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