3- versus 4-strings

[Marvin1952]

If given a choice between 3 and 4 strings when ordering a new dulcimer, which would you choose? I don’t use a noter, and have my sights set on flat picking and finger picking. I wonder what difference a second melody string would make. 

[Admin]

I tend to prefer playing 3 string instruments. On a 4 string instrument, I find the double string has a few downsides.  It's hard to press down as it's double the force needed to press down one string.  They also tend to bunch up together when fretting with fingers, especially if you're using a lot of slides.

It's claimed a double string is louder, but I haven't heard a lot of difference in volume going between a single and doubled melody string.  It's nearly impossible to tune them perfectly in unison, so I think what would be heard more is the slight dissonance between them, which might cut through the drones a bit if you're strumming a lot.   On a lot of modern instruments the strings are well balanced so they all sound a similar volume.

It might be something you want to try for yourself, but I've tended to find it getting in the way more than any benefit.  One case where it would be helpful is if you want to switch between 4-string equidistant and 3-string on the same instrument.  On all the dulcimers I have that were set up for a double melody, I've taken one off and left just 3 or loosened one and secured it off the fretboard to use later if I want to play 4-string equidistant. 

[KWL]

I also prefer 3 strings for much of the same reasons Admin gave. I have tried 4 equidistant strings, but don't care for that style of playing. While I play a lot of noter/drone style and finger dancing, I also play some chord/melody style and like 3 strings for both.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

[NoterMan]

Another 3-stringer here.  I played with 4 strings for many years.  But one time I broke a doubled melody string, and noticed virtually no difference in sound volume. 

[Marvin1952]

In appreciation of all the advice above, as well as several articles and a video by Mandy Tyner (banjolemonade), I have requested leaving the second melody string off my soon-to-be new McSpadden. I told Tim to just coil it up and throw it in the case; as we all know, it’s a bear trying to put a string back on, once removed. 
 

As always, thanks to you who have taken the time to help out this semi-newbie with your advice and experience. 
 

Marvin

[KWL]

Enjoy your new McSpadden when you receive it.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

[AlphieT]

I’m new to this site and just started playing with a Dulcimer. If possible I would like to ask a question regarding the 3 or 4 string question since mine is a four string Dulcimer. If you remove one and make it a 3 string instrument, does it matter which one of the double melody strings is removed? I’m thinking this may be an ignorant question since I wouldn’t think it would matter, but just wondering if I’m missing something in case I remove one.

[Marvin1952]

Remove the one that leaves three equidistant stings on the fretboard. 

[NoterMan]

There ARE no ignorant questions -- just ones you don't ask and don't get answered!!! 

The ONLY difference in which of the double melody strings you remove is how much space there is between the remaining string and the edge of the fretboard.  MOST people, I would say, remove the outer string, leaving about 1/8" more space between the edge and the string.  That way you have a bit more fretboard to press down on when fretting.

Edited April 3, 2022 by NoterMan

[AlphieT]

Thanks for the answers. They are helpful.