Forum Activity for @paula-brawdy

Just intonation and limitations

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks for all the great information  I did purchase the warren may, #657 which according to warren it is a 1979 or 1980 with just intonation.  He said to check the first fret and see if the length of the first fret is less than the length of the second fret.  The first fret is shorter than the 2nd fret distance and so it is a just intonation.  It is in perfect condition and a beautiful Birdseye maple dulcimer. It has old strings on it.  Extra strings are sized at 22 for bass and 12 for the other strings.  I am not sure on the tuning In terms of the octaves of the 155.  I think the bass should be the normal D bass as a DAD would be.  Is the AA on the middle and melody strings tuned to the normal A which would be on the middle string of DAD tuning or are the middle and melody different octaves?  I will post pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dulcimers and their sound - makers

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Marg,  I do have a dulciborn now , a gold tone and I do like it...  The action is pretty good on it...  I know others have had theirs adjusted too...

 

Dulcimers and their sound - makers

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

 

Just intonation and limitations

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I am buying an older Warren May with just intonation.   In my discussion with Warren May, he says you cannot play in DAD.   Okay, so if I play in groups that only play DAD, and with capo's , that does that mean I cannot use this dulcimer at all?   Or can you only play tunes in A... Sorry for the questions, I just don't understand if you can take a dulcimer in the key of A and capo it to D?

 

updated by @paula-brawdy: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM

Moody dulcimer - early 60's or 70's - needs bridge and stringing advice

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

thanks, very helpful!

Moody dulcimer - early 60's or 70's - needs bridge and stringing advice

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

Thanks Ken I will measure it and see if I can get it out this weekend....The issue will also be making the notches and the height right.. I agree that It really is a nice looking old girl!

Moody dulcimer - early 60's or 70's - needs bridge and stringing advice

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

Hi,

The wooden bridge is broken and I need to get a new one... I wondered if I am going to have one

hand made? I am sending a picture or two as well. The bridge is one piece insert. I showed the top nut just for reference.

Also, there are no string fasteners at the bottom, only a big round post... Did they wrap strings around the post?

Secondly anyone know anything about LW Moody, LA California? That is one the label... #10

Thanks for any input you can give! Paula

updated by @paula-brawdy: 06/08/16 09:24:05PM

Dulcimers and their sound - makers

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I tried one out... Very tight strings and takes a lot of hand power .... For a man it would be great! they do sound good!

Steven Berger said:

Paula, check out the Gold Tone Dulciborn...I don't have one, but the samples on YouTube are worth watching...it's a dulcimer disguised as a Weissenborn guitar...and it sounds incredible.

Dulcimers and their sound - makers

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Great!!! love to try it!

Ivan Bradley said:

Hi, Paula, you might consider the Blue Lion Acoustic Jam model as well. I'll bring mine to TVDS this Saturday so you can try it out. It's not for sale, but it could give you another idea in your search. Blue Lion usually makes a few of them in each production run, so, if they haven't been ordered one might be available there soon. I'll bring my Ron Gibson baritone as well. With its deep body and boat shape it projects pretty well and could be another consideration with a regular set of strings.

See you Saturday.

Ivan

Dulcimers and their sound - makers

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

There are so many makers out there.

I am looking specifically for a sweet sound, some projection, and not twangy...!! more guitar sounding but enough volume so you can hear yourself in a jam.

I like Gallers for that reason but he does not seem to be making them, and I cannot find a used one.

any other suggestions for the description a above?

updated by @paula-brawdy: 06/11/15 07:41:48AM

I played a friends. You do need strong hands. It is a goldtone that she has. I think you would get used to that, but it takes a lot more hand strength due to strings being higher and just how tight the strings are. I have fairly strong hands for a woman because I play other instruments. I did love the sound and the volume of it. But haven't plunged.

I'm curious if other women noticed this?