Ebony and rosewood can dry out over time. These woods can be maintained
with a special fretboard polish that keeps the wood moist and slick. Remove
the strings and then lightly buff the
fretboard with #oooo steel wool to clean it and to polish the frets.
Apply a small amount of fretboard oil to replenish the natural oils
and moisture into the wood. This should be done every 2 or 3 months.
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