Dusty Strings 16/15 Dulcimer vs Dulcimer Sim

Experience playing the full, lush tones of a Dusty Strings hammered dulcimer right on your iPhone or iPad. Play on-screen or via MIDI from other apps or a MIDI keyboard. The app provides the treble and bass bridges of the flagship D550 model for playing on screen and the full 3.75 octave chromatic range of the real instrument from G2 to E6 when played via MIDI. The app has a 16/15 configuration with 16 string courses on the treble bridge and 15 courses on the bass bridge. The D550 is one of the popular Chromatic Series models made by Dusty Strings, builders of hammered dulcimers in Seattle, WA since 1979. To play, just touch the strings next to the black and white bridge markers. The Treble bridge (in the middle) has playable notes on either side, which are a fifth interval apart. The Bass bridge (on the right) can be played to the left of the markers. Toggle between a bright, clear ringing tone using hard hammers and a gentler, more piano tone using soft hammers by touching the image of the hammer in the upper left corner. To get repeated note "drag roll" effects, drag quickly horizontally across the strings. The drag roll sensitivity can be set on the settings screen. The higher the sensitivity, the shorter distance you need to move your finger to get the effect. Touch the "ABC" button to toggle the note name display on/off. Touch the mixer icon to show the controls screen where you can adjust the balance and pan for the bass and treble bridges, enable or disable the drag rolls, as well as set the sensitivity for how far you need to drag to get the roll effect. On the iPad version, the "Hammer Touches" setting chooses between no visible touches, visible touches, and visible touches + note label highlighting. On the controls screen for the iPad version, you may use the "Soft Hammer Filter" control to choose between equalization of the soft hammer sounds for best sound through the iPad speaker or through headphones. The "iPad" setting optimizes the soft hammer equalization for playback through the iPad speaker. The "Headphones" setting optimizes the soft hammer sound equalization for headphones or for use when connected to an amplifier through the headphone jack. The "Headphones" setting allows the full fidelity of the lowest sound to pass through for best quality. iPhone devices default to the "Headphones" setting. From the controls screen you can also visit the Dusty Strings website to learn more about their amazing hand-crafted instruments. Touch the "Shhh" icon to quiet all the strings. Instructions for use as a CoreMIDI Sound Module: The app may be used as a MIDI sound module for use with CoreMIDI-enabled MIDI file player apps or controlled from an external MIDI keyboard using a hardware MIDI interface. When played via MIDI the app has the full 3.75 octave chromatic range of the real D550 from G2 to E6. Select the MIDI channel on the controls page. When used via MIDI, the app responds to MIDI note-on (with velocity), note-off, and volume change messages on the selected MIDI channel. The right treble bridge volume and panning is used for all MIDI sounds and will respond to MIDI volume messages. To use with a MIDI file player app, such as “Sweet MIDI Player”, first launch the Dusty Strings 16/15” app, then your MIDI file player app. In MIDI file player settings you will find this app listed as “Dusty Strings 16/15” in their list of available CoreMIDI sound modules. On the controls screen, be sure to set the MIDI channel of this app to match the output MIDI channel of the MIDI player track you wish to play. iPad users - For the full D550 instrument playable on-screen, including the "SuperBass" bridge, please check out my standard "Dusty Strings" iPad app on the iPad App Store.

Designed for both beginners and seasoned musicians, Dulcimer Sim brings the authentic feel and sound of this iconic folk instrument right to your fingertips. With its user-friendly design and diverse features, you can create, play, and share music effortlessly. Key Features That Make Dulcimer Sim Stand Out Authentic Dulcimer Sounds Experience the genuine tone of a meticulously sampled mountain dulcimer. Every note is crafted to deliver the warm, rich resonance that defines the dulcimer's unique character. Advanced Features for Enhanced Playability - Microtonal Tuning: Adjust pitches for traditional and experimental scales, ideal for Appalachian folk music and microtonal compositions. - Transpose Adjustment: Easily shift keys to match your musical preferences or play along with other instruments. - Reverb Effects: Add depth and atmosphere to your performance with adjustable reverb. - Chorus Mode: Layer your notes with rich harmonies, creating a fuller and more dynamic sound. - Dynamic Key Sensitivity: Play with natural expression-higher presses produce quieter tones, while lower presses deliver louder, more powerful notes. Customizable Keys Adjust the size of the keys to suit your playing style. Whether you prefer wider keys for precise hammering or smaller ones for fast noter-and-drone techniques, Dulcimer Sim adapts to your needs. Three Dynamic Play Modes - Free Play Mode: Strum or hammer multiple strings simultaneously and enjoy the full resonance of the dulcimer. Perfect for creating spontaneous melodies and rhythms. - Single Key Mode: Focus on one note at a time, ideal for learning and perfecting dulcimer techniques. - Release Mode: Add a natural touch with cut sounds as you lift your fingers, creating a smooth and expressive playing experience. Record and Revisit Your Music Capture your performances with the built-in recording feature. Whether you're practicing, composing, or performing, your music is just a play button away. Share Your Masterpieces Seamlessly share your recordings with friends, family, or the world. Inspire others with your creativity and talent! Screen Recording Capability Elevate your musical creativity with Dulcimer Sim's new screen recording feature. Capture your mesmerizing dulcimer performances directly within the app, allowing you to effortlessly document your musical journey. Record your improvisations, practice sessions, or complete compositions with a single tap, and instantly share your artistic expressions with friends, fellow musicians, or on social media platforms. This intuitive recording functionality ensures that no moment of musical inspiration is lost, empowering you to preserve and share the unique, ethereal sounds of your dulcimer exploration. Why Choose Dulcimer Sim? - Realistic Experience: The app replicates the true feel and sound of a physical dulcimer, making it the perfect tool for practice or performance. - Elegant Design: A sleek, user-friendly interface ensures that every musician, from novice to pro, feels right at home. - Creative Flexibility: With versatile modes, adjustable keys, and authentic sounds, Dulcimer Sim puts you in control of your musical journey. Whether you're strumming a traditional folk melody, composing an Appalachian tune, or exploring the dulcimer for the first time, Dulcimer Sim offers endless possibilities. Download Dulcimer Sim today and let the enchanting spirit of the dulcimer take you on a musical adventure!