3 string box dulcimer

Hi,
I have a 3 string (only 3 tuners) cigar box dulcimer. I'm thinking I want to attempt to change "sort of" a uke. All of my ukes are tuned to GCEA. Is it possible to tune this instrument to a uke tuning with only three strings, and if so what tuning would I use?

While this may not be possible, I am just wondering.

Thanks
Terry

terrgy said:

I have a 3 string (only 3 tuners) cigar box dulcimer. I'm thinking I want to attempt to change "sort of" a uke. All of my ukes are tuned to GCEA. Is it possible to tune this instrument to a uke tuning with only three strings, and if so what tuning would I use?

Click to expand...

I have read of and plan to build a 3-string 'uke. Yes, they exist. Forget the bottom string (which only gets in the way!) and tune CEA, no hu-hu, no hi-G vs lo-G controversies, no complications. Enjoy!

So if I understand correctly, using GCEA, just drop the G, the one close to my navel. Seems like this thing is backwards, the A should be considered the bottom string. Dulcimer is the same way, sitting the instrument on your lap, the one close to is the bottom string. That makes since, but on uke or guitar, it don't make since. Anyways, as long as we know.

Thanks for your reply, I'm gonna give it a go.

k0k0peli said:

I have read of and plan to build a 3-string 'uke. Yes, they exist. Forget the bottom string (which only gets in the way!) and tune CEA, no hu-hu, no hi-G vs lo-G controversies, no complications. Enjoy!

Click to expand...

I bought a 3 string soprano ukulele a few weeks ago and I am going to pick up a 3 string tenor this Saturday. It is tuned CEA.

John

70sSanO said:

I bought a 3 string soprano ukulele a few weeks ago and I am going to pick up a 3 string tenor this Saturday. It is tuned CEA.

John

Click to expand...

John
What about chords? For example: F chord
Is there a chart?

I've decided against turning this dulcimer into a uke. Back of the fret
Board is way to thick.

Terry

Does the dulcimer have the standard diatonic fret layout? It would seem to limit your ability to play it as an uke.

TaoCat said:

Does the dulcimer have the standard diatonic fret layout? It would seem to limit your ability to play it as an uke.

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Nope. Decided this dulcimer would not make a uke.


Side note to John. Do you have a link to where you are buying the 3 string tenor? Out of curiosty, I googled 3 three string uke, with no success.

Thanks
Terry

I started a thread a few weeks ago on a 3 string uke that went off in an odd direction.

If you google youtube. Then search Fred Shields ukulele on youtube you'll find one where he is playing falling in love with you.

He is playing a concert, but he made a tenor for me.

The chording is the same except there is no 4th (G) string. Playing an F chord is done by playing 1st fret on the 2nd string. This is no different than dropping 2 strings from a guitar and playing the chords without the 5th ant 6th string. Might be easier to visualize with baritone "G" tuning.

The one thing lacking will be some chord nuances that may change the shape. For instance... A and A7. Without the 4th string you lose the 7th "G". It may be better to pick up the G on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string or play a G7 shape on the 4th.

For a number of years I have been playing instrumentals and have drifted away from just chords and strumming. I see the 3 string as a easy way to play in a group which is something I haven't really done very much. When there are 20-25 people strumming it is somewhat academic if I am playing 3 or 4 strings. It is also a good way for my wife to finally start playing.

Finally, there is a little bit lost with only 3 strings, especially re-entrant tuning, and I see it as a fun alternative but not as a replacement for a traditional ukulele.

John

John, how do you get in touch with Mr. Shields for pricing? Is there a website"? I did type in his name and saw a face book page, but no website. Believe it or not, I am not on facebook.

Phone number perhaps?

My understanding is that Fred is retired and he does this as a hobby. I got his number from Moze Guitars in La Mesa, CA.

I don't think he will have a problem if I post his number on UU, but I will ask him on Saturday.

I sent you a PM with his number.

John

terrgy said:

Nope. Decided this dulcimer would not make a uke.

Click to expand...

If the fretboard is diatonic and not chromatic then that's a good decision. But one way to experiment with a 3-course 'uke-like-object would be to acquire a cheap mandolin (like the Rogue RM-100A for US$46 shipped in USA by Musician's Friend) and cut a new nut and bridge for the fewer, more widely spaced strings. Such could be strung and tuned as an 'uke or chromatic dulcimer or balalaika or whatever. See here for many extant tunings.

I'm wondering if the extra frets could be added to the diatonic fret board?