Re: design, hammer dulcimer

Ian <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> I want to build a hammer dulcimer and am considering the possibility of 
> using a single string length, using graduated string diameter to obtain 
> the correct frequency range for each course of strings.
> 
> Has this been done before? What are the drawbacks?
> 
> My perceived advatages would be simpler, stronger and lighter 
> construction and more compact size.
> 
> Any comments or suggestions gratefully received.
> 
> Ian

There's no reason it shouldn't work.  The main thing you'll lose is
volume.  But you also lose that wonderful depth of sound when the
duplicate strings are not EXACTLY in tune.  and they never are.

Graduated string diamater is a good idea no matter how many strings
are in each course.

Question:  How long does it take to tune a dulcimer?
Answer: Nobody knows.

Jack