Assessment of Speed – Playing Fast and Musical
Apr 17, 2009 Opinions
Good players know how to play technically perfect. Great players play with proper technique and emotional passion. The best play technically, emotionally, and also discover how to highlight the strengths of their respective instruments.
One of the strength’s of the hammer dulcimer is the percussive qualities, which lends itself well to quick playing. Playing fast is not bad as long as it’s done musically. Since “musical” is a subjective opinion, I have chosen to put this in the opinion category.
How NOT to Play Fast
Most of the players who play, simply for speed, will typically play a bunch of scales, arpeggios, and intervals while living on the treble bridge. They might throw in an occasional bass note. It might sound impressive to the untrained ear, but the trained ear hears the galore of unintentional notes and lack of precision. To be quite frank, this type of playing is actually simple and doesn’t impress me.
Now, please do not get the impression that I think only slow tunes are worthy of respect. I have plans for future recordings that definitely have more speed and notes and a more modern approach. But, the important thing is this: make sure that your playing is first and foremost musical.
1. Technical
What purpose does each note serve in your playing? One of my personal mottos is if a note doesn’t serve a musical purpose, then I don’t play it.
How consistent is your timing? When playing fast, it’s easy to make minor timing errors while not losing the overall meter. Be sure that the timing in between your notes is consistent and intentional. Other question that come to mind are how clean is your playing and how many of your notes are intentional?
Another thing that comes to mind is how difficult is what you’re playing? No, not everything has to be hard to be musical and enjoyable, but, technically difficult pieces with hard chords and transitions are impressive to my hear as long as they serve a musical purpose.
2. Emotional
Does the tune have quality emotional expression or an energetic rhythmic drive that has life and merit?
3. Strengths of the Hammer Dulcimer
Yes, the hammer dulcimer is a wonderful percussive instrument but it also has another strength that can be enemy to playing fast: natural sustain. You’ve got to balance your playing around this.
Conclusion
The best “fast players” play technically, emotionally, and learn how to control the hammer dulcimer by tailoring the notes they play to not interfere with the sustain. They do this by knowing when to keep chords open, which notes to accent, when to put the dampers on, and simply discover driving patterns and chord progressions that work.
Tags: fast
My Golf Bag of Dulcimers
Apr 1, 2009 Opinions
I humorously make an analogy between my dulcimers and golf clubs. A golfer uses the right club for different applications, and it seems that my collection has grown to the point that there is a different instrument for different songs and styles.
Thus, due to the many inquiries, I will release which instruments are in my collection. This is my collection as it stands today, and it should not be viewed as the only instruments that I would put my stamp of approval on. There many, many more quality builders, makes, and models that deserve recognition. With that stated there are some dulcimers which are on my “want list”, as funding permits.
RL Tack and Son Pro Chromatic 3
This has been my primary instrument since 2001 when I received it for winning 2nd at Winfield. I love the tone and balance of the instrument. The thing I like the most about it is that there is no limitations with the styles of music that sound appropriate for it. That doesn’t mean, however, that other instruments may sound better with select styles, but this instrument just seems to blend with whatever I want to do. To the shock of the dulcimer community, Bob Tack unexpectedly passed away and his instruments are now only available used. Bob was a friend of mine, and he is dearly missed.
This is the instrument I used on every track of Stillness and all but but Zephyr and Autumn Rains on Desire for Departure.
Masterworks Russell Cook Edition w/ dampers
Masterworks was my choice in 2003. I really like the way that it handles minor keys, arpeggios, and slower paced, melancholy music. The lows and highs are very soothing, and it sports some nice warmth with a sweet voice. Also, while expensive, the cable damper system provides great control.
I used it for Zephyr on Desire for Departure.
Mike Huddleson Josh Messick Edition
In 2003, Mike asked me how he could improve his instrument. I said he needed to add some more bass options and provide a model with a spruce soundboard. Thus, this instrument was created. It has a marvelous sweetness with a music box like tone. Lots of sparkle! It is fully chromatic, and provides some well-toned, warm bass notes. This is not a powerful instrument, and it really excels in the hands of players who want to play soothing, peaceful music. It is almost harp like.
I’ve really been impressed with the way that Mike wants to make instruments as good as he can. There is a reason he is one of three hammer dulcimer vendors at Winfield, and he really makes a solid instrument that may be the one that is the right fit for you. Most recently, this instrument was the choice of the 2008 champion.
I used it for Autumn Rains on Desire for Departure
Masterworks Soprano w/ spruce soundboard
I really like this instrument, and I personally think it sounds best when plucked. If you’re an ethusiast, get one. The soprano dulcimer sure is alot of fun, beautiful sounding, and very portable!
Ardies Hammer Dulcimer, Custom
While I don’t play it often, I like the way the dulcimer handles old tyme, folk music, etc. It’s got a real mountain-music tone. Dana Hamilton was “instrumental” in the design.
Current Want List
Dusty Strings D650 w/dampers – I feel that my music is progressively becoming more modern and percussively driven. I can’t think of a better instrument than the D650 to play this style with. The extended range is awesome! The design really highlights the hammer dulcimer’s percussive qualities. As funding permits, I’ll have one.
Rick Thum 17/17 – This is a wonderful, versatile instrument. While any style can be played on it, I personally think that it really pops with old tyme/folk/bluegrass music. It has a wonderful dynamic range, good balance, even sustain,and it packs a good punch.
Choosing the Right Hammer Dulcimer
Apr 1, 2009 Opinions
Listen to the Audio Version
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(Note to audio: Earthy-real (meaning sound of the earth) is a phrase I coined, spoofing the word “ethereal”.
Choosing a hammer dulcimer is like choosing a car. There are so many viable options, and when you spend that kind of money, you want to make sure that you get the one that is right for you. If you’re not happy with the instrument that you’ve purchased then odds are that it will become a piece of seldom used furniture in your home.
There are many fine hand-crafted instruments that are played by top-tier performers today. While there are some hobbyist who provide questionable products, the craftsmanship of established builders is not in question. For the most part, your decision is dependent on your subjective preferences and playing style.
If you are struggling to know which instrument to purchase, I’d like to make myself available to help you out. I’ve had experience with most hammer dulcimers available today, and I honestly feel that I can provide you with an objective opinion. Please contact me and let me know if I can help!
Dampers
Mar 2, 2009 Opinions
After not having a hammer dulcimer with dampers for 13 years, I finally had my opportunity to acquire some on a Master Works Russell Cook Edition. I have been using them for quite some time, and I am going to come out with my opinion of dampers.
I will say it up front and right now. I like them! However, I think that there must be an appropriate understand of what dampers will and will not do.
What Dampers Don’t Do
- They will absolutely not make you a better player. Dampers do nothing to improve the essential skills.
- They do not improve the tone of your instrument. It is just different.
- They do not make your dulcimer easier to carry. Porting a peddle and accompanied strings or cables can be labor intensive.
- They do not make your instrument more durable. In fact, dampers are fragile and can be damaged if not properly taken care of.
- They do not make your instrument cheaper. Dampers can get expensive.
What Dampers Do
- They do create an alternative sound that is beneficial to arrangements.
- They do add the ability to stop the sustain, assisting in smooth transitions.
- They do add a desirable element of showmanship for performances.
The Bottom Line
As you can see there are quite a few elements involved in deciding if the pros outweigh the cons of dampers. Additionally, not all builders make dampers, so you may not find them teamed up with your favorite builder. Unless you have the cash or this is a serious hobby or career, I would advise to never, ever, ever purchase a dulcimer simply because it has dampers if you are not 100% satisfied with the instrument itself, independent of the dampers.
Dampers are a nice effect and can add some great groove and showmanship to a song. But, I would advise that you be cautious and make sure that you actually want them. Do not get computer geeks syndrome, which is wanting something better and faster simply because it is and not because you will need or use it.
Tags: dampers