Forum Activity for @strumelia

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/20/18 06:19:34PM
2,373 posts

Capritaurus Dulcimer - Oh My!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


Vintage Lapidus dulcimers can sell for 3 to $4,000, but that's a whole different universe. 

I think this dulcimer on MandoCafe would more realistically sell for half its asking price.


updated by @strumelia: 11/20/18 06:21:54PM
Strumelia
@strumelia
11/20/18 11:08:36AM
2,373 posts

Giving Thanks


OFF TOPIC discussions

I thought I'd bump up this 8 year old FOTMD thread that @dusty-turtle posted while pondering Thanksgiving and being thankful.  grphug

The Summer of 2019 will mark FOTMD's tenth year since its humble beginnings.  I'm serious when i say that every single day I continue to feel thankful for being able to 'know' all the wonderful members on this site (and also ones I initially knew prior to that, on the now-gone Everythingdulcimer site). 
Knowing FOTMD members who have been here from the beginning, those dear members who have passed away, those who may come and go, and those who arrive new and full of enthusiasm each week...  it's an honor to know you all and count you as Friends.

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/18/18 04:08:01PM
2,373 posts

Show Us Your Pets!


OFF TOPIC discussions

A TAB-ee, eh?   bigsmile

David, your Sally reminds me a bit of our Ellie... who lived a long very happy and healthy life... and passed away peacefully at age 20, nine years ago.

Here's a picture of Ellie when she had just turned 20. In this photo she was clearly elderly... but when she was young she looked a lot like Sally!  kittywink

Ellie.jpg

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/18/18 02:21:37PM
2,373 posts

What do we call it?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Lois, you joined here in Sept 2012.

That's funny what you said about "so fotmd".  Well I guess when you have thousands of members there could never be one way of doing... anything!

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/17/18 03:50:46PM
2,373 posts



Hmmm, that's a real hard one.  I have two wonderful mountain dulcimers and two wonderful little epinettes (which i kinda think of as small scale dulcimers)

I've often thought of getting another dulcimer, and have been sorely tempted a few times but somehow I resisted. So... because i don't actually know what it'd be like to have other dulcimers, I'm going to choose one of those four I already have and am familiar with playing.

Of the four instruments above, if I could only keep ONE (oh what a terrible choice!)... I'd probably choose my sweet mahogany epinette that @john-henry Crocker made and sent to me as an amazing surprise gift the Christmas of 2011.  It's got a beautiful voice and it's so precious to my heart... two of the best reasons to choose it!  inlove

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/17/18 03:36:57PM
2,373 posts

What do we call it?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

A 'gaggle' of dulcimers (as in a gaggle of geese, with a nod to Aunt Rhody's old grey goose) ?

A 'murder' of dulcimers (as in "a murder of crows"/The Blackest Crow/murder ballads) ?

An 'exaltation' of dulcimers (as in an exaltation of larks/joyful singing) ?

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/17/18 08:41:43AM
2,373 posts

Advice on beginner’s dulcimer


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

@lisa-summey , are you still having problems with this?  Do you think you got the dulcimer tuned correctly with your electronic tuner?  Is it holding now?

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/16/18 10:34:39PM
2,373 posts

Three Strings or Four ?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Jane, I'm so glad you are enjoying your dulcimer and enjoying the site here!  grphug

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/14/18 11:56:37AM
2,373 posts

Cozy Playing Corners


OFF TOPIC discussions

Yay! Glad it's a little clearer now. It's not the most intuitive function to follow.

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/14/18 10:38:53AM
2,373 posts

Cozy Playing Corners


OFF TOPIC discussions


Janene Millen:

Look at Robin and Strumelia.  Their photos appear full-size in the message, not a little postage stamp to be downloaded like ours.



To do that, when you are writing your post you click on the little icon that looks like a film strip ("embed local media")- that icon is to the left of the Smiley button in the text editor window.


Once in that window, select the SIZE you want the image to be in the left side dropdown menu.  XL or XXL works well. Then you click the " Select an image to upload and insert" button to the right.  (To insert an image this way, the image must be on your computer somewhere, not just on the internet someplace). When you click that 'Select' button, it'll take you to where you can browse to the image on your computer that you want to embed in the post. Here's a bit more description for this method:
https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/site-questions-how-do-i/20103/attaching-adding-a-picture-into-my-posts


However- When you see the thumbnail and text link for an image, it's when folks have used the "Attach file" button easily seen at bottom of text editor window. Try clicking right on the thumbnail pic itself to open it right there to see it full size.  Clicking on the text link will simply download it to your computer.


updated by @strumelia: 11/14/18 10:43:21AM
Strumelia
@strumelia
11/14/18 10:29:08AM
2,373 posts

Cozy Playing Corners


OFF TOPIC discussions


Janene Millen:

I had to DOWNLOAD your photo fully, then open it into a PAINT program to see it, then resize it.

Janene, if you click on the TEXT link, it downloads the picture to your computer.  If you click on the thumbnail of the image itself, it should open it right there in a window for you to see full size. Does it not behave the same way for you?  You should not have to download the image if you click directly on the little picture.


updated by @strumelia: 11/14/18 10:29:42AM
Strumelia
@strumelia
11/11/18 12:20:31PM
2,373 posts

Cozy Playing Corners


OFF TOPIC discussions

Here's the cozy and  messy area on my desk next to my computer where I try out new music projects and tunes.  ;D

DSC03160.JPG

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/11/18 11:18:56AM
2,373 posts

Show Us Your Pets!


OFF TOPIC discussions

Frank I just love that you made those stairs for Lacey. love

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/03/18 05:41:00PM
2,373 posts

Advice on beginner’s dulcimer


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

Lisa, can you tell us the length, in inches, between the nut and the bridge?  If it's 28" or longer, it might be a bit of a strain for those cheaper older tuners to hold the strings up to DAA or DAd.  I have an old 1970s kit dulcimer that had tuners like yours, and the screw threads just didn't hold very well anymore.  Perhaps if you get slightly lighter gauge strings, and/or tune down a step to CGG or CGC (instead of DAA or DAd) ...the tuners might be better at holding.

I wound up replacing the tuners on mine with some new (but using same sized holes) inexpensive tuners... that helped, but actually it didn't totally cure the issue for my kit dulcimer, alas. Mine remains a little frustrating to tune.  Your mileage may vary.

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/03/18 02:37:45PM
2,373 posts

Introduce Yourself!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Welcome Lisa!

For determining whether your instrument is playable or needs work, I'd suggest you create a new discussion in the following Forum:

https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/instruments-discuss-specific-features-luthiers-instrument-problems-questions

-use the Plus (+) button to create a new discussion.

I also suggest you look over our site Groups and join any that interest you- that makes it even more FUN to be on the site!   :)

https://fotmd.com/group

Be sure to explore the various links along the TOP navigation bar to get familiar with the site layout.

And here's a forum for asking questions when you can't figure out the site settings or how to post something: 

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

hamster

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/03/18 02:12:53PM
2,373 posts

How to be sure about a copywrite?


Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?


For anyone looking for general info on whether a song is copyrighted or public domain, also for online lists of public domain songs and tunes, please see our Group on the subject:

https://fotmd.com/strumelia/group/40/public-domain-or-not

Remember, to post in a Group you must click the "JOIN" button there to join the group first. You can click the button again at any time to UNjoin the group, btw.


updated by @strumelia: 11/03/18 02:14:05PM
Strumelia
@strumelia
11/03/18 02:10:17PM
2,373 posts



For anyone looking for how to upload an AUDIO file to FOTMD's Audio section, please see the simple instructions here in this other discussion:

https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/site-questions-how-do-i/32804/how-to-add-an-audio-mp3-or-soundcloud-clip-to-fotmd

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/03/18 01:29:18PM
2,373 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

MP3 is always good.  I think what most members seem to do is to add their audio file to the site's audio section, and then they just post a link to the audio clip as it appears on FOTMD.

To add an audio to your site content on FOTMD, follow these simple steps:

https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/site-questions-how-do-i/32804/how-to-add-an-audio-mp3-or-soundcloud-clip-to-fotmd

Any audio or video files you add to your profile page sections/tabs will appear and be searchable in FOTMD's Audio or Video collections, as seen in the top navigation bar for the site.

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/03/18 01:25:15PM
2,373 posts

How to add an Audio MP3 or Soundcloud clip to FOTMD


Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?


1- go to your Profile Page (by clicking right on your NAME itself at top right of any page on FOTMD).

2- select the appropriate TAB in your profile page (Video or Audio, etc) (see my screenshot below)

3- then click the PLUS+ button at upper right to add a new audio item, and choose whether to upload a file from your computer, or to select one of your existing SoundCloud files. Enter the info required for your new Audio file or Video.  Be sure you are complying with site rules on copyright etc.

Remember- you can go directly to your profile page from anywhere on FOTMD by simply clicking right on your name at top right link.

uploadaudio.jpg


updated by @strumelia: 11/03/18 01:26:00PM
Strumelia
@strumelia
11/03/18 11:25:23AM
2,373 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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


Ken, can you please try that again? I've changed an audio setting on the site.

Dave... sounds wonderful!  If he were alive, Keith Young would be super pleased at how you've brought his dulcimer back to how it was when it was first completed... perfect, gleaming, and brand spanking new. 


updated by @strumelia: 11/03/18 11:29:47AM
Strumelia
@strumelia
11/03/18 09:30:29AM
2,373 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Irene, I had a little trouble with the soundbite too.  But it worked when i did this:  click on the text instead of the picture icon, which actually downloads the file to your computer.  Then RENAME the file so that it ends in  .mp3  (nnot just mp3 without the . )  After renaming, my usual music programs will open and play the file on my computer.

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/02/18 01:44:36PM
2,373 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

You did a great job making a new fine tuner!!

I too personally suggest you not use any glue on the nut or bridge when putting them back in.  As long as you don't remove all strings at once, you'll never have to worry about them moving around or getting lost.  String pressure hold them in beautifully. It's handy to be able to easily remove them if needed, without the risk of them cracking due to stubborn old glue.

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/01/18 04:51:25PM
2,373 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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


Richard- good eyes there!  coool

My advice is to get one extra button to keep in your case.  Might as well if someone is already making them... and I found that if my string breaks at the bridge or tail piece area, the fine tuning button can come off the string and literally fly off across the room. This actually happened to me twice over the years. Now I keep a fine thread threaded through all the buttons' holes and tied in a little loop..it's not very obtrusive and prevents those buttons from 'making a break for freedom'.  Otherwise, if you're sitting in the grass somewhere or are someplace playing at night... you may just have to kiss that little wooden button goodbye.  bananawave     lolol   Never hurts to have a spare!


updated by @strumelia: 11/01/18 04:54:26PM
Strumelia
@strumelia
11/01/18 04:01:22PM
2,373 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Dave D, if you or someone you know is good at woodworking, I'd recommend have them create two or three additional little fine tuner beads, to match the single remaining one on your dulcimer's middle string near the tail.

My dulcimer has all 4 beads, and I can tell you that if you have wooden tuning pegs (as you do), these 'fine tuner' beads really do work well to get you to that last little bit of higher or lower tuning on each string.  The way Keith made them is so smooth working, and they fit perfectly with this particular style of his dulcimers.

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/01/18 09:26:50AM
2,373 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Yeah, looks like it made the water spots almost disappear- nice results!  Thanks for posting that before/after photo. And thanks Dusty for that wood treatment recommendation.

Strumelia
@strumelia
10/30/18 10:36:10PM
2,373 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Cool beans, Dave!

Depending on when Keith started doing this as a standard thing, there 'might' be on your dulcimer a tiny hitch pin on the melody string SIDE of the fretboard, about halfway down. Mine has one, but my dulcimer is later, from around 1997 or 98 I think.  It was meant for if you want to temporarily switch from a double melody string to a single melody string.  You would just loosen the string nearest the edge and pull it down on the side of the fretboard, out of the way, in order to play with just a single melody string for however long you wanted.
I thought it might also be handy if you always play with one melody string- in that if you broke your melody string in the middle of a jam or workshop, you could theoretically have a 'spare' ready to just tighten up and keep playing!  bigsmile
Me, I personally like the sound of double melody strings, so I never used that pin that Keith had installed on my dulcimer.

Strumelia
@strumelia
10/30/18 11:39:44AM
2,373 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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


Keith's bridges have a SLOT into which they fit nicely. This is confirmed in the photos. In one respect, if they are not glued, they can be called 'floating' since they can be removed once all strings are off. 
However, talk about moving or determining the location of a 'floating' bridge is just not applicable here. Keith located the deep bridge slot exactly where it needs to be to be in tune with the fret placements, and the bridge drops into that slot. No need to figure out where to put the bridge.

Keith typically provided bridge and nut string slots that could be used to accommodate various ways of stringing, such as: Four equidistant strings. Three strings with a bass, a middle, and a single melody string. And 4 strings using bass, middle and a pair of melody strings.  You can see this string slot choices setup provided by Keith in your photos.

BTW If you choose to play with a noter and a single melody string, I recommend using the melody string slot closest to the edge of the fingerboard, which would give just a bit of extra space between the melody string and the middle string- this helps in avoding bumping into the middle string with one's noter.

Your Young teardrop is very much like mine (you can see mine in the logo at the top of this site).  You've got yourself a real beauty, a treasure!  It will become more valuable with time if you don't make structural changes to it.  Enjoy that wonderful dulcimer!


updated by @strumelia: 10/30/18 11:40:08AM
Strumelia
@strumelia
10/29/18 06:07:17PM
2,373 posts

Introduce Yourself!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hi Pondoro. I envy your years of bodhran lessons!  There are several instruments I yearn to play well... but alas I'd need three lifetimes to do so. sigh

How sweet that your wife is encouraging your music adventures!  I hope you enjoy it here on FOTMD.

Strumelia
@strumelia
10/28/18 04:49:10PM
2,373 posts

Comprehensive List of Dulcimer Festivals


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


I think the demise of everythingdulcimer site may have had something to do with people feeling inspired to create new sites to house Tab collections, event calendars, club lists, teachers, etc... perhaps to help fill in the gaps that ED left behind. It's admirable that people are doing this. But it's no easy task, for sure!

Unfortunately, there's little money to be made from dulcimer sites in general. And running sites of any kind efficiently requires regular input of time, effort, and maintenance.

I've always liked to make FOTMD to be more of a social friends network, with discussions, groups, videos, audios, photos, and messaging. Not so much an archive for databases of information, or tab. In fact (unlike on ED, which did not offer video/audio/photo sections), I periodically delete members who are long inactive, along with all their site content. I want to keep things 'in the now', and I try to avoid accumulating a monumental amount of old information and multimedia files. This trimming keeps the site reasonably manageable in scope for me.

That's interesting that McSpadden is actually reaching and soliciting such information, Dusty.  "Big Data"... is that anything like Big Scioti ?  lolol


updated by @strumelia: 10/28/18 05:59:42PM
Strumelia
@strumelia
10/28/18 03:26:50PM
2,373 posts

Comprehensive List of Dulcimer Festivals


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Dusty Turtle:

I just learned that Steve Eulberg maintains a list of dulcimer concerts, workshops, and festivals at Dulcimer Crossing.  The link is  https://dulcimercrossing.com/dc_events.html .



I like that you can SORT that list by the column heads, like by State... or by start date. Seems like it has a lot of entries.


It's difficult when events don't have a way of very quickly seeing their location. (like if it's in the small print, OR if the poster only puts the local city or town...like we know where that is, lol)

Strumelia
@strumelia
10/25/18 10:37:07PM
2,373 posts

Guitar Strings?


Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!

That's wonderful news Diane!  Yay!  pimento

Strumelia
@strumelia
10/25/18 11:17:05AM
2,373 posts

Buying a used McSpadden questions


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

Dulcinina I love that story! That dulcimer must be very happy to have a loving and appreciative new owner. love

Strumelia
@strumelia
10/17/18 11:17:11AM
2,373 posts

Show Us Your Pets!


OFF TOPIC discussions

Sally's looking sleek and sassy, Dave.  catdance   inlove

Strumelia
@strumelia
10/17/18 11:01:20AM
2,373 posts

String gauge tolerance(s)


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

There's also a funny paradox at play with this...  

Generally, you use a lighter gauge string to help you tune to a higher note without breaking, and a heavier gauge string to help you tune to a lower note without being floppy. That's why 'bass note strings' are heavier than melody strings.

However, there comes a point at which this can be taken too far.  For example, a super thin .008 string tuned to a high note may actually break because it's so thin, and perhaps a .009 in its place might not break for that same note.  Likewise, if you go to TOO heavy gauge in an effort to attain a real low note, the string will not fit properly in the nut and bridge slots, creating buzzes and becoming difficult to fret.

There's a practical range to work within when trying to balance the three factors that govern this:  1) scale length/VSL  2) note you are wanting to tune to, and 3) string gauge/thickness.  No matter how thin your string, you'll never be able to tune two octaves higher than typical DAdd on a normal sized dulcimer. And no matter how thick your string, you'll never be able to tune a normal sized dulcimer to the same low note you could on an orchestra's standup double bass viol for example.  Stringed instruments are certain sizes for a reason- they are designed to be tuned somewhere within a certain reasonable range of notes for their size.

Strumelia
@strumelia
10/16/18 07:09:49PM
2,373 posts

String gauge tolerance(s)


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

On a 28 or 28.5" scale, I would think .009 and .010 strings would tend to more often break if you try tuning any higher than a high e  (for melody strings).  That's just my own experience.

Strumelia
@strumelia
10/13/18 06:53:35PM
2,373 posts

Wind Instruments????


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Here is fotmd's own Peter W. playing onion flute with mountain dulcimer:

  29