Mandolin Dulcimer hybird

[Hackmaster]

Thanks guys, couldn't have done it without my wife's assistance.
I look drunk in the video too, or maybe it's just the natural glaze in my gaze...

 

[DonP]

I like that a lot. The sound is basically mandolin with just a touch of banjo. But the longer strings add a chunk of richness to the sound. That and that touch of Jimmy Page right at the end! That would definitely augment any small band.

What's next?

 

[JohnnyGoo]

Thats sounded like Momma im commin home on a Madolin.Great playin.

 

[Hackmaster]

Thats sounded like Momma im commin home on a Madolin.Great playin.

Thanks JG, that's exactly what it was.
I have a whole slew of familiar tunes that I pull off on these dulcimer inspired creations.
As a matter of fact, heading to an open mic tonight with this beastie.

 

[WavMixer]

Wish I could be there to see your performance!

 

[Hackmaster]

Wish I could be there to see your performance!

I'll see if Patti can at least get some pics.
My short set includes...
Norwegian Wood
Momma I'm Coming Home
Solsbury Hill
Vincent (Starry Starry Night)
Somewhere over the Rainbow
Rain Song

 

[eSGEe]

O.K. finally got this thing into a YouTube video.
Hope this works. Kindly realize that this was recorded after an evening of serious beer consumption.
So please forgive the clams...

THe MAN the Myth the LEGEND --- well done man what a dynamite instrument!!!

 

[ivan H]

I give it 3 thumbs up too, seriously impressed. Cheers

 

[kevinpaul]

Very nice playing. I play mandolin and I never saw a neck that long.

 

[Hackmaster]

Very nice playing. I play mandolin and I never saw a neck that long.

Thanks, It's a one off.
I build lap dulcimers. All kinds of dulcimers.
It just seemed like a natural hybrid to combine a dulcimer fretted neck, with a mandolin body and a 24.75" scale length.
Heading to an open mic again with it tonight. It raises quite a few eyebrows in the crowd.

 

[smitty_p]

Thanks, It's a one off.
I build lap dulcimers. All kinds of dulcimers.
It just seemed like a natural hybrid to combine a dulcimer fretted neck, with a mandolin body and a 24.75" scale length.
Heading to an open mic again with it tonight. It raises quite a few eyebrows in the crowd.

Dulcimer is killer instrument. I've looked at some of the kits online.

Are they any good?

How long does it take you to put one together?

 

[Hackmaster]

Mine are all scratch built Smitty.
I can't vouch for the kits. From what I've heard about them some are plywood and of questionable quality.
Some are solid wood and I'm sure make a very serviceable instrument.

I buy the raw wood and go from there. Most are walnut and oak.
I have about 40 to 50 hours in a build from start to finish.
Everything is done in house, from woodwork to fretwork to polished lacquer finish.
Bone nuts & saddles. Piezo pickups. Hand carved scroll headstocks.
Here's a few examples of my handiwork.
These three were ordered and are played by members The Hills Of Kentucky dulcimer group

 

[smitty_p]

Really nice. I've loved the dulcimer sound since I first heard it.

My sister in Alabama plays a dulcimer, but I don't know what it looks like.

Those really look good.

Have you ever posted vids of you playing them?

 

[Hackmaster]

Really nice. I've loved the dulcimer sound since I first heard it.

My sister in Alabama plays a dulcimer, but I don't know what it looks like.

Those really look good.

Have you ever posted vids of you playing them?

Thanks Smitty.
No, just my hybrids that are shaped more guitarlike.
I'm not very good on a lap dulcimer...