Q:  Why do you use the “seven cluster” for the MMD signature            

soundhole?

A:  There are two reasons.  One, since I was a boy, I have admired the seven cluster diamond rings that gents wore.  When I started searching for one of my own, my special friend, Geoff found one for me immediately.  He told me that, in his family, the seven cluster was a reminder to always keep a day of rest and reflection in each week.  One should always plan for the other six days of the week to  revolve round and about that special day instead of letting each day get further and further from that special day as the week passes by.  Seven, Sabbath, Perfect...

      Second, in the search for the perfect soundhole, we must understand that soundhole is a complete misnomer.  It is in all reality an “air pressure equalization hole” which allows the dulcimer soundbox to vibrate freely so that the soundboard can slap the air and create a sound wave that then strikes our eardrum and hopefully makes our brain smile.

      In my opinion, the seven cluster is the perfect symbol and the perfect “air pressure equalization hole”.

Stay in tune,

David

1. *Geoff had an extraordinary personal motto:
   

   “Always be as good to everyone as they will let you be.”