What is a Dulcimer Noter?
Traditionally, a mountain dulcimer is played using both a pick and a noter. In this post, we review what a noter is and highlight some of the best noters available online.
A dulcimer pick can be a standard guitar pick, but a turkey quill (or feather) is used in more traditional styles of dulcimer playing. To prepare a turkey quill for playing, simply remove all of the feathers and trim the tip of the quill to the desired thickness. The flexibility of the turkey quill is what makes it an ideal pick.
But what is a noter? A noter is a small tapered stick or wooden dowel used by mountain dulcimer players to hold down the melody strings while playing. Players use a noter to hold down a single string (on a 3 string dulcimer) or 2 strings (on a 4 string dulcimer) to play the melody. Two strings, the bass and middle strings are not noted when you play in the traditional style. These serve as “drones”, which have a constant sound reminiscent of bagpipes.
While a noter may be constructed of any type of material, it is often make of wood. It is usually tapered on one end to allow it to move smoothly up and down the fretboard. Plastic or metal noters often create a sharper tone, while wooden noters provide a more mellow tone and are often preferred.
While there are many basic noters for sale online, some players get creative and make noters from whatever is available at home. This includes a piece of bamboo, the end of a wooden soup spoon, and even a popsicle stick!
How Do You Use a Dulcimer Noter?
When a player hold down (or “frets”) the melody strings, a change in pitch results which is how a tune is produced. For example, when playing a four-string dulcimer, there are two melody strings which are typically played as one.
The noter is traditionally held in the player’s left hand, with the fingers underneath and the thumb on top. This allows the thumb to apply pressure to hold down the melody string(s). At the same time, the index finger keeps the noter from slipping. The larger end of the noter fits in your palm. Unless, of course, you use a dowel in which case in doesn’t matter which end you hold.
When playing the notes, the played slides the noter along the fret-board. This produces a sound that is commonly associated with the dulcimer, where one note seems to flow into the next. If desired, the player can then lift the noter and bring it back down with emphasis. This creates a nice “twang” sound.
Below is a video describing helpful tips and best practices for using a noter on a traditional mountain dulcimer. If you find it useful, please like the video!
Best Dulcimer Noters Available Online
Below we provide three great options for purchasing a mountain dulcimer noter online. Really any tapered wooden stick or dowel will work. However, eventually the strings will wear away the material which will make fretting difficult. Because of this, it’s important to use a noter made from a quality hardwood, such as maple, that can withstand string pressure over long periods.
All of these noters are made from hardwood, get great reviews, and are reasonably priced.
Roosebeck Dulcimer Noter – Rosewood
Roosebeck is a trusted brand in the dulcimer world, and these noters are perfect for those who like to use a traditional noter. The Roosebeck Mountain Dulcimer Noter comes with a standard pick in sheesham color and is made of solid rosewood. Reviews appreciate that this is both beautifully crafted and finished in a warm color that is smooth to the touch.
This deluxe noter measures approximately 4 inches long by 3/8 inch diameter, and weights 0.32 ounces. The thin end lays across the strings, while the fat part rests in your hand. It’s easy to hold and fun to use when playing the mountain dulcimer.
The bottom line is that the Roosebeck Mountain Dulcimer Noter is a great choice for a mountain dulcimer player of any ability who likes to play in the traditional style. It’s one of the best dulcimer noters available online.
Also available in solid walnut and whitewood as well.
Folkcraft Dulcimer Noter – Walnut
Another quality noter, the Folkcraft Mountain Dulcimer Noter is perfect for those who value simplicity and a no-nonsense style. Folkcraft Instruments is another trusted brand in the world of dulcimers. They’ve been supplying dulcimer players with quality accessories for many years.
This dulcimer noter is made of solid black walnut and measures 5 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter. It is also easy on the hands. Folkcraft experimented with lacquering their dulcimer noters. Eventually they found that they slid just as well (and were a lot easier to hold) if they left the wood untouched and bare. Made in Folkcraft’s woodshop in Woodburn, Indiana.
Reviewers comment on its ideal size and appreciate that it’s constructed of hardwood, which prevent the strings from cutting grooves in the noter. Overall, a simple but excellent product.
The Folkcraft Mountain Dulcimer Noter is also available in solid birch, which is lighter in color.
Hall Mountain Dulcimer Noter – Glass
A great noter choice, the Hall Mountain Dulcimer Glass Noter is made of borosylicate glass (Pyrex) with beautiful kiln-fired Celtic decorations. Glass noters may not be the most traditional, but they get rave reviews from those who use them. They produce a unique hammered sound and have a “fast” action compared to wooden noters. Glass noters are known to produce bright sounds and very distinctive sliding tones.
Glass noters are not necessarily quiet and are not meant to replace your wooden noters. With some songs you may prefer a quiet, wooden noter. Other songs will be enhanced by the percussive sound of glass, adding a whole new dimensions to your dulcimer playing. Glass noters will make a fun addition to your noter collection and make a nice gift. They are sure to attract the attention of your audience.
The Hall Glass Mountain Dulcimer Glass Noter measures 3 3/8 inches long and x 3/8 inch in diameter, and is handmade in the USA. Reviewers comment that it is elegant looking and crystal clear and produces a wonderful sound. However, some note that it may not replace your regular wooden noter as it provides a uniquely bright sound. If you’re looking for a crisp sound though, this is one of the best dulcimer noters we’re come across.
Also available in a wide variety of Celtic patterns.
Final Words
We hope you enjoyed our guide on what a noter is and a review of some of the best dulcimer noters we’ve found online. Already selected a noter for your mountain dulcimer? Great!
Check out the best dulcimer stands, and best dulcimer cases to complete your dulcimer package.
