Forum Activity for @notsothoreau

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
06/29/25 05:18:29PM
43 posts

No grooves on bridge revisited


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

I think I will try and put grooves on that bridge. I can look at my Ron Gibson and get an idea of what they should look like. Managed to snap the bass string but already have an order on the way for tomorrow. At least I reviewed how to string a scroll head and I know what I'm doing wrong. It needs a little tweaking. 

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
06/29/25 01:07:39PM
43 posts

No grooves on bridge revisited


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

I am thinking it might have been sold noter style just because of the accessories. My Dulcimer Shoppe dulcimer has a label that said it is a kit. Ithoughtthat might be a common thing. It's possible that I flipped the bridge as it is loose in the slot .  But I'm pretty sure the squared off side should go in the slot.  The nut slipped over when I was restringing it.  I think I will put it all back together, tune it and see what the action is like.  If it seems high, I'll probably try putting in grooves.  I'll take it slow and try not to cause any damage. Thanks!

Wally Venable:

I don't see anything on the Folkcraft site that indicates that they made "noter style" instruments. Almost any Appalachian dulcimer can be played with either a noter or the fingers.

Since the builder of a kit can glue any label inside, there is no reason to expect to see "made from a kit" inside. A label is simply a label. 

Did you, by any chance, flip the bridge over while changing strings?

 
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
06/29/25 10:05:49AM
43 posts

No grooves on bridge revisited


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

I managed to delete the entire thread while trying to delete a draft. Will try again with pictures. 

This is a 1987 Folkcraft dulcimer. It was made in Connecticut and might have been sold as a noter style dulcimer. It's not marked as a kit and everything seems to be well finished. One side of the bridgre is squared off and the other rounded. I didn't see any grooves on either side. 

original original original original

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
06/26/25 10:01:55PM
43 posts

When to replace tuners


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

These are geared tuners, so I think I may just replace them. Will probably pick up a replacement bridge and nut too. It was well loved and modified. I figure it might be a good idea to replace those parts too. Thanks for your help!

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
06/26/25 07:20:38PM
43 posts

When to replace tuners


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

I have a 1977 Dulcimer Shoppe kit dulcimer.  When I got it, it wouldn't stay in tune because the tuners wouldn't hold when tightened. I found out how to tighten the screw on the tuner and that has helped. But it doesn't stay in tune like my dulcimers with newer tuners should zi just replace them?  How hard is it and where would I go for replacements?

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
06/20/25 08:44:08PM
43 posts

Hello, Hi again!


OFF TOPIC discussions

Haven't posted much since 2018 when I was first here. I did move, but to Kansas, not Tennessee. I haven't been playing at all but since I did finally retire, I decided it was time to try again. Glad to see this group is still active. 

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
08/05/18 09:39:34PM
43 posts

Dulcimer just followed me home


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

I was prepared to have a new "dulcimer shaped object" for my wall. I'm happy it's playable. It's a different instrument from my other two, so need to spend some time with it and see what it can do.
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
08/05/18 08:04:31PM
43 posts

Dulcimer just followed me home


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

I am wrong again. I need a better light to read this label. The bottom reads "a kit from the Dulcimer Shoppe". Must be an early kit and the workmanship is good. I wonder if maybe they had lessons and helped people put their kit together?
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
08/05/18 07:56:10PM
43 posts

Dulcimer just followed me home


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

It's 35.5" total length. I've read some dulcimer makers in the 70s made a travel size. That's what this remins me of. I'll try and find out more when I call the Dulcimer Shoppe. The label does say Mountain View Arkansas.
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
08/05/18 07:19:55PM
43 posts

Dulcimer just followed me home


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

Correction. I took another look and the maker is John A. Morris. I thought about a kit but those don't usually have a maker's name. I planned to call Dulcimer Shoppe tomorrow. I did find a previous post that talked about tightening those screws and it seems to help. I put a set of D'Addario dulcimer strings on it (.012, .014, and .022) which sound okay. Someone set this up to play with equidistant strongs so it's hard to tell where the strings should go on the bridge and nut.

Still going to do the happy dance here! It will have a good home.
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
08/05/18 06:35:57PM
43 posts

Dulcimer just followed me home


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


My husband sent me a link to the Facebook marketplace yesterday. There was a dulcimer for $40. I felt sort of sorry for it and checked to see if it was still available. All I had to go on was that there was a label with a date of 1976 and that it was from Arkansas. I picked it up today. The owner bought it in the 70s, played a bit then just kept moving it with him. He decided it was time to let it go. 

It's from the Dulcimer Shoppe, March 1976 and the label says the builder was A. Morris. It's walnut plywood, with those metal pegs that are slipping right now. And it needs new strings. Can I call it a McSpadden?

 

 


BE7C5009-D27C-46B5-97FB-21C1F3C6E27E.jpeg BE7C5009-D27C-46B5-97FB-21C1F3C6E27E.jpeg - 175KB

updated by @notsothoreau: 03/20/20 01:20:16AM
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
08/01/18 04:10:44PM
43 posts

Intermediates


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I try to look at the tab if there is a tricky part I haven't been able to figure out. I find I can pick out the melody most of the time if I just mess around with it.

I try to keep in mind how kids learn to be rockers :). They dress like their hero, try to play the same way and obsessively listen to a song to figure it out. It's still a good way to go about it.
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
07/31/18 01:34:59PM
43 posts

Intermediates


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I could open another can of worms by asking when you can consider yourself a musician :)

I find myself looking at a number of lessons on Dulcimer School for Intermediate and Advanced. They may be above my current skill level, but they give me an idea where the gaps are in my knowledge. Sometimes, it's something I've never even heard of. I know musicians use riffs to fill in a melody, but I'd never considered learning a few to add to what I play. I had no idea there was such a thing in the dulcimer world. That's the tough thing about being a beginner when you aren't taking lessons from someone in person. Sometimes it's something you can pick up from watching someone else play, even if it's just a video.

 

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
07/30/18 03:37:46PM
43 posts

Intermediates


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I really think it's an attitude or state of mind. I was messing around with Southwind yesterday. I played it on the melody strings, sometimes throwing in a few chords. I played it on the upper strings, then the bass strings. I even tried it just on the middle string. I'm still not ready to call myself an intermediate, but that kind of experimentation is what you do when you are moving out of beginner status.
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
07/28/18 10:25:15AM
43 posts

Intermediates


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

To be honest, I wasn't thinking about workshops. I like to be able to judge my progress when I'm learning something. And I like to see more advanced techniques, because then I can see how it fits together. I'm starting to understand how to use chords now. You can play the melody, then drop in a chord at a good spot.

I would say it's possible to be an excellent musician and not read music. It's a good skill to have though. I think it's a good skill to be able to play a melody on the bass string or the high end of the dulcimer. I like the idea of learning riffs, to drop in as needed. I just think that beginners sometimes get so focused on learning a song that they don't understand the ways they can change it around and make it their own.
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
07/27/18 10:36:49PM
43 posts

Intermediates


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I find that very helpful. Thanks! I've seen this problem in learning other skills. There's a lot of info on getting started, then info for those learning advanced techniques. There's not always a good way to progress from beginner to advanced though.

I'm still in the beginner's camp but working towards that intermediate stage. This gives me something to shoot for.
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
07/27/18 09:07:11PM
43 posts

Intermediates


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

There was a discussion earlier about people continuing to refer to themselves as beginners, even though they were no longer beginners skillwise. I'm curious as to how someone would determine that they have in fact progressed beyond the beginner stage. What skills are necessary before you can call yourself an intermediate? Is it simply attitude? Confidence?


updated by @notsothoreau: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
07/27/18 11:48:50AM
43 posts

Hearts Of The Dulcimer Podcast In Its 4th Year


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I did not know about the Stephen Seifert workshop! I signed up for it. It's going to be tricky. We are trying to get our house on the market and really wanted to get moved out of the area. I'm gambling that I will be here for the workshop. 

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
07/26/18 09:13:22PM
43 posts

Choose just ONE song for all eternity...


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I'm really infatuated with Southwind right now. Still working on playing it.

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
07/26/18 09:11:49PM
43 posts



I don't normally name things like this (and I don't really name my treadle sewing machines either, except that I have too many Singers to just call them Singer.) When I got this dulcimer, I decided to call it Alta Bell. That was my maternal grandmother's name. She wasn't particularly musical but it seemed like a good name for an instrument.

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
07/26/18 09:08:15PM
43 posts

Hearts Of The Dulcimer Podcast In Its 4th Year


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I still want to listen to the Podcast. BUT...I attended a one hour workshop by the Hearts of the Dulcimer folks last night. I haven't had a chance to play with anyone else so this was great. My husband was impressed by how all the dulcimers sounded. Thank you again for doing that workshop!

I did feel badly for the lady next to me. She'd spent $200 on a dulcimer shaped instrument, with an action so high that it was difficult to play. I just hope people will do a little research before they get that first instrument.

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
06/19/18 08:56:36PM
43 posts



Someone mentioned on a forum that Ron Gibson had done a dulcimer with springer spaniel sound holes. He told me that he did, but I haven't been able to find pictures of it anywhere. I keep telling my husband we can take pictures of the dogs. We don't need to use them as sound holes!

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
06/18/18 03:18:00PM
43 posts



Well, I'm happy with the doves and vines on my Ron Gibson. My husband wants springer spaniels, if I ever do a custom dulcimer. I do like the shape of those old style F holes.

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
05/21/18 08:57:35PM
43 posts

Pick paranoia!


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

I picked up three Herdim picks, which are nice. I also got three Clayton cork grip picks. I do like these. The cork side goes next to your thumb and the point is bent inward a tiny bit. It is a bit thinner than I've used lately but works nicely with the new dulcimer.

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
05/01/18 03:30:58PM
43 posts

Pick paranoia!


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

I managed to get to a local music shop. I picked up 17 different picks. None of them are fancy ones, but I got a variety of weights. I do seem to like the heavier picks a lot better. I'll probably keep adding to the collection and figure out which ones are my favorites.

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
04/25/18 08:53:52PM
43 posts

Pick paranoia!


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

I planned to try the picks with the cork circle.I really haven't had much of a problem with a pick flying off. This is just setting the pick down on my desk or table. It blends right in! The first picks I got were camo colored and I can find those anywhere. I can be looking right at the clear acrylic one and not see it. Never considered that particular problem but I think I may have to stick with picks that have a little color to them.

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
04/25/18 08:21:38PM
43 posts

Pick paranoia!


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

There is one problem with the V-Pick that I didn't think about. it is a bad idea to have a clear pick! I lose it all the time, in fact, I can't find it right now. It just blends right in with whatever it's on. I am going to be picking up more picks soon. 

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
04/19/18 09:08:30PM
43 posts



Do you think the shape has a big impact on the sound? My first dulcimer was a teardrop style (kit). The current dulcimer is an hourglass. From what I've listened to on You Tube, the teardrops tend to have more volume. But it could be that I am hearing more amplified teardrops than hourglasses. I do find the hourglass easier to carry.

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
04/19/18 09:02:32PM
43 posts

Pick paranoia!


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

I did get a V-Pick Bing ultra lite today. it's stiffer and I like it so far. I'm not convinced it's THE pick just yet, so will try a few more styles. I don't think I'd like a pick stiffer than this one.

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
04/19/18 04:29:02PM
43 posts



Here's my two cent's worth (without knowing anything about Bonnie Carroll or her dulcimers):

For that price, I would expect it to be a work of art from a well known, well respected dulcimer maker. I would think this is the sort of instrument you would see and be willing to sell your first born for :). And you would be confident enough in your playing that you would feel it was a good fit for your style.

I have no idea wht my style is yet, so I am going for a good quality instrument, with good resale value if I upgrade at some date. You'll need to decide which instrument really speaks to you.
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
04/19/18 12:38:14PM
43 posts



I have a Ron Gibson on layaway (which I think really helps you afford a better instrument.) I haven't seen the Bonnie Carol dulcimers, so can't compare. I suspect that it's not just the quality of the sound. You would have to decide if the craftsmanship is better as well.

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
04/18/18 07:31:28PM
43 posts

Pick paranoia!


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

I did try a credit card pick, which seems to work better than the light ones I have. The trip to the music store will have to wait until the broke down pickup runs again :( Our mechanic's wife had surgery yesterday and it doesn't look like he will make it out today.

 

Thanks for the response! Every little bit of information helps.

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
04/18/18 03:33:15PM
43 posts

Pick paranoia!


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


I've seen a few discussions about picks, but they seem scattered about on the forum. I thought it might be useful to have a discussion just about picks (or even why you don't use one.)

Regular picks versus finger picks?

Heavy picks versus light?

Any brands that you especially like?

Any non-commercial picks that you prefer?

What's your suggestions for choosing the right pick?

I grabbed a pack of Ernie Ball thin picks to start out with, but I am finding them much too light. I've got another brand ordered but will probably get a few more kinds to try.

 


updated by @notsothoreau: 01/05/20 12:20:52PM
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
04/10/18 03:45:08PM
43 posts

Possible Source of Wood for Instruments


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I sometimes go to Scrap in Portland. They have all sorts of donated art supplies. Last time I visited, they have a lot of piano parts. There were keys and some metal parts. The keys were not exotic woods, so we didn't buy any of it. We have an old portable pump organ in storage at our other place. I'd never thought about salvaging wood for a dulcimer, so I should take a second look at it.

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
04/05/18 10:23:44PM
43 posts

Charity Case Pt.2: Side Crack and High Action


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

I just might try it with lighter gauge strings next. I do want to learn both tunings so I an making progress. ( And there are other tunings out there but two is enough to start with).
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
04/01/18 10:44:04AM
43 posts

Strings!


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


I've read the recommendations for string gauges and know that they can be purchased individually, rather than as sets. I'm interested in a few recommendations. Is there a difference in nickel wound vs bronze wound bass strings? If the dulcimer maker recommends (or sells) certain strings is it best to go with that recommendation?

I suspect it's useful, as a beginner, to experiment with different strings, but it would be nice to have a bit more focus than I have right now. 

notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
04/01/18 02:07:56AM
43 posts

Charity Case Pt.2: Side Crack and High Action


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

This was a set of D'Addario dulcimer strings, which are 12,14 and 22. This dulcimer has just two pegs on the tail piece. It looks to be a somewhat action, based on the nickel/dime test. I was told by another member that Dulcimer Factory dulcimers tend to have a somewhat high action. Back n the day, when I was trying to learn guitar, I did have some instuments that were difficult to play because of the action. As a beginner with an inexpensive, unknown instrument, you tend to expect the worst

In thinking about it later, it makes sense that higher string tension would feel like a higher action. And I do suspect it was originally tuned for D-A-A, as it's from the late 90s and that would have been the popular tuning.

I am working on getting a better quality dulcimer and I don't think it will hurt to have a dulcimer for each tuning. Might even make it easier for me to learn each tuning, by associating a tuning with a specific instrument.

I did think it might be useful to mention, when running into problems with an instrument. And I will likely experiment with different strings as well. For now, it's just a relief to be able to play without as much struggle.
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau
03/31/18 07:58:44PM
43 posts

Charity Case Pt.2: Side Crack and High Action


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

I am a rank beginner so probably should not chime in here. But my Dulcimer Factory dulcimer has high action and is a bit uncomfortable to play in D-A-d. I just convinced myself to tune it to D-A-A and it's like it is a different instrument. It's much easier to play.
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