How to Eliminate Fret Squeak (Or Not)

October 6, 2023

 

Good Morning, Y'all!

I get the following email (or something similar) from people pretty regularly:

"In Steve Eulberg’s “Dulcimer Joy” exercise book, beginning with Exercise 12, the melody is played on the bass string.  I guess because it is a wound string, when I slide from fret to fret along the bass string, there is a very noticeable zinging/squeaking sound.  Is that my technique?  It seems like I have learned that sliding along the strings is the preferred technique for dulcimer music.  However, in this case, do I need to learn to simply pick up my finger rather than sliding it from fret to fret?"

1) Ignore the squeak - it is part of the sound of a fretted instrument. Look up Andrés Segovia, a renowned classical guitarist, on YouTube - squeak is part of his (world-class in every way) playing.

2) Minimize the squeak - sliding is good (makes you smoother as a player), but has some squeak involved. We use a brass-wound string that has been flattened just a bit (they're called "roller wound" at Folkcraft.com) so it doesn't squeak near as much as a standard bronze wound string (which isn't flattened at all).

 

3) Try to eliminate the squeak by going with a non-wound string. (We sell these, but only for hammered dulcimer.) Don't try them on your mountain dulcimer! The tension of the non-wound bass string string will likely collapse your fretboard. You don't want this!

So, here's my suggestion: Try some roller-wound strings. These have been stock on all Folkcraft and FolkRoots dulcimers for many years. A lighter touch in the left hand, but will still slide (that'll reduce, but not eliminate, the squeak). Also, you might experiment with a fretboard lubricant (click the link to check it out). A fretboard lubricant will reduce friction, and thus lower the volume of the squeak.