Continuing my journey with bowed psalteries

[SUE C WHEELER]

I obtained my Baritone Roosebeck Psaltery on Aug 8, 2015, and my Cabin Creek Alto on October 19, 2015. I realize this is adding family members rather rapidly, but I'm guessing there's folks out there that understand this! I love the low tones of the baritone, and the fact that I never "run out" of notes. It seems that 37 strings is quite a luxury. On the other hand, the little cherry Cabin Creek is easier to play and to carry around. While exploring options, the friendly attention from the craftsman made me think this beauty was especially for me. Thanks, Walter. I'm still loving this.

So I've been playing each instrument daily, and searching numerous sources for pieces appropriate for the upcoming hammered dulcimer jam. I'm trying to make the 2 sharps of the key of D comfortable. We're getting there. Also, I'm preparing to make music with my daughters, husband, and brother-in-law during our thanksgiving vacation. I am usually on the sidelines. Both men and one daughter are professional musicians. But now I can talk metronomes and modal scales, and lug my gear, and feel like one of the in crowd! My darling husband is proud of my efforts, and he loves whatever makes me smile. For now, that's All Things Bowed Psaltery!

[SUE C WHEELER]

Thanks, Robert, I'll keep practicing and try option #1 sometime.

[robert schuler]

Sue, you just sharpen the C&F and play only from the right side. Or you can dedicate a psaltery to D tuning with the D in the present C position. Or you can leave things as they are and place tape at the c# and f# positions on the left side. The third method worked for me... Robert.

[SUE C WHEELER]

Do you just "sharpen" the f and c on the right side of the instrument?  I've heard of tuning one's psaltery to the key of D, but it has sounded confusing to me. Thanks for replying to my post. I approve of doing what works!

[robert schuler]

One way to make the two sharps easier to play is to simply tune the right side to diatonic D. Some might call that cheating but in folk music we do what works... Robert.