To remove one string or not to remove, that’s the question
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I tune my dulcimer to DAD. Sometimes other tunings.
Forum Activity for @silverstrings
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
To remove one string or not to remove, that’s the question
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
So, everyone in my dulcimer group plays with 3 strings. I have resisted removing one of the melody strings. I thought the sound would be better with 4. However, after 8 months of playing I am doing more flat picking, hammer on’s and pull offs. Pro’s and cons to removing the extra melody string is encouraged. Thanks!
updated by @silverstrings: 11/25/19 11:00:10AM
McSpadden Possum Board Volume
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
LD. Thanks, I am seriously thinking of going ahead with the possum board. Thanks for your input. I have 2 McSpadden’s with 26” vsl. One is redwood with walnut and the other is all walnut with some extra frets. I love them both!
McSpadden Possum Board Volume
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
LD, so you are at least glad you bought the MsSpadden possum board? I have a 26” dulcimer from them, too and love it. What does your Spalted Sycamore sound like and does it have Cherry sides and back? I am looking at one of theirs in the 26” vsl length. Thanks
McSpadden Possum Board Volume
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
LD:
I just purchased a new McSpadden Spalted Sycamore top short scale dulcimer. I also ordered the possum board. I have never worked with one, and it clearly makes it louder. I have not put a lot of time into it yet as the dulcimer really sounds true sitting flat on my lap, but my initial reaction is that it does bring out volume but some of the deeper tones got brighter. Just an unscientific observation. I have another brand dulcimer that completely loses the lower sound on my lap, and the maker will not make a possum board for me. I think he sees it as an insult! I may tackle that project myself. Anyway, it certainly has a use, and in an ensemble setup, volume will be increased.
McSpadden Possum Board Volume
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I am thinking of getting a walnut possum board to increase the volume on my 2 McSpadden Dulcimers. Does anyone have one of these? I will be playing acoustically in groups mostly and am not ready to think of external pickups and amps. Thanks!
Black Mountain Instruments still making dulcimers?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I am curious to know if Black Mountain Instruments out of California is still in business. Does anyone know? I looked online and have the impression that they are not still making dulcimers. Thanks
Buzzing with pull offs- me or the dulcimer
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Thanks for all the great insight and advice. I realized once I got to my Dulcimer Group, that my technique was the problem. Greg Gunner, I think you nailed it. I am new at this so I am actually glad it was not my instrument. I even tried my bad technique on my Teacher’s standard McSpadden and realized I did the same thing! I appreciate all of you at FOTMD! Great site.
Buzzing with pull offs- me or the dulcimer
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
When I am practicing pulls offs on the Bass and Middle strings on the 1st and @nd frets, sometimes I get a buzz and sometimes not. Seems like I have to pull off very lightly. Is this due to my technique or lack of technique? I just got a wonderful sounding McSpadden so I hope it is me and not the instrument. My cheapest guitar doesn’t do it when I pull off.
Any suggestions? Thanks
FYI, it is a 26”vsl and I do tune mostly in CGC because my Dulcimer tunes to CGC.
Ebony versus Micarta Fretboard on McSpadden Dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanks, I do like the Micarta. Even Jim Woods of McSpadden told me that if he were building a dulcimer for himself now, he would go with Micarta. I know Ebony is rare now to get so I didn’t know if I should have it this time around. However, I live in a high humidity area. I have only been playing 3 months. Right from the get go, not only was it smooth, I found myself being able to look away from the fretboard from time to time while flatpicking. Slow, flatpicking, of course, tee hee.
Ebony versus Micarta Fretboard on McSpadden Dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I have a Micarta Fretboard on my McSpadden Dulcimer and love it. I am thinking about getting another McSpadden made with some additions and different woods. I was wondering about any experiences of other regarding Micarta versus Ebony for a fretboard in sound, durability and feel. Thanks
updated by @silverstrings: 07/13/19 07:38:03AM
Blue Lion IW Style 1 Red Cedar & Walnut question
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Thanks everyone for your responses. I did the math and it would not save me much money. I just bought the McSpadden in my profile picture and will hold off for now. Dusty, the strings being farther apart and the floating bridge kind of made me rethink it. I want a dulcimer with a 1-1/2 fret down the road and am willing to wait. Again, thanks to Banjimer and Dusty Turtle.
Blue Lion IW Style 1 Red Cedar & Walnut question
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Does anybody have an opinion about the Blue Lion style 1 with Red Cedar and Walnut? I am wanting a big, warm sound. It also has a 1-1/2 fret that I will need in the future. There is a used one that I am really interested in purchasing. Thanks