Recent thoughts on Strumstick?

[Mr Slaters Parrot]

I'm thinking about picking up Strumstick, the three-string diatonic scale version, after hearing one played in a bluegrass band. Most of the threads on this instrument are years to a decade old. So, any more recent thoughts about whether this instrument would be a good/fun addition to a ukulele player's collection? I'm moderately proficient on the uke but just really getting beyond strumming to melody. "Some say" the Strumstick is a good learning instrument for that purpose. What say ye?

 

[Canada Jim]

From what I've seen, a strumstick is very similar to a lap dulcimer, the exception being the resonant chamber. They have the same fretboard layout, a diatonic board with an added 6+ fret. Playing drone style melody will be quite easy for someone who plays the uke.
Playing chord style is a bit more difficult.

 

[ksiegel]

From what I've seen, a strumstick is very similar to a lap dulcimer, the exception being the resonant chamber. They have the same fretboard layout, a diatonic board with an added 6+ fret. Playing drone style melody will be quite easy for someone who plays the uke.
Playing chord style is a bit more difficult.

You are right, Jim - I've played a couple, and they are functionally equal to a mountain dulcimer - which can also be played holding it up like a guitar/uke.

The major difference I've seen is that a Strumstick is cheaper than a decent dulcimer.

 

[Contrails]

I have a seagull Merlin m4 and I love the sound of it. it’s very easy to pick up but some of the stretches are quite large if u play a strumstick. Not so if u play a dulcimer as they use their thumb to fret so the reach for stretches is further.
This guy is the best so far that I have come across

 

[Contrails]

 

[KevinFL]

Having played mountain dulcimer, the Merlin looks like an easy transition and a lot of fun. I just ordered one thanks to this thread. This should fit in well at church when we play gospel bluegrass.

 

[Mr Slaters Parrot]

Why does the Merlin have three strings and four tuning gears on the head?

 

[KevinFL]

Why does the Merlin have three strings and four tuning gears on the head?

There are 4 strings. The last set is doubled, DD.

 

[Canada Jim]

Having played mountain dulcimer, the Merlin looks like an easy transition and a lot of fun. I just ordered one thanks to this thread. This should fit in well at church when we play gospel bluegrass.

The Merlin is a very simple strumstick, which makes it very limited, although Chit San Maung sure gets some amazing sounds from it. It gives you only one octave per string and the dulcimer 6+ fret is included, but the 6th fret is not. If you prefer DDA tuning, you will want to have the 6th fret added. DAD tuning folks will be a bit happier.
The major difference between a dulcimer and a strumstick is that the strings are reversed. A strumstick has the melody string(s) on the opposite side from a dulcimer.
I would prefer a strumstick that is fretted like a mountain dulcimer. It gives you a lot more possibilities.

 

[Mr Slaters Parrot]

The Merlin is a very simple strumstick, which makes it very limited, although Chit San Maung sure gets some amazing sounds from it. It gives you only one octave per string and the dulcimer 6+ fret is included, but the 6th fret is not. If you prefer DDA tuning, you will want to have the 6th fret added. DAD tuning folks will be a bit happier.
The major difference between a dulcimer and a strumstick is that the strings are reversed. A strumstick has the melody string(s) on the opposite side from a dulcimer.
I would prefer a strumstick that is fretted like a mountain dulcimer. It gives you a lot more possibilities.
View attachment 152543

I spoke to the player after the concert. I asked her about tuning and she said hers was G-C-G with one G an octave above. I don't see where McNally sells an instrument with that tuning out of the box, but maybe some can be set up that way.

 

[ploverwing]

Having played mountain dulcimer, the Merlin looks like an easy transition and a lot of fun. I just ordered one thanks to this thread. This should fit in well at church when we play gospel bluegrass.

I've noodled a bit on my Dad's Merlin and I love it!

 

[Contrails]

I spoke to the player after the concert. I asked her about tuning and she said hers was G-C-G with one G an octave above. I don't see where McNally sells an instrument with that tuning out of the box, but maybe some can be set up that way.

You can have the Merlin in G tuning too. Just need a different saddle from Godin. The parent company of seagull. I have both D and G saddles

 

[Canada Jim]

You can have the Merlin in G tuning too. Just need a different saddle from Godin. The parent company of seagull. I have both D and G saddles

I don't understand how changing the saddle would change the tuning. I would change the string gauge. It looks as though the saddle is built right into the bridge, so to change the saddle, you'd replace the whole bridge. Am I wrong?

 

[Contrails]

I don't understand how changing the saddle would change the tuning. I would change the string gauge. It looks as though the saddle is built right into the bridge, so to change the saddle, you'd replace the whole bridge. Am I wrong?

The G saddle compensation is different from the D saddle. I guess it’s more for intonation. The saddles pops out of the bridge.

 

[Contrails]

The difference between the 2 saddles

 

[Canada Jim]

Thanks Contrails.

 

[rustydusty]

I have a Merlin and find it very difficult to chord with my arthritic hands…

 

[Contrails]

I have a Merlin and find it very difficult to chord with my arthritic hands…

Some of the stretches are quite hard. I had wrist pain when I first started on it.

 

[ploverwing]

Some of the stretches are quite hard. I had wrist pain when I first started on it.

Yeah wow the frets are SO far apart!