Group Discussions

Considering updating the tuning pegs

Hello all, I am considering replacing the friction pegs on my Keith Young dulcimer (see profile picture) with Grover tuning pegs. I need...
@DulcimEllen started 2 years ago - replies: 26

Non removable ID on copies.

I was wondering earlier today if builders of replicas of collectible MDs add some physical, non removable mark or feature to aid collectors in...
@Skip started 2 years ago - replies: 6

Clothes Iron Wood Bending

I recently read that the "Linen" setting on a clothes iron raises the temperature of the iron to 445 degree fahrenheit.  That seems hotter than...
@Matt Berg started 2 years ago - replies: 9

Hughes hourglass kit

A few months ago my brother gave me a walnut dulcimer kit from the Hughes Dulcimer Company.  Yesterday a friend cut out the scroll pieces for me,...
@TheresaSC started 2 years ago - replies: 8

Custom fret templates

One of the things I do for other makers of fretted stringed instruments is build precision fret templates to any specified scale length. I've...
@Dwain Wilder started 2 years ago - replies: 0

A "Little Guy" dulcimer

Here's a prototype of my "Little Guy" dulcimer, with a 22" VSL and DAA tuning.  It's made of black walnut with a buckeye top.  It's shown next to...
@John C. Knopf started 2 years ago - replies: 2

To vault or not to vault.

   I am still working on the six dulcimers and I am curious.  The ones I have made in the past have had a channel grooved in the bottom.  I have...
@Don started 3 years ago - replies: 19

Fixing old dulcimer

New to the forum! I was just given a mountain dulcimer by Samzie Adams, made in 1972. A friend pulled it out of a junk pile on the floor of his...
@Suzette started 2 years ago - replies: 16

Number and Size of Sound Holes

The standard dulcimer has four sound holes.  As some of you know, I experiment with many different configurations.  If any of you have tried...
@Matt Berg started 2 years ago - replies: 6

Building Dulcimers Cheap

Hey all, when I first started building dulcimers it was a very inexpensive process. Tied on fishing line frets, eyehole screws for tuners, anything...
@NateBuildsToys started 3 years ago - replies: 5

Latest build: Electric dulcimer with hum bucker pickup

Just finished my first electric dulcimer. I had some extra parts and thought "Why not"? It is a 23 inch scale with 1+, 8+, 6+, and 13+ frets. I...
@Shelton started 3 years ago - replies: 2

T - 6

This is my sixth teardrop dulcimer. The shape comes from plans by Scott Antes and the peg head from a Popular Woodworking article. Many years ago...
@Ken Longfield started 3 years ago - replies: 12

New Professional Model Overview

I wanted to post this overview first and foremost to give members of this site ideas and potentially inspire builders to try new designs as I was...
@Collier Frederick started 3 years ago - replies: 4

Building the Celtic Strum

The strum stick, or stick dulcimer, is the kissing cousin of the mountain dulcimer. I have been thinking of building one for some time. I...
@tukanu started 3 years ago - replies: 14

Unidentified MD

Hi this is on EBay in the UK. Is anyone able to hazard a guess as to the maker? thanks eric
@Banjostray started 3 years ago - replies: 6

Creating a triangular mountain dulcimer -seeking help

G'Day all. In a posting on Pinterest  “Lumberjocks” briefly illustrates a simple triangular mountain dulcimer he made for his wife, based upon  2...
@John Dunn started 3 years ago - replies: 4

PERSIMMON lumber

I was gifted several short (4 foot) persimmon logs around 24 inches in diameter. Several hours later, a couple chain saw blades, I now have...
@Dale A Penrose started 3 years ago - replies: 4

Need some helpful advice on fret markers

I have been building stringed musical instruments since 1976.  I was building dulcimers before 6 1/2 and 13 1/2 became a "thing".  I was going to...
@Don started 3 years ago - replies: 20

Building the stick banjo...what is the correct name?

I'm waiting for some part before I can finish this stick banjo. It has a 21" scale for GDG tuning. Walnut rim, mahogany neck, and torrefied spruce...
@tukanu started 3 years ago - replies: 12

Leveling a Fretboard

I have two nice pieces of 1X2 quarter-sawn maple to make fretboards.  Problem is they have about a 1/16" bend in the middle.  So here is the...
@Matt Berg started 3 years ago - replies: 4