Newest addition to the collection! It is all cherry, so I couldn't resist... Any info on the builder would be appreciated! Thank you in advance!
Thanks Matt and Jim! I think I will take a fine bristled, little paint brush and maybe put a small, light coating on the inside of the crack. Like I said, it doesn't push out when I apply pressure. But the action is off the fretboard by, at least, 1/2 to 5/8 by the bridge/tailpiece. Pictured below is open A and fretted A. Kind of shows how sharply it progresses. I have just tuned it slightly, flat so I can do some noter drone playing till I can get to Menards for supplies...
After moving cattle panels and discing all day, I came home to find my pawn shop treasure on the porch! :D
I realize that the bottom gap was not actually damage, like the guy claimed, but was a cut soundhole. But several things need to be addressed...
1. There is a crack in the side, probably happened while the builder was bending the sides. The date inside says 71', which was a good year... Because Led Zeppelin. I pushed against it with my finger but it didn't move. Should I shore it with glue or thin piece of spruce, like on a violin?
2. The super high action is causing intonation problems. If tuned DAA, the melody string is sharp by a quarter note all the way up the scale. Since it is always about a quarter, does that mean the frets are ok?
3. It has a thin wax finish that has several drops of walnut varnish spotting here and there. The pine or poplar is not eyecatching by any means. And the side crack damage. Maybe a black milk paint job is in order? Help?
I will plan on it!!
Found this beauty online! Looks like poplar or pine? Hopefully with a little hide glue and TLC, and she will be my next dedicated Noter Dulcimer! What do you think?
I really enjoy listening to builders talk about their passion for the instrument, even after 40+ years!
