Why do some 4-string dulcimers have two strings really close to each other, while some have the 4 strings evenly spaced?
The 4-string dulcimer with a double-melody string (two strings really close together, meant to be tuned in unison, and always pressed down together-as one) is essentially a 3-string dulcimer with a reinforced melody string. This string configuration is especially useful for the traditional melody-with-drone style, where the melody line is carried up and down the double melody string in a linear fashion, while the middle and bass strings sound a continuous drone. The real advantage here is that the double melody string is twice as loud as a single string; allowing it to sing out loud and clear above the drone. For the advancing dulcimer player, however, the 4-string equidistant set-up represents a clear departure: a fork in the road where there is an exponential increase in harmonic capabilities, as well as the number of tunings available.
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