Mountain Dulcimer advanced noter techniques

This video shows some of the more advanced techniques for using a noter when playing mountain dulcimer. The dulcimer in the video is a replica of an Ed Thomas model from around 1890 - it was made by John Knopf. The noter is a piece of river reed, cut from our local river. The dulcimer is fitted with piano wire for strings and fretted with broom wire staples in the traditional diatonic pattern.

[@karlschulte9231]

How beautiful

[@juliaredifer2904]

Thank You for talking about the use of the noter and demonstration of techniques

[@KorbyLenker]

great ideas here thank you

[@18betz]

Hi- Thank you so much for your video. You play beautifully.

[@kitwells]

Thanks Robin for such valuable information. Very generous of you! Meilleurs voeux et bonne annee! Kit

[@lsamoa]

Another brilliant video! Thank you so much!!

[@rickmcnelly]

This was very educational, thank you!

[@mikewoike9429]

I have not seen this before but I'm very new at this. Thanks

[@michaeljking]

I am being won over by your playing to the early dulcimer with simple staple frets and piano wire. ...I have to make one!

[@SlateCreekDulcimers]

Excellent Robin! I added it to my site!

[@arianemusic5763]

Thank you very much, Robin. Since I got a McSpadden few days ago I would like to also play in noter drone style since its sound is great! And with your very helpful video I can try to implement the various techniques.

[@susanannmackenzie6321]

The Blackest Crow! This sounds great I'm going to get out the dulcimer and work on this. Thank you!

[@HUGSsandi]

THANK YOU! I found this HUGELY helpful!!!! I may master this thing yet... One day.... :)

[@karlschulte9231]

Welcome to USA! Or has the dulcimer made it back to Gr Brittain? Love the video. Mostly do noter. Captures the old time style best. Karl

[@michaeljking]

Thanks, I am making mostly Stick Dulcimers for customers but want to make a simpler Thomas style dulcimer with staple frets for myself when I get time, Thanks!!

[@michaeljking]

What tuning and stringing are you using on this? Its 15 years since I last made one of these.....

[@johnknights9625]

what tuning do most noter players use ?

[@birdrockdulcimers]

Hi Michael - I'm using a 1-5-5 tuning - root on the bass and two fiths for the middle drone and melody string. I think I'm somewhere around E,B,B. The ionian scale starts at the 3rd fret, so mixolidian from the open string. Give me a call if you'd like to chat through the designs of these early dulcimers (there are many old designs to chose from!). My contact details are on the Bird Rock Dulcimers web site. Robin

[@Cj-uq3kv]

Thank You so much! Is your dulcimer all ebony wood? It sure is beautiful.

[@ianmathieson3755]

You play beautiful. What is the name of the song you are playing?