Forum Activity for @strumelia

Strumelia
@strumelia
05/07/25 10:27:41AM
2,343 posts

Only 10 to go till 200 members


OFF TOPIC discussions

John Pettreemusic:

I think the swelling member count is due to the free swag bags of merch being offered to new members. String sets, jars of "jam", and Turtle polishing cloths........


 
Those are the swag bags that you are going to be mailing out, right John? bigsmile
Strumelia
@strumelia
05/07/25 08:28:55AM
2,343 posts

Only 10 to go till 200 members


OFF TOPIC discussions

Well Dusty right at the moment we have about 2700 members. However, because people often 'move on' to other interests, I like to now and then go in and remove members who have not logged in in several years, just to keep things current. Many times the member count has gone over 3500 and then I've done my housekeeping and gotten it down to 2500 again. Quality versus quantity!
I do however remember the thrill we had here back in the beginning of things when we were so new and small, and we'd reach another hundred members. Good times. And nice to remember members who were a big presence here, who've passed on.

Strumelia
@strumelia
05/06/25 11:46:15PM
2,343 posts

American old time music.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Fotmd member @randy-adams plays a good number of American oldtime fiddlle tunes. There are many others here as well, perhaps not posting as much lately.

Strumelia
@strumelia
05/06/25 11:43:23PM
2,343 posts

Only 10 to go till 200 members


OFF TOPIC discussions

(bump) ....from 2009, almost sixteen years ago.  grphug

Strumelia
@strumelia
05/06/25 11:25:34PM
2,343 posts

American old time music.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Ok, I have moved this thread to the "general dulcimer/music discussions" forum.

I think a lot depends on what members are posting videos and audios. Some folks who post a lot of music clips like certain various music genres- like hymns, or early/medieval music, or original tunes, or international folk tunes. There sure are a lot of videos posted here on FOTMD over the past 16 years!


updated by @strumelia: 05/06/25 11:43:39PM
Strumelia
@strumelia
05/06/25 09:20:59PM
2,343 posts

American old time music.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

James, did you mean to post this in the "For Sale" forum?  (Just wondering, either you are I can change the location of this thread if you like)

Strumelia
@strumelia
05/05/25 06:44:44PM
2,343 posts

tuning pegs


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

Yes just to clarify-  those screws are not supposed to function to 'hold' the string's tuning in place after every time you tune. They are just supposed to make it a little easier or harder to turn the tuning peg- tightening or loosening the tension of the tuning machine, not the string. As Dusty said, it might be only needed once in a great while. If you notice a tuned string slipping lower in pitch because the peg will not hold it at its note, then that might be a good time to tighten the screw of that peg just a little- only until the peg holds the string in tune sufficiently. If you tighten the screws too much they can strip/stop working.

Strumelia
@strumelia
04/30/25 10:56:02AM
2,343 posts

Any information about this dulcimer?


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

If it plays well (and i suspect it must), then if you intend to play dulcimer, even just a little for fun, why sell this at all?  It's a hassle to sell and ship a nice dulcimer that needs to be well protected during shipping. And also a hassle for a beginner to find and buy another dulcimer that might have problems that are not apparent to the seller. 
In my humble opinion, you are a lucky person. just start playing it and learning. Learning to play a dulcimer is not hard, and you can add to your playing skills as much or as little as you choose. It's great fun to play beginner tunes.
Maybe that dulcimer was meant to be with you for a while in its journey! 

Strumelia
@strumelia
04/29/25 10:04:54AM
2,343 posts

Any information about this dulcimer?


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

What an absolute jewel of a dulcimer!  Do you own it, and if so, where/how did you get it?

It's hard to believe that someone would put that much skilled work into an instrument and then not sign it or mark it... is there maybe a label inside that got detached and is just loose inside the instrument? Did you use a flashlight?


updated by @strumelia: 04/29/25 10:07:05AM
Strumelia
@strumelia
04/29/25 10:02:12AM
2,343 posts

Introduce Yourself!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Nicely done, @terry-jaye .  Have you tested it out yet? What starter tune are you experimenting with?

Strumelia
@strumelia
04/22/25 07:09:09PM
2,343 posts

Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?


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

Robert, I'm sure you'll get some good tips on instruction books. You may also enjoy browsing through my free blog specifically for beginner noter/drone style players. It includes lots of tips for improving strumming and rhythm, over 30 easy tabs for traditional songs, and help in understanding how to retune and play on the various common modes. DAA (the D being the low bass string) is in my opinion the best tuning to start playing in for those dulcimer players who fret only the melody string.

Here's a selection of blog posts on beginners: https://dulcimer-noter-drone.blogspot.com/search/label/beginner
And some of my posts with free tab: https://dulcimer-noter-drone.blogspot.com/search/label/noter-drone%20TAB

Strumelia
@strumelia
04/22/25 06:59:36PM
2,343 posts

Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?


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

P.S. I'd love for you to post your video among our main video section for all to enjoy more prominently in the future here on fotmd (in addition to it being within this thread)... you just add it from your profile page to 'videos'.. look for a plus sign+ to add a video and description.

Strumelia
@strumelia
04/22/25 06:56:50PM
2,343 posts

Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?


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

Oh my, I am so very impressed with the beautiful job you did in bringing that poor dulcimer back to its former 'glory'.  It is indeed glorious!  What a mess that peghead was, i really can't believe how well you repaired and restored this instrument. worthy    And it sounds just lovely!

Strumelia
@strumelia
04/21/25 10:14:22AM
2,343 posts

Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?


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

Robert Owens:

One more question for you (or for anyone)...since my dulcimer is designed with the middle string to be over the frets (along with the melody string), I assume there are times when you would fret the middle string, and perhaps play chords with those two strings, right (assuming I'm playing with my fingers, and not a noter)?

 

From your photos, the middle string is 'barely' over the frets... more only over the rounded ends of the frets. This is fairly common in noter-designed instruments, and is simply to allow for enough of a flat surface for the frets... but it's not intended that the middle string actually be fretted on the fret ends. I do not believe the middle string is intended to be fretted. Perhaps some other makers of traditional dulcimers can chime in on this.

Again, I might suggest slightly lighter gauge strings on this old and somewhat fragile instrument, especially if you intend to tune it to the key of D.

Strumelia
@strumelia
04/20/25 11:52:10AM
2,343 posts

Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?


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

The dulcimer has 3 strings, and the frets are mostly only under the melody string. This dulcimer was designed to be played noter style, with fretting only the melody string and letting the middle and bass strings ring open.
As you mentioned, the orig nut slots positioned the strings so that the melody is centered over the frets, but there is a little extra space between the melody string and the middle string. (in other words, a little more space between the melody and middle string, and a little less space between the middle and bass string). This is on purpose, in order to avoid the end of your noter (or your finger, if you are fretting with a finger) from touching or bumping into the middle string while playing. On all my noter style instruments, I ask for that extra space, rather than positioning all the strings equal distance from each other. It gives 'extra grace' allowance while fretting the melody string. I used to play pretty fast with my noter, and what with varying noter angles as I play on different parts of the fretboard (up to the 10th or 12th fret sometimes), there's a danger of touching the middle string with my noter tip and making unpleasant sounds/muting/buzzing if that happens. The tiny bit of extra spacing for the melody string allows for this and to me at least it is a big advantage having that leeway. This is a logical thing to do particularly if the frets are under the melody string only, clearly indicating the noter/drone playing intention.

Strumelia
@strumelia
04/17/25 09:32:27PM
2,343 posts

Good dulcimer for busking?


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

Here's a handy page concerning busking/playing/performance on NYC subways:
https://www.mta.info/agency/arts-design/music/subway-performance-rules
You'll have to obey their stated rules on amplification (since you mention 'pickups'). 

A hardshell case might be good to protect your dulcimer while moving around/crowded stairwells, rain, etc.

One cheap solution might be to buy or build a wooden "possum board" to put your cardboard dulcimers on while playing acoustically... such boards do help increase volume and resonance, without electronics. You could make one to fit your existing instruments pretty easily. Do a site search here for "possum board" and you'll find lots of info.

Strumelia
@strumelia
04/14/25 11:55:09PM
2,343 posts

Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?


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

This is a great thread, and what a great old dulcimer! Beautiful wood too.
Just my 2 cents, but for a fragile old dulcimer like that at 28" scale length and a peghead that will need either bracing or restoring, I would put on melody strings of 0.010 gauge, whether you decide on a C tuning or a D tuning. These slightly thinner strings will not be quite as tight tension on the old instrument.  I might put 0.010 melody, 0.010 or 0.16 middle (Dad/DAA) and a .022 bass. middle. I'm assuming you'll maybe try to put in original type wooden tuning pegs after renovating the peghead. You could go with real nice Whitner viola pegs which would look just like old wooden pegs but would tune like machine pegs, like butter.

Strumelia
@strumelia
04/13/25 09:33:21AM
2,343 posts

International Appalachian Dulcimer Day


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Yes, I remember that as well, Robin. Good to be reminded!

Strumelia
@strumelia
04/11/25 09:08:52AM
2,343 posts

Tinny sounding strings


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

I have found that the first strings to 'go dead' and sound crappy are usually the wound strings.
The easiest course of action here (pun intended) is to simply put on a new string and see if that solves it. I know that having extra strings and putting on a new string can be kind of a big thing to new players, but it's pretty routine for experienced players of stringed instruments. (not saying I do it all that often... i don't bigsmile
Chances are a new bass string will sound nicer for you no matter what the issue is right now. Think of changing the string as similar to giving yourself a new toothbrush- you don't necessarily 'have to', but it's not expensive to do and may give you good results.

P.S. do you know what gauge strings should go on your dulcimer according to its scale length from nut to bridge, and the tuning you usually play in? And do you have extra strings?


updated by @strumelia: 04/11/25 09:11:06AM
Strumelia
@strumelia
04/02/25 08:15:43AM
2,343 posts

Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

To my ears, a note does sound more 'clear' when plucked closer to a bridge, but it also sounds more hard and 'tinny' (to me), while a note plucked closer to middle of string sounds rounder and warmer, but I'm not necessarily hearing 'overtones' in it, just a little more depth. The 'tinny' quality strikes me as more of an overtone, if anything. With any description within the human senses, I think there is a certain amount of subjectivity based on personal perception of sound, taste, touch, etc.

Strumelia
@strumelia
03/29/25 12:03:59PM
2,343 posts

Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

@johnr , that is 'too cool for school'!  Something very much to be proud about.

And thank you for supporting FOTMD as well... so kind of you!  nod

Strumelia
@strumelia
03/29/25 08:39:00AM
2,343 posts

Short scale dulcimer


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

This sounds more like an epinette or maybe even some other instrument than a mountain dulcimer (a ukelin, a psaltery?). The length of the whole instrument is 17"... that is reeeally short. And we don't even know the scale length. Is there any possibility you can attach a photo if it here?


updated by @strumelia: 03/29/25 08:39:49AM
Strumelia
@strumelia
03/27/25 09:14:28PM
2,343 posts

A Question about dulcimer popularity...


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

John, that's nice of you to recommend this site to new players. Thanks!  smile

Strumelia
@strumelia
03/19/25 11:28:05AM
2,343 posts

Lute Dulcimer


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

This is an age old discussion that has been going on for far longer than the 30 or so years I've been into dulcimers.
Is the "neck/fretboard extending beyond the sound box" what defines a mountain dulcimer? Or is it the diatonic fret arrangement? Or is it the number of strings or the double melody course? Body depth and shape? The tuning? We've debated all this forever (in a good way)  :)   With so many tweaks possible in various combos, at what specific point does an instrument change from being a zither, a dulcimer, a lute, a cigar box guitar, etc. Is a guitar with diatonic frets a dulcimer?  Is a mtn dulcimer with a calfskin resonator insert a banjo? Is a stick dulcimer really a dulcimer?- if so, is it still a 'dulcimer' if it's chromatically fretted, or not fretted at all?

"What makes something a dulcimer" has always been a complex question, especially when so many hybrid instruments come on the scene. Often it just comes down to "what to call this".

But there's no 'rule book' -except the generally accepted definitions of musical instrument categories (lute family, zither family) that we've already cited. People can declare what is or isn't a mtn dulcimer til the cows come home, but often it comes down to opposing opinions.

Strumelia
@strumelia
03/18/25 09:16:10AM
2,343 posts

Lute Dulcimer


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

Marsha Elliott:

Strumelia,

Key of D

 
Ok, then try tuning to DAC rather than DAd  (tune one step lower on your melody string(s). Your 'key or home note' of d will then be on your 1st fret rather than the open string. You'll get the archaic/spooky "medieval sound" as in his video, and you'll be playing in the Aeolian mode.
Strumelia
@strumelia
03/17/25 09:58:58AM
2,343 posts

Lute Dulcimer


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

Marsha, what key do you want to be playing in?  Then we can tell you what tuning to use if you want to be playing with that 'medieval sounding' aeolian mode... either with or without using a capo.

Strumelia
@strumelia
03/16/25 07:42:23PM
2,343 posts

Lute Dulcimer


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

There might be some confusion here between referring to "a lute" and referring to a member of the lute category of instruments... being a sound box with an attached neck and strings going over the length of both. Guitars and mandolins are in the lute family. And the zither family being a usually flat sound box without a neck, and strings going the length of the sound box. The mountain dulcimer and the hammered dulcimer are both in the zither family. (according to the Hornbostel–Sachs instrument classification system)


updated by @strumelia: 03/16/25 07:43:58PM
Strumelia
@strumelia
03/15/25 12:10:42PM
2,343 posts

Lute Dulcimer


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

In that video, he is simply putting a capo on fret 1, which changes you to Aeolian mode. Aeolian mode sounds minor and gives you that 'ancient' sound that you are liking as a medieval type sound. But you can put a capo on fret 1 on any mountain dulcimer and get the same thing and play the same music he is playing in the video.... did you know that? 
Unless what you are wanting is the lute-like SHAPE of his instrument, including the neck and the bowl-like body shape. In that case there are several makers of 'stick dulcimers' (dulcimers with necks, technically making them be part of the lute family, rather than the usual zither family of instruments). Stick dulcimers can be found that are not very expensive- try searching for 'stick dulcimer' instead of 'lute dulcimer' and you may find some makers that meet your taste and your budget.

Strumelia
@strumelia
03/10/25 11:30:34PM
2,343 posts

Scale length


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Adding to what Dusty said, tone can also be greatly effected by the wood thickness... not simply by the size of the sound box and its scale length.

@Dan ...what note and what string gauge do you use for a 36" scale? Surely not the usual high d note... you must be tuning to lower keys/notes?

Perhaps simply comparing the sound/tone of a shorter 23 5/16" scale McSpadden Ginger to a regular 29" scale McSpadden would answer TonyG's question. However, the Ginger is described as being tuned to the key of G, several steps higher than the standard DAA or DAd.
So, Tony asks if a different scale will effect the tone or sound... I guess part of the answer would also depend on whether you specify tuning both scales to the same notes or keys.

Strumelia
@strumelia
03/04/25 09:27:32PM
2,343 posts

Shortest scale length to help with playing on 4 strings


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

With a 23" scale, you'd have to use somewhat heavy strings to keep the DAd tuning from being too floppy (especially for the middle A string). What gauge strings did you put on it for that tuning?

Strumelia
@strumelia
03/02/25 11:38:32AM
2,343 posts

Chet Hines “dulcimore”


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

cairney:

I have photos but can’t seem to figure out how to post them here.


 

Try looking at these threads... (it depends on if you are trying to add a photo to a discussion post, or to your profile gallery):


https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/site-questions-how-do-i

Strumelia
@strumelia
02/28/25 09:00:44PM
2,343 posts

Music for Kalimba, Dulcimer & Modular Synthesizer


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Damon, I enjoyed hearing that music you created and watching your fishing video where you put the two together. Nice work.

Strumelia
@strumelia
02/23/25 09:44:31AM
2,343 posts

to get chromatic or not


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

I just reread this 2 year old thread from the beginning- it's got so many wonderful points of view and insights from knowledgeable folks. A good read!

Strumelia
@strumelia
02/22/25 08:14:26AM
2,343 posts

Question about the 6 1/2 fret


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

I guess a lot also depended on what tuning the person liked to use... as to whether a 3.5 fret would be useful? We can't just assume they tuned 1-5-8 or 1-5-5.

Strumelia
@strumelia
02/18/25 07:44:08PM
2,343 posts

Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman


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

Looks like a nice purchase!

You should keep in mind that your 1970s dulcimer is diatonically fretted. Many modern dulcimers have an 'extra' fret or two... most commonly a 6.5 fret. Yours does not have a 6.5 fret (which is not too difficult for a luthier to add for you if you want). This simply means that if you tune to DAd and expect to follow dulcimer tabs written for DAd tuning, you may find you are 'missing' a needed note for using that tab.
There are ways to work around that. However for now I'd suggest the easiest method is to tune to DAA instead and use tab written for DAA tuning... which usually does not call for using a 6.5 fret. Or just tune DAA or CGG and start picking out simple tunes by ear.  Have fun!

Strumelia
@strumelia
02/07/25 03:01:12PM
2,343 posts

RIP to our good fotmd friend Terry Wilson


OFF TOPIC discussions

I wanted to add- Terry Wilson was very active in playing music for elderly and/or disabled folks. He was quite active in fotmd's "Dulcimer Therapy" Group , if you would like to Join that group to read all the inspiring threads there. In one of his threads in that group, he wrote the following a few years ago. I think Terry would like that I share his words here today:

"I'd sure like to see this group revived.  Senior Ministry is my heart.  I love it and participate with a passion.   I also head up our Senior Ministry at my church, with the name of SALT, which stands for Senior Adults Living Triumphantly.   And I am here to tell you, our group of approx 75 attempt to live this way every day.   We have ministries in Assisted Living Homes, Nursing homes, a Hospital, a food bank,  and a local Rescue Mission, and a Prison.   

We don't all go out and play music, in fact, I am the only one.  But we do lead bible studies, and our largest, sewing.  We distributed over 600 bags and pillows last year, and that's not counting blankets, bibs, and toiletries. 

I say all of the above, so you would know what I am all about, and it's genuine.   We have a heart for seniors.

Which leads me to say this:  "If you are considering performing at an Assisted Living Home, first, you must have a heart for it.   Compassion and passion. 

Don't wait until you are a great or even a good musician, just be willing and DO IT.   I play every week at one and every two weeks at another.   I do it all myself, except I have someone to come in and lead a 10 min. devotion.   I sing, play dulcimer, ukulele, and harmonica.  I AM NOT GOOD AT ANY OF THOSE!!!!  BUT THEY LOVE ME!!!!  Go figure, huh?   I consider myself just marginally adequate.   But my goodness, I have great fun, and it's great practice.   

Every week, one 94 year old woman will say; "We don't know what you are, but we sure do like you.  Thank you for coming."   Another lady will say: "There is no one quite like you."

One of the big differences between my ministry and others who come there is this:  I engage them.   I use them.  I encourage them to participate.  The less singing I have to do the better.

I provide song sheets to every song to hand out.  All in large print.   Take them up as each song is finished.   Can't give them to much at one time.   Even if they just look at the sheet and not sing, no matter, everyone gets one.   Their eyes tell you they want one.   I also provide hand shakers, and they love their shakers.  Great therapy.

Twice during the last 12 months I have bused the residents who participate to our church to perform for our church group.   It is a real "hoot", and they love it.  

I would sure love to hear what some of ya'll do.   I need some new stuff...

Okay, I'm off now to my "gig" with the old folks.  This morning from 10:00 until 11:00 is my time.   I'm amp't up this morning.

Thank You, Terry"

Strumelia
@strumelia
02/07/25 10:58:18AM
2,343 posts

RIP to our good fotmd friend Terry Wilson


OFF TOPIC discussions

Someone just let me know that fotmd member @Terry-Wilson passed away in Oct 2023.

I am very sad to hear this, as I had many fun discussions and interactions with Terry over the years here on FOTMD. A veteran, Terry was deeply dedicated to playing music and bringing joy to older people in living facilities. He played multiple instruments and enjoyed playing songs that everyone knew and could sing or clap along with. Terry had so much positive energy that he loved to share!
Terry we will miss you.

https://www.mathewsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/terry-wilson

Terry.jpg

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