Forum Activity for @sleepingangel

Yes the pick up is Great...just not how to attach it lol....Your photos didn't work though?? but thanks for trying to help. I think I'm going to try what Dusty Suggested!!

thanks!

Maria

This is Fantastic info!

I'm headed to staples!!! thanks so much Dusty!

Maria 

Dusty,

I'm really interested in the stuff you are talking about (the plastic) what is it called? We have a "Staples" near me. would they sell it? and are you using the little squares that Greg myers Provides with the pick up or did you buy the command strips? 

I actually have found the recorded sound to be quite good. I used it on the last 3 soundcloud videos I did if you want to check it out!

Thanks for the info and also I'm still also trying to figure out how to get the suction cup off. Do you have to unscrew the two screws on the bottom like you would to change the battery? and is there anything inside you actually had to unscrew. I'm sorry I'm just not following as I have opened the back when I first got it to make sure the battery was intact but haven't tried removing the suction cup.

Thanks again

Maria

http://www.elderly.com/schertler-putty-for-dyn-series-pickups.htm

Thanks Rob!! I appreciate and enjoyed your information. I will look into that Rodico there is some other stuff I saw for sale on Elderly instruments; Ever hear of this;

dan this isn't for a pick. I need something to "temporarily" stick my pick up on....I have a Myer's Pick up which gives excellent results for recording but it pops off and that wont be good for gigging. The owner said he's had many musicians use the ones that I described and that "sanstew" posted about using for his picks...I'm just trying to figure out what to do short of just using it for recording but that's a shame as it cost 129 dollars

Take care

Maria

Okay quick question. someone told me on another group that they would be afraid of two things with the command strips: one that when they pull the tab to release it , it pulls on the wood and it could possible break it with that much force and two is there a residue of any kind on the dulcimers?

Thanks so much and if you don't mind do you know if the one I listed is the exact one you use?

thanks so much

Maria

Hi everyone I'm enjoying the wonderful sound of this pick up called "Myers Pick up" I've put a few examples on soundcloud and many people have commented how good the dulcimer sounds. Here's the problem. The suction cup he uses to mount the pick up to the dulcimer pops off. I've had to just leave it "sit" there and play carefully and it works but I have a gig in two months that I can't have that happen with....I thought at first I could use that "tacky" stuff that I use to hang up pictures in my class room but it does leave a residue. Also I reached out to the owner who was very understanding as I thought I may have to upgrade to a different type. He told me that was no problem but that he's had many customers tell him they use 2M command strips. I just went on Amazon and it does look like they could work without damaging the instrument. If you scroll down it shows that when you need to "remove" the strip from the instrument you pull a tab down and it releases it without damaging the wall (normally use is to hang up stuff on walls) I do recall back in the day those types of strips would rip the paint and sometimes the board of the wall off...seems like they made an improvement and they are touting that "it won't damage walls" etc. 

what is your opinion? 

Here's the link:

 http://www.amazon.com/Command-17024VP-Poster-Strips-48-Strips/dp/B001KYSAN4/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452874269&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=2M+command+strips 

Yes Strumelia, I really like it a lot. The workmanship is excellent!! I've used it quite a bit too. It is much trickier than using a guitar capo due to the diatonic frets but I'm finding that I'm enjoying the challenge!!

thanks again everyone! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. I sent Ron a check for $20 and within 10 days I had my capo!

thanks so much Robert. I just checked and both washers are there. I did notice that in between the white turning part and the rest of the tuning peg there is an additional washer in between that. All of them are sort of crooked and don't lie flat in that space. I have no idea if that could be part of the problem. I do know that I keep a screw driver in my dulcimer bag because sometimes I have to retighten that screw you were talking about so that it doesn't keep slipping or not getting to the exact note...like it just keeps falling flat...when I do that it works ok for the song or whatever. 

thanks again!

Maria

oh cool. I will try and do that!!! Even if they can't quite "Fix" it they can tell me what I have to do etc.

I also need them to look at the tuning pegs...they really slip when tuning as they are the "Friction' ones I think...I can tune just just right where it should be and then it goes sharp...and sometimes if the screw has slipped it won't get any more tighter it will just bounce back..it's so weird as I've never had a guitar with these types of tuning pegs...I'm hoping I can fix them as it would be nice to 'keep' the original equipment on it BUT I will probably never sell it anyway so maybe I should just have them replace them if it's easier enough (with geared tuning pegs) 

Thanks again

Maria

thanks so much. quick question. I've never attended a dulcimer festival but I'm planning to go to one in the Poconos in January. Do they have people like that who can look at it? thanks though for the suggestions though!!

thanks

Maria

Thanks Ken,

Yeah I figured I would stick with a product made for a wooden instrument!! 

I just remember as a child doing my "chores" and we always had to use pledge on the bedroom set furniture and it has like this waxy build up now ( I recently was given my mom and dad's bedroom set after my mom passed and noticed that and remembered what we used!!)

take care and thanks

Maria

Okay so this is good information. Thank you.

I ordered this: from musician's friend ebay store: Dunlop Fretboard 65 Ultimate Lemon Oil

it was free shipping and less then 4.00 and it gets good reviews

I will try that on the fretboard and see what happens etc...and then perhaps the other advice on the wood or maybe even try a spot that's not conspicious and use it for the wood. I will know more when I receive it and read the label.

Thanks again

Maria

so basically no matter what finish it is the lemon wood WON'T HURT it right??

If that's the case then I will get that. 

Thanks

Maria

it won't let me delete the duplicate picture sorry

oh wow...I don't know. I do know it was made by Jack Bruner who owned the Walnut Valley Dulcimer Company. It's all solid black walnut and it was the 86th dulcimer made in 1989. I believe the owner of mine actually bought it new in Epcot from the owner.

Thanks so much

Maria

here are some pictures

 IMG_8283.jpg - 165KB

Hi,

I noticed today when I was playing in the sun (hard to believe it's Dec 15th in NY) that the wood has some areas where it looks dry.

This is the all black walnut dulcimer I bought used. The owner's son had it in a box (original box btw) for the last 20 years.

Thanks so much. 

I've heard lemon oil ( I think it was Marc Matthieu) but I don't know what kind to get brand etc...and can that be used on walnut

Thanks so much

Maria

very cool Jim!! Practical and works! perfect!

Maria

that's a true statement!! 
So far I think it's okay now....I'll have to see as I play it and tune it. 
Thanks for the tip too

Maria

well I guess I could do all that but honestly if I spent the money for a new instrument then I don't want to have to fix mistakes. plus now I already bought my "new" old one and I don't think at the moment I need both. In fact the skinnier neck would now mess me up so I'm happy learning on the Walnut Valley one.

but thanks for the suggestions

Maria

well so far with changing the strings a bit and fooling with that screw I've gotten it tuned to dadd and it seems to be holding!! But thanks for the advice and compliments on it!

Maria

Oh wow.....thanks so much!! it's prettier than the pics on ebay show and for that I'm glad!!

Maria

Okay that's good news!! 
Thanks so much
Maria

I don't know why the above repsonse is on the side but if you could read it and look at picture that would be great

thanks

Maria

>

Okay so I unloosened both of the melody and then somehow popped the one that was closer to the middle which mean the peg was the further away from the fretboard so I had to reverse the strings and I was able to get them both back on. BUT I may have screwed up the direction and does it matter?

Right now the bottom bass d and the middle string a get tighter as I twist the peg UP, and the ones I just put back the two top melody strings get tighter when I twist the pegs down. IS that wrong? or maybe I'm right now and had it wrong before......also here's a new pic and no matter how I try the strings do cross each other but it seems like it's a bit better. what do you think?

Maria

 IMG_8450.JPG.jpg - 127KB

AHHHH the lightbulb goes on lol...Thanks then I don't risk popping the strings too...thank you thank you thank you!!

Maria

Thanks Dusty...

I already did send them the picture I will post here so you will see what I mean and no matter where you fit it (meaning their are extra grooves in the nut) the spacing is not correct. the two dd strings are too close together and the a string is not in the middle it's closer to the bass d string. 
I sent them this picture and one of a mcspadden that I got off the internet to show that. I will have to wait now and see what they come back with and then if they give me more trouble I will do the "intonation" check.  Even If I lose money I'm getting rid of it and sticking with my old new Walnut Valley..Thanks again

Maria

 Defect Roosebeck Dulcimer.JPG.jpg - 115KB

Thanks so much for getting back to me and the info you provided. I will try and "unloosen" the screw a bit as I thought they were supposed to be tight...now I know...also I agree with the way they lay...maybe I will "attempt" to straiten if I can...worse case scenerio I will try to see a "professional" 

and thanks so much I really like it so far

Maria

Hi thanks so much for your response. I will try the suggestions. What do you mean "attaching them nearer to the center of the peg box?" is that something I can do or is that what the luthier has to do?

thanks

Maria

Ok so I've now realized that the Roosebeck has issues......(c'mon where are the "I told you so's" lol) 

I didn't know it as I am new to the dulcimer but basically it was made incorrectly. The spacing of the strings is wrong and can't be rectified.

ALso I can't use my new Ewing Capo with it because it buzzes. 

I bought a used Walnut Valley for $150 in mint condition and it's NIGHT and Day. I made another post in another forum here on this site asking about the tuning pegs if anyone would help me out I'd appreciate it.

The spacing is the way it's supposed to be and the capo works!!

NOW I HAVE TO FIGHT WITH the company that sold me the Roosebeck because they are calling my return buyers remorse and I don't agree that I just changed my mind. There's a reason. They want to charge me a 30 percent restocking fee and have me pay for return shipping. 

Even if I do I'm still going to sell it back because after playing this 30 year old dulcimer for 4 days I realize I will NEVER play the other one. so I may have to bite the bullet and lose the money.

My dear departed mom used to say "education is expensive"

Take care

Maria

here's another pic

 IMG_8277.JPG.jpg - 171KB

On Friday I re'cd my ebay purchase of a 27 year old Walnut Valley Smoky River Dulcimer.

The seller is the son of the original owner who bought it new. The condition looks to be outstanding and I think it sure has a "sweet" tone. I am in the process of trying to "return" the Roosebeck (meeting with some issues as they want to charge me a 30 percent restocking fee and return shipping) The Roosebeck's fretboard was made incorrectly. The middle string was not in the middle which created an unusually large space between it and the double d strings which also were spaced too far apart to hit both comfortably. Adding to that is that I couldn't use the new Ewing Capo which I bought. The instructions said if the strings buzz it's the dulcimer not the capo. SO with that I found this little beauty.  It was packed in two boxes. The inside box is the original that it came in and the dulcimer had the original manufacturer's warrranty with the serial number. It was made in 1989 and it was the 86th instrument made that year. I did research after but heard mixed things about it. but I took a chance because I felt the price was right and it looked really good from the pictures. The truth is it looks BETTER than the pictures as the pictures did NOT show the correct color of this dulcimer. It's a deep walnut. Anyway my biggest and only concern is this: The tuning pegs are really tight. I did use a screw driver to tighten the outside part of it (it's the old fashioned kind with the gear I guess inside the white head of it) 

It does slip a bit when tuning although since I changed the strings (as soon as I got it) and have played it for the last 4 days it seems to be holding the tune. 

I'm nervous because when I tune it now it feels like if I tune it differently (like I want to change it to daa for a music book my son gave me ) then it will pop those two double strings. Those seem to be the "tightest"  it's kind of got a weird thing going on at the nut. There is a space after the 1st fret and then the nut and the a space and then the strings go into an indent into the wood and up into the scroll. But the two d's seem to almost cross each other to get where they need to be (another concern like the rubbing might make them snap)

Also is there some kind of thing like wd40 that I can use? 

Lastly would a guitar luthier help? I don't have any dulcimer people here in my town that I know.  

 IMG_8276.JPG.jpg - 157KB

Thanks Terry, Yes, I've gigged a lot in the past. Had to slow it down to take care of my elderly parents. Sadly my mom passed away on Valentines Day this year.  I will definitely post a video. In fact I wrote a song on it the day after I got it!! 

Take care

Maria

OHHHHHH that makes sense Dusty...thanks so much I wasn't looking at it quite right. I was thinking that you needed to describe it in "order of appearance on the fret board but the way you said make more sense....thanks so much...and yeah that reversible thing is very cool...can't do that on a guitar lol...

Maria

Okay cool so I'm glad I'm on the right track!! thanks so much for the added information!

Maria

Thanks so much. So far so good!!

Maria

and would 2-(a string) 3 (low d) and 4 (High d) be an A7?

THanks Jan, Yes, I'm becoming obsessed with the dulcimer lol....I'm so happy to have found something that is taking my mind off not playing guitar and is quickly becoming very rewarding!!

Maria