Mandolin and Octave Violin Bowed Dulcimer

[southernmiss]

Ken, I read that a mandolin has same tuning as a violin, therefore, same as an octave violin BD. Is the Bouzouki (sp.?) tuned like a violin also? Is there some carry over between instruments - that is, learning one makes it easier to learn another. Which has the deeper voice - the mandolin or the bouzouki?

Also, on the same note, I'm wondering what a duet of the two instruments would sound like.

You guys are having such wonderful time in the the festivals. I so much wish I could be there with you. I'm very interested in the posts about playing by ear and intend to do more of this. Not only is it fun, but it's bound to be a good way to improve one's ability to hear pitch. Am I right?

Lee

[Ken Bloom]

Hi Lee,

Bouzoukis fall into two categories, Greek and Irish. Another way of looking at it is bouzoukis and citterns. The traditional Greek bouzouki is usually found as a four course, bowl back instrument tuned CGFAD, on ewhole tone lower than the guitar. The more traditional three coure bouzouki is tuned the ever-familiar DAD. This is the sort that I play and have used on my CDs. Irish bouzoukis or citterns come in quite a few variants, usually four or five courses with a muititude of tunings usualy based on fourths and fifths.
A mandolin is tuned to the same octave as a the violin. Bouzoukis are all in the guitar range and lower. The three course bouzouki that I play is tuned exactly like a standard bowed dulcimer. There is always some carry-over from one stringed instrument to another, but there is always somthing new to learn as well. Bouzoukis and bowed dulcimers go very well together. they do compliment one another.
Playing by ear is always helpful. The complete musician should be equally comfortable doing it either by ear or by paper. Makes for a more harmonious outcome. I'll be including more ear stuff in all my upcoming workshops.

Ken Bloom
http://www.boweddulcimer.com

[southernmiss]

Thanks, Ken. Have you (or do you) make three course bouzoukis?

Lee

[Ken Bloom]

The short answer is yes I do. I have even made four course bouzoukis. The ones I make are all in the Greek stye.

Ken Bloom
http://www.boweddulcimer.com