Converting Other Instruments to Dulcimers

Subject: banjo
Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2003 17:35:14 -0500

Hi , I have a question, I play a lap dulcimer, and I like the banjo sound. Can I buy a used banjo and re-fret it to pick like a lap dulcimer?? Thank you
- George & Maxine Brantch

Greetings George & Maxine,

I've never tried this...and, therefore cannot really say if this is possible...there would be a few problems..

1. you would have to eliminate 2 of the strings on the banjo...for an authentic dulcimer set-up...

2. the banjo is bottom heavy and doesn't have the weight distribution of a dulcimer...which is designed to lay out on the lap.

3. a banjo has standard fret layout in half-steps all the way up the neck...a dulcimer has a diatonic fret layout that gives its characteristic ease of play...

My suggestion would be if you like the sound of a banjo, you might consider learning to play banjo. It's really a fun instrument...quite a bit more difficult to learn than dulcimer...but fun just the same.

Hope something here helps...Mickey