Forum Activity for @george-desjardins

The photos really don't do justice to the size of this thing! 44 inches long, 12 inches at it's widest, 3 inch deep body, 6 string. It is touted as a bass dulcimer, to what should I be tuning this too??

 Going to try and do a sound clip after I figure it out a little more, but have to bring someone in to help me do that, technologically challenged here!!

 Thanks all!!

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Either Fred, or Edsel Martin, out of Swannanoa, N.C., know for the carved head stock scrolls, anyone own one as to the intonation, tone etc. Guesses as to approximate value? Looking at a couple that have come available, worth it??

 Thanks as always.

It hgas hints of several makers, sort of Clifford Glenn, but heart holes face the wrong way. Has the extended edge top and bottom, Close to Homer Ledford, but in both cases is a different scroll head stock, and again, They tended to make all the sound holes face the same direction instrument to instrument. Seller says no signature or ;abel inside, usually always there, has the sort of Amburgey groove. Just Curious!! Thanks all once again for your insight and knowledge.

 These are the only images available right now,

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Hi Joe, Thanks for the reply, here are a few more pics. Just have to say how much I'm enjoying playing this. Don't suppose you're still building??

 Great work.. Has moved up in the standings to the top 5 in the playing rotation.

 Also so the group can see the craftsmanship a little closer. Thanks is all I can say.

"Dulcimer is the voice of Angels"

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Even better to know that you didn't use much Birds Eye, because the wood you used on this is absolutely gorgeous. And just makes it more unique.

Found this on E Bay, just wanted to say what a beautiful piece of work. The wood selection, the size, depth. Love the carving in the head stock and the sound holes. Especially the heart cut outs in the hollow. The inlay where the bridge goes is sweet too.

 Am hearing it's Birds Eye Maple back and sides, and butternut top, the finger board is throwing me a bit, but just wanted to say, 

 Thanks Joe, it's a beauty. Great voice to it!!

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That is the question, being told they think it's an Edd Presnell, but from what I've been seeing, Presnell dulcimers look to be hour glass shape, this is that fiddleside type.

 To me it looks much more like a Bill Davis, but it doesn't have the edge that sticks out over the side, (Can't recall what that's called), like Davis's others, also there is no signature inside or engraved on the back like his others.

 The only thing they are basing the Presnell call on it, is a business card they found with it, see photos.

 Any opinion?? 

 Thanks folks!!

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I recently came into a Sourwood Dulcimer, (DAD strikes again) Made by Anton Zaplata, Lisbon Ohio.

 Very nicely made, great wood, Wormy Butternut, and either Cherry or Chestnut back and sides. Didn't know if anyone had heard of him, I'm not finding a lot of info out there so just thought I'd ask the far more knowledgeable folks than myself.

37 1/2 inch length, 26 5/8 VSL, 2 inch deep.

 A few pictures attached, Thanks again.

(Dulcimer is the voice of Angels)

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My personal experience has been very good and have found some of my most collectible, favorite dulcimers on E Bay, Bill Davis, Bob Mize, John Stockard, Warren May, and most recently a Homer Ledford in fantastic condition.

 My biggest disappointments have been on the selling end, and with the USPS that completely destroyed 2 that I had sold and packed in my usual type A method.

 I am fortunate enough to have not been let down by any I have purchased sight unseen and sound unheard.

 My only surprises were my first accidental discovery of Just Intonation with an on line purchase, took me awhile to figure out that it wasn't a defect, it was built that way, and my first "floating bridge". I had always had fixed bridges, so when I went to restring it the bridge fell off and I was horrified thinking I had broken it.

Decided to attach the photos of all the "kids" hanging on the walls, hate to admit, but I'm already looking at possibly number 22! 

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I just bumped up to 21 after finding a sweet Homer Ledford to add to the mix, I was thinking 31 should be the target, That way I can play a different one each day of the month!! I think that counts as DAD.

 Have posted a couple of photos of all the kids hanging on 2 different walls on my profile page.

Thanks for the input everyone, greatly appreciated!!

I just got lucky enough to come into a Homer Ledford YP-1900, in great shape, but a first for me, is the violin fine tuners, have numerous other dulcimers but never have had these tuners on any of them.

 So, simply put, how do they work, just looking for any suggestion on how to use them, I am simply tuning it now with the wooden pegs which are very tight on this dulcimer, and can get a very close, accurate tuning, but was curious how to refine it using the fine tuners.

 Thanks, as always, in advance.

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Was wondering if anyone was familiar with these dulcimers, I'm finding almost no info on them or possible value, I have found that he was active around 1970 on, built only around 20 a year during the Dulcimer "boom: of around 1980, looks decent, but didn't know if anyone does, or has owned one and what they may sound like. Thanks in advance again as usual., George

John Frazier South Bend Indiana  No. 165 Dec1978

38" in length, 28 1/4 inch string length as he put it, I asked for length from bridge to nut since I don't think he knew what vsl was. 1 3/4 deep

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Did that, all the inner workings came out as you said, the part I'm having an issue with is the housing that it slips through, can't seem to get that loose. Don't know what to call that part exactly, don't know if it's supposed to screw together or if it just is pushed together. That's where  I don't want to do any damage.

I picked up a nice older,dulcimer recently, JI, equidistant, at some point someone modified it by putting these Grover tuners on it instead of leaving the original wood friction pegs, I am wanting to put the friction pegs back on My question, I know there is a bushing that holds them together. I am trying to not damage them when I remove them, is there a suggested way of pulling them? I already have the rest of the tuners disassembled, but want to send these Grovers to someone if I can remove them without damage. Thanks all!!   George

Hi Irene,

 I would not ask very much, they seem to be working just fine, all I had to do was tighten the screw at the top of the wood button on each was all.

 I have ordered a set of ebony friction pegs for it, when they arrive and I've switched them out I'll let you know.

 I will send you the other pegs up front so you can check them out "in hand" before paying for them just so you can be sure they are in working order.

 i'll keep you posted, should be about midweek before the others arrive.

 I also had an older McSpadden with these same tuners, other than needing to tighten the top screw every now and then, never had an issue with them.

I had posted a previous forum on this but wanted to expand on it, after some feed back from Strumelia and others.

 So, found this as a rescue, needed major cleanup etc. But it's a sweetie, in really good shape, no guess as to what woods it's made of. Intonation is good all up and down the frets, It is JI, equidistant, great tone and well made. I usually don't buy them unless I know something of the maker, but I'm not disappointed at all.

 Inside is a label that is personalized, " To my friend Louie", Made in Feb, 1989, There is a logo of which I am attaching a photo of, a line, "Red", Made in Statesville, NC. Just wondering if anyone may know anything about it.

 After Strumelia pointed it out, these current tuners on it look for sure to be an add on later. I would love to put wood peg tuners back on it, if any one can tell me where i can find or have some made.

 The n4th picture is hard to see but if you look close you can see the logo, the line and then the R in Red.

 Also, if I can find peg tuners I will be selling off the current tuners to anyone who may be interested.

 Any info greatly appreciated as always,

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Hi Rob Lackey, I did pick that dulcimer up, needed some serious cleaning, those tuners were seriously loose, the dust build up tells me this hadn't had a finger laid on it in years. Cleaned up great, I wasn't sure what to expect as far as it not having a strum hollow as all my others do, but it's got a real nice mellow voice. It holds a tuning great, no fret buzz and intonation seems to be right on the money.

 It was made in 1989 in Statesville NC, is personalized on the inside label to, "my friend Louis, Some type of makers mark, then just "Red".

 All solid woods, and above average workmanship. 

 Not disappointed, just wanted to pass that along, and thanks as always for your feedback.

Looking at this one, looks older, seems to be in good shape with the usual TLC needed. I'm trying to figure out who may have made it, just seeing if any of you may recognize it.

 All that can be seen as far as makers mark inside is, APR Red St _______

 Any educated guesses, here are a few photos. Thanks, just my curiosity going.

 Also what anyone may know about A. W. Jeffreys  I'm watching a few online auctions. Thanks as always!  George

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Just a follow up to my 1 1/2 fret question, thanks to all of you for the input.

 I am meeting Miss Bonnie Carol next Wednesday for her to put the fret on , (of course), my Bonnie Carol, may have to see about any other upgrades when I'm there.

 But still need to find someone to add it to a couple others, but therein lies the next question, On dulcimers such as my Bill Davis and Bob Mize, should I not add the extra fret for the historic, and possible future value, even if I have no intention of selling?

So, pay someone to do it!! :)

Owning a number of dulcimers, I have only one, a June Apple "Cello-Mer", that came with the 1 1/2 fret, and I really like it! So I was curious on opinion of how hard or can a 1 1/2 fret be added to one or two of my others. I do some minor repair and restoration to older vintage dulcimers I find around, but mostly fixing small cracks, broken head stocks etc. but am far from being a luthier. Would adding one be something I can do, how difficult would it be? Or, does anyone know anybody in the Denver, Boulder Colorado area able to do this?

 I am only an hours drive  away from Bonnie Carol and her shop and was considering asking if they could do it?

 Also what is the "note" that the 1 1/2 fret creates, I just love that extra, somewhat haunting, minor tone it gives.

 Thanks all!

Just me feeding my obsession with older vintage dulcimers, especially the wood friction pegs types. Can any one tell me anything about him, I have seen some info on line but always appreciate all y'alls input. Were they JI or ET fretted? I have read that they were "larger" dulcimers also. Any feedback from all of you who know way more than me would be great!!

 Have seen the term "wasp waist" used in describing, is that a reference to the what looks to be narrow area between the upper and lower bouts?

 Haven't bought it yet, but seriously considering it, and an opinion of what it may be worth? I know it's only worth what one is willing to pay, but among those of us who appreciate dulcimers on a higher level!! 

 Thanks, George in Estes Park Colorado.

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In my ongoing search and quest for vintage and hard to find dulcimers, I recently stumbled across a Loren Powell dulcimer, He was from Greenfield Ohio, 1931 to 1999, built dulcimers as a hobby but was supposed to be pretty decent at it, here's a couple photos, has anyone ever played, or owned one, know anything about them?  The wood on it looks nice, top and sides looks to be quilted maple, really like the wood case. Thanks in advance once again.

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I was amazed on my frequent searches on E Bay, that I found a Bob Mize, 2001 4 string dulcimer in absolute perfect condition, either very cared for or never played. The workmanship is amazing, but I have no idea what the top wood is, there was no info at all on the listing other than it was a 2001 Mize. 

 Please take a look at photos of the top and would appreciate any feedback on what you all may think it is, I've had several friends who have worked with various woods, but they can't nail it down. The most frequent choice right now is possibly birds eye maple, whatever it is, it's gorgeous. Great tone, yet soft quality.

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such a knowledgeable soul, and kind heart. 

I just enjoy sitting every night and playing for an hour or two, While I play fairly decently, I've never been comfortable playing in front of people. I mostly play because it helps me deal with depression issues.

Dulcimer is the voice of angels.

Thanks to everyone once again, I always appreciate the honest feedback when I ask random questions.

 I'm a much more a collector who enjoys making "noise" on my dulcimers, than an actual good player, you all blow me away.

Custom scale? Hmmm, what would you say it more closely  is similar too, JI, or T, would you have to tune it differently? I'm always looking for older harder to find dulcimers that are more unique, and for whatever reason I find I'm becoming more of a fan of wood friction tuners as opposed to the geared ones.

Can someone tell me if his dulcimers are in just intonation or equal temperament?

 Also, has anyone seen the metal whatever they are called at the base for the strings> All the photos I have seen don't have these and I've never seen them on a dulcimer before. Thanks folks.

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That's the one alright, are you familiar with his worlk?

 Thanks for the tuning info, and just remembered I have a June Apple Banjomer that is strung standard but is slotted for equidistant also, may jus have to loosen up the strings and give it a go round with some of the tunings you suggested. 

Hi all, I'm looking at my first equidistant strung dulcimer and was just curious if it is tuned the same basic D A D for example, or can or should it be tuned differently? Thanks in advance, it's a 1982 Tim Fillenbaum if I'm spelling that right.

And here's a shot of the "wide" Sassafras model, Both the Mahogany and this one look like they were never even played, or minimally at best, I couldn't find any sign of wear at all.

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I actually ended up with 3 Warren Mays, to do a side by side comparison, I really don't mind the wooden pegs, all it requires is a little patience and adjusting to them, I find I can now tune about as quickly and accurately as with geared tuners.

 I ended up withy the 82, older fret scale, not sure of the wood.

also got an 86 all mahogany, with the updated fret scale, and a much more recent model, the "wide" version with f holes, walnut back and sides, and a sassafras top, they all sound fantastic, I do think my fave is the wide version, so mellow and haunting sound, especially tuned to CGC.

 I may end up selling the 82, but can't decide for sure, I really only set out to find one, but I was a little naughty but nice to myself for Christmas!!

 Here's a shot of the Mahogany.

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I find that it's not really the strings but the dulcimer itself that either does, or doesn't give you the warm mellow sound, the type of wood also plays into it in a big way, such as comparing Cherry to Walnut or red cedar. tuning is the next big one, for me personally anyway, I find the CGC tuning to be very warm mellow sound, but have also found it doesn't always "work" on all dulcimers, it really depends on the personality and voice of each individual dulcimer.

 I just picked up a couple Warren Mays, and find that they overall have a very mellow voice.

 I'll be posting a new forum at some point highlighting the Warren Mays, I got a lot of great feedback from folks here at FOTMD about Warrens dulcimers, and I'm not disappointed in the least, some of my favorites to play, and they handle the CGC tuning like a champ!!!

Hey Dusty, thanks for all the great info. I'm looking forward to checking this out when it gets here. supposed to be delivered on Saturday.

 And yes Ozark Lady, that is a picture of the one I'm getting, I like finding the older harder to find dulcimers, over Christmas I actually found 3 Warren Mays!

 From 1982, 1986 and a much newer one, the two later ones look to be virtually unplayed and came with case, noter and pick, the hang tags were still attached even.

Hello ozark Lady, Mine just shipped out, hoping to get it by the weekend, real curious to get an up close look, I have no details about it and virtually no info on line as to materials used, date and so on. I'll let you know when it gets here!

Looks very well made, I'm eyeing a used one, but know nothing about them, I like the inserts in the soundholes, it's a bit rough, but "normal" wear and tear, I'm seeing that it has ties to Folkcraft, but I have no idea what the woods are etc. Thanks for all the previous info on the Warren May, and any info on this one.

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Thanks everyone for the feedback, I just won the auction for the 82, that's what I love about this group, good iformation and valuable conversation as personal opinion gets thrown in. Loved Roberts comment about, "It just depends how selective your hearing is."

 I have tinitus, the joy of a constant, unending high pitched ringing in my ears, day and night. Funny thing, when I play my dulcimers, I don't hear it at all.

 Thanks again friends!

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