Forum Activity for @bob

Bob
@bob
07/27/21 09:44:16PM
86 posts

Who's dulcimer kit?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Ken Longfield: On that particular dulcimer, the nut is installed backwards.

Yes but it doesn't really matter since it has a Zero fret.

Bob
@bob
01/31/21 05:35:02PM
86 posts

unusual old mountain dulcimer at Gruhn's in Nashville


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Very cool. I wish he gave it a strum or two though!

Bob
@bob
01/27/21 10:45:11PM
86 posts

What Are You Working On?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Robin Thompson:

@bob I believe I've seen where some other builders made that same move.  I imagine it will feel nice to build on your own timetable.    

I know of one other builder who is also currently taking time off from commission builds. It feels like 'play-time' now LOL. I have wanted to build a Pennsylvania-Dutch style Tall Clock (Grandfather Clock)  and am able to do that now.
Bob
@bob
01/27/21 04:10:58PM
86 posts

What Are You Working On?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have hit the "Pause Button" on building commissioned dulcimers. Over two years without a break in building special orders is a long run. It's very fulfilling but also rather stressful.

I will however be building mountain dulcimers and scheitholts of my own specs for general sales for a while. It feels refreshing!

Bob
@bob
01/03/21 05:04:23PM
86 posts

Fret Markers


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

And then there's the Chromatic Dulcimer with fret markers on EVERY Diatonic fret dohh and an inlay at the second octave ...  (I named this one "Dotty")


Chromatic.jpg Chromatic.jpg - 230KB

updated by @bob: 01/03/21 05:08:44PM
Bob
@bob
01/02/21 08:10:28PM
86 posts

Fret Markers


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I had a customer ask for her build to have a position dot at the first fret.

Well, hope people in the future don't think that was my idea shrugger

Bob
@bob
08/22/20 01:08:42PM
86 posts

Double fretboard & 6 guitar strings


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Without knowing anything about that instrument, I just have to say that it looks like a beautiful creation, like a piece of fine furniture. Whoever the builder was he/she certainly was very gifted.

Bob
@bob
08/20/20 08:08:55PM
86 posts

Dr. George Orthey, Mountain dulcimer and Autoharp maker


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

He was quite a luthier among other things. I am sure he will be missed greatly, but his legacy live in in his creations.

Bob
@bob
05/02/20 11:35:31PM
86 posts

What's your favorite tune or dulcimer to play this month?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Though I don't have a particular favorite dulcimer to play, somehow I found myself really enjoying the simple melody of a hymn called "Oh God Almighty Father". It brings to mind many fond memories of my seminary years and indeed makes me feel quite peaceful. It's kind of like meditative prayer when I am playing it.

Bob
@bob
04/28/20 07:35:54PM
86 posts

Finish


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Gennaro, have you tried Minwax Wipe-on Poly? I have gotten good results with it.

Bob
@bob
03/04/20 10:48:07AM
86 posts

Hair line crack bottom back of walnut McSpadden


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Silverstrings, I would offer a wee suggestion: Don't panic!

I was imagining cracks along a straight grain, but from the pics these appear to be around a knot section in the board. Are the hairline cracks actually going through the boards? If so that can be remedied. They look superficial from the photographs and I might imagine they will remain superficial. Give it time, keep it in a regulated environment like you have been, and out of the direct sunlight and see how it does. If it sings as beautifully as it does, leave it alone, it ain't broken. Instruments in far worse condition are played regularly; just be tender with it.

~Bob

 

 

 

Bob
@bob
01/01/20 07:31:09PM
86 posts

Introduce Yourself!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hi Patrick, I think you will find that a great many bagpipe tunes (particularly Scotts and Irish) lend perfectly to the mountain dulcimer (though you probably already know that!)  I play the cauld wind Scottish Smallpipes (somewhat) and love to try my pipe tunes on the mountain dulcimer; seems a perfect combination.  Best wishes!

Bob
@bob
10/05/19 09:24:03PM
86 posts

Care Advice Sought for 2 Really Old Instruments:


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Oh please share some photographs of your antique dulcimers! What a wonderful history you have. I am sure you will get excellent advice on the care and maintenance of these instruments.

Bob
@bob
09/28/19 11:58:51PM
86 posts

Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Ken Hulme:

@cbrown said "... of course early on the name [scheitholt] was widespread enough in Germany..."  

This is simply not true .  The name was NOT widespread in Germany.  This is the "great mis-information" which has been accepted and promoted over and over again by dulcimer players who aren't interested in checking facts. 

 And of course, the scheitholt was not played by everyone; perhaps less than one in one hundred.


laughlaugh

Bob
@bob
09/11/19 10:23:50PM
86 posts

What’s your favourite playing style and why?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Finger picking, usually in the late evening when the kids are asleep and it's time to wind-down. Generally though, I'd rather be building one than playing one.

Bob
@bob
07/28/19 06:49:14PM
86 posts



Ken Hulme:

Bob -- that's more info than I got when I posted about the Secret page a month or more back.  How do we Invite people?

In the center under the Everything Dulcimer banner is a box you click on. It says "Invite Members" .

Bob
@bob
07/28/19 12:10:11PM
86 posts




Strumelia:

Unfortunately it seems the ED facebook group continues to be secret/hidden from public view. It's been almost two months now.  tumbleweed



Strumelia, I posted this concern as a new topic there today and got several responses: if anyone is in FB, a member can invite them.


 


updated by @bob: 07/28/19 01:00:48PM
Bob
@bob
07/16/19 09:18:10PM
86 posts



There are several other Facebook Dulcimer groups, if you are interested:

"Mountain Dulcimer Players", "Support the Mountain Dulcimer an American Instrument" and "Mountain Dulcimer" are Public Groups.

"Discovering Dulcimers", "Lets Make Dulcimers", "Noter Style Dulcimer Players", are Closed Groups but you can ask to join.

These are very nice groups and very informative, and you could probably find many others as well!

Bob
@bob
05/22/19 04:04:16PM
86 posts

"Angel" Will Singleton Replica


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Wonderful looking dulcimer! The coloring on the tuning pegs and the cherry inlays are such nice accents. I bet it sounds great :-)

Bob
@bob
03/17/19 09:58:53PM
86 posts

New player / New purchase / Wellborn dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Holy moley thats a beautiful instrument!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob
@bob
03/07/19 06:24:16PM
86 posts

Working with Tropical Woods


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

That's a beauty for sure! I imagine your customer is very happyjive

If you do want to finish Bloodwood, or any oily tropical hardwood, you can simply wipe it down with some acetone to remove the surface oils. Then apply a thin coat/swipe of Shellac. Then, you're set to go with the poly!

Bob
@bob
02/10/19 10:09:37AM
86 posts

Buying in Europe


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Hi Rik,

Good to see your post and no need to be shy!

There is a fine Mountain Dulcimer builder in England named Ian Duthrie. He posts in Facebook by that name. Not much info about where exactly he is located or contact info like an email address, but if you use Facebook, look him up. His work looks very good.



 



Bob
@bob
02/08/19 08:14:59PM
86 posts

Oddball double fretboard dulcimer


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Very cool. Its good to be in the hands of someone who will take care of it!

Bob
@bob
01/28/19 10:36:41PM
86 posts

Removing grease spot


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Matt Berg: I would not try to remove the grease spot. You would have better luck rubbing the entire piece of wood with the same grease. Actually, that would help bring out the wood grain. I would also wait for other ideas.

Um... that will actually become rancid. I would suggest not.

Bob
@bob
01/07/19 10:35:59PM
86 posts

Narrow waisted hourglass shape


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I think John Knoff is correct on it being mostly for aesthetics. I like the term John used: "wasp-waisted".

My own dulcimer designs generally have that thin waist. I just like the lines, and also have been told (and agree) that it also makes for easy carrying.

Bob
@bob
12/03/18 04:45:10PM
86 posts

Question about Homer Ledford dulcimer finish


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

If there was a photo to see the spots you are concerned about it may be easier to give a suggestion.

That being said, however, if it's just a cosmetic rather than a functioning issue, I would lean towards letting it be and keeping  it in its current condition.

If you have ever watched "the Antiques Roadshow" you can see what appraisers think of 'cosmetic restoration' done on historic pieces, which is what I think you have.

Bob
@bob
11/18/18 07:32:14AM
86 posts

What do we call it?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I always refer to mine a 'collection' of dulcimers.

By the way, that's a nice display. I like the shelf with Shaker Pegs as a hanger (got me thinking now !)

Bob
@bob
09/13/18 10:08:23AM
86 posts

Information about a Change of policy at McSpadden


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Not having any photos to refer to, I am guessing that Don O is right. Now, if they used Floating Bridges, it wouldn't be an issue (just pandemonium).

Bob
@bob
08/01/18 03:18:42PM
86 posts

Intermediates


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


This is a really interesting discussion that got me thinking a lot. What skills does one need to master in order to progress from one 'level' to the next... Made me remember times I was asked for the music or tabs to a tune I had played on my dulcimer or Scottish Small Pipes. When I reply with an apology, that I can't help because I cant read music or tabs yet and only play by ear, I somehow feel inadequate.

I believe it's possible to master some skills as an intermediate player but also lack some of the skills of a rank beginner, at least in my case. Most, or a great many beginners learn from written music I think. I never learned to do that, even though i know the importance in it. (It's hard to commit to that when there's so many other neat and exciting things I need and want to do!) Some solace that, within the Irish music tradition, according to some quite renown musicians, most learning is done by ear, "Lugging it" as Matt Seattle (Scottish composer and musician) calls it. I guess it comes down to skill and confidence.

Anyway, if there was a definitive check list for player 'levels', I don't think I would want to see it.


updated by @bob: 08/01/18 03:19:45PM
Bob
@bob
06/04/18 05:19:23PM
86 posts

Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Ariane, you're so welcome! Your lovely story made me smile :-) Thank you for sharing that!

Bob
@bob
06/02/18 10:05:28PM
86 posts

Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!


Adventures with 'other' instruments...


All this Ukulele talk- I can't get Tiny Tim out of my head; "Tip-toe thru the tulips..."flower flower

 


updated by @bob: 06/02/18 10:06:33PM
Bob
@bob
05/27/18 12:30:26PM
86 posts

Everything Dulcimer - Closing Down.


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs


Dusty Turtle:

I just want to let everyone know that all the tablature from ED has already found a new home:  http://dulcimertab.com/ .  The site owner is hosting everything for free and may create a database of dulcimer groups and dulcimer teachers.



Thank you Dusty, and thanks to Kevin Teague for his hard work and dedication doing this.

Bob
@bob
05/06/18 05:59:38PM
86 posts

Restringing a scroll head?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Hi Noah,

The strings shouldn't be even touching inside the peg box. Perhaps you strung them incorrectly?

When I install the strings (I am using a 4 string model as example with a photo attachment), I do the two outer strings first; the tuner closest to the nut goes on first and the second closest would go next. Then the third and lastly the 4th string gets installed.

 


strings.jpg strings.jpg - 784KB
Bob
@bob
04/21/18 08:56:43AM
86 posts

Mikael Carstanjen 1975 Courting Dulcimer - Repair Question


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Just a quick reply- If you finally come to the conclusion - after long research and consideration- that you must physically alter the instrument to access the repairs, I thing Irene's idea is excellent!!  Cut a very nice hole in the bottom of the dulcimer to access repair work and use your creativity in plugin the hole with something faithful to the design of the instrument (i.,e., a pretty rosette with hearts).

Many minds at work can achieve anything.

Bob
@bob
04/20/18 10:41:59PM
86 posts

Mikael Carstanjen 1975 Courting Dulcimer - Repair Question


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

What an amazing and even historic instrument! And that seems like a big issue to fix. Just curious, Jim, have you talked to a professional instrument restorer?  A quick Google search discovered the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute  https://www.si.edu/mci/english/learn_more/taking_care/musinst.html

They can give you leads to conservators in various locations in the US and Canada. Not sure if it's financially feasible but they may have some good ideas for you.

Best wishes for your project.

~Bob

 

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