Forum Activity for @george-desjardins

So, I very recently found this 1973, Bob Mize, 4 string equidistant, Just intonation, nice friction pegs. Looks like possibly "Wormy Chestnut" top. Great sound to it, a real beauty. I am considering modifying it only as much as so it will be strung in the more common, 2 drone strings close together, and move the 3rd so it is fingered like a "modern dulcimer, but also could still be strung the traditional way.

 What do you think, I have some hesitation because of the "historic originality" factor. Believe it or not I found this on Etsy of all places. Never hurts to browse around!!

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Greetings! Some time back I picked up an Edd Presnell 6 string,the wood was in good shape but there were separation issues on the tail, crack on the back, yada, yada ,yada, have it nicely fixed up. I still have not tried to fix the seam separation right where the neck meets the top surface. There is also a slight indentation right where it is separated.

 2 questions,

 Should I try "lifting" the area that has dropped? And if so how do I do it safely.

 second, What would you suggest for gluing the seam without a big mess? I have considered an exact o knife or scalpel blade to clean up the separated area, but as to applying glue, what is the best, cleanest way to do that.

 Attached pictures, let me know what you think. Thanks everyone.

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Well, I got the 6 string Presnell all fixed up, re-strung and tuned. 

Knew about the crack on the back but found some fairly serious separation on the tail in several places. But got some feedback and had all the proper clamps etc. to fix it up, can't even tell there were any issues now!!

 I was surprised at how large this dulcimer is. My 1966 3 string is 34 1/2 long, VSL of 29 inches, 4 1/2 inch upper bout, 6 inch or so lower bout, 1 3/4 inch deep body.

 The 1972 6 string is 42 inches long, 2 1/4 inch deep body, 5 1/4 inch upper bout, 7 inch lower bout, and a 3 1/4 inch VSL !

 Sounds great, I've attached a couple photos to show the size contrast.

 I love a success story!

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Yes, for sure it has a very big Hummel like sound and tone, I have done a variety of tuning it it and seems to play well in most, great fro jam sessions, can be very well heard with accompanying instruments.

Well, I lucked out and found a 1972 Edd Presnell. Overall decent hape, but on the back there is a crack, I was aware of it but had to have it anyway!

 I've done some minor Dulcimer repairs and restoration, no Luthier, but was a custom Goldsmith for many years so have lot's of very fine, detail tools.

 Looking for suggestions, method that is best to repair that, I am attaching pictures so you can see it,

 Thanks in advance, Was surprised by this find, have seen 3 and 4 string Presnells, own a 3 string, but have never seen a 6 string before..

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The VSL on this is 28 1/2 inches, 2 inch wide fretboard, 3 inch deep body, 12 1/2 wide lower bout, 44 inches overall length.

 I have attached a couple pictures of it next to my Edd Presnell 3 string for perspective.

 One of my larger ones, but I have several Carl Gotzmer/June Apple dulcimers that are also bigger, The "Cellomer" being 46 inches overall, VSL of 29 inches. 

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Yes, I like the "functional" art aspect too. I am now up to 32, all very playable, a lot with history behind them, all kept in tune, humidified, and played on a rotating basis.

 I like different, but need to be playable.

 Thanks!!

I agree with Ken about Dulcimers where the fret board extends past the body, I have only one and pretty much never play it.

 I don't think he was referring to this Blevin as the Fret board does not extend past.

 I have posted a short sound clip so you can hear it, the play is sloppy but not meant to impress. Just wanted whom ever to be able to hear what it sounds like. I may make a more serious attempt later.

 By the way, I have it tuned right now to C-G-C

Blevin.m4a - 3.8MB

It seems to tune up just fine, I have played it up and down the frets and all sound fine, don't seem to be out of placement to me. I am no expert however, But I know a couple others I have that I can tell as I work up the fret board that start sounding "off".

 If you aren't familiar with this Blevin model, It is a very large dulcimer compared to most, which I have always liked.

 Bottom line I have no complaints.

 I'll see if I open up some time and try to make a sound clip so you can hear it.

Thanks Ken, Was wondering when made. I have an Orthey Dulcimer I picked up from a member here, great work, I've seen but don't own one of his auto-harps,

Thanks Dusty, you answered my question before I asked it, the Limberjack I looked at was made by George Orthey Dulcimer, so i'm thinking pretty well made, but it did not have the board or anything with, so I was needing to find a board.

Thanks,That was buried somewhere in my brain but couldn't dig it up, now i need to figure out how to "play" it, any advice on that would be great too!! Dusty, your knowledge of all things obscure musical is impressive.

I found this, by George Orthey Dulcimer, If I'm not mistaken they were used sort of like a set of "bones", A peg was in the hole in the back, A board of some sort was placed somewhere close to lap level, and the figure was made to "dance"? Or am I off by a mile and them some?

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Couldn't wait to post pics, sound clip (s) ? coming. 

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I'll post picture and sound clip over the weekend!! I'm really impressed with the sound from this, seems thinner bodied, but nice mellow, decent volume for it's size.

I did, couldn't pass it up. Nose pinched, dove in, yeah baby!!

I have some one wanting to sell me a Leonard Glenn, 1972, 3 string, looks to be in perfect condition, has label inside, they are asking $300.00, should I jump on this or is that a silly question?

 Don't know what they are worth as that changes by each buyer, but that sounds like a good price. 

I'm eyeing a Roscoe Horton, for sure it's just intonation just looking at the fret board, has geared tuners, not wood pegs. I have seen some info on him, only seems to have built about 1700 dulcimers, this one in 95. Has anyone played one or familiar with them, looks to be well built.

 Did see some personal history on him, and the other feedback I saw was from folk who didn't understand the difference between, JI and ET, same as me at first, when I got my first JI Dulcimer without knowing I assumed the dulcimer was "messed up", but now I also play noter style and get the different tunings for older, or traditional style build..

 So, I'll stop rambling. just always like asking before I jump. Thanks all!!

I had indeed at one point considered adding the extra frets to my "historic" dulcimers, a couple anyway. But in the end left them as is, The ones I added to after the fact were done by the original builders of the instrument as well, I still felt it may detract to have someone else add them. I also got luck and found a John Stockard original that he had added all the extra frets, ebony fret board etc.

 I also don't change out wood friction pegs either, and actually have come to appreciate them, (once I get the darned things tuned anyway)

 As of now, unless it is of historic value, I don't buy a dulcimer unless it does have the extra frets.

 Has anyone considered the "fret" that can be placed in those positions but removed as they are not permanent, thought I had heaard of something like that at one time, don't know what they are called, or perhaps it was just a "dulcimer dream".

I agree with looking for the maker name and contacting them. I sent one back to McSpadden to add 1 1/2, 61/2, etc. they dressed the frets, replaced the strings for $100.00

 The other was easier, but I took my Bonnie Carol over to them, (they live close by), but because of no shipping, they did the same for less.

 And for me, it's not about how often you play using the 1 1/2 fret etc., but it's about when you want to!!

 "Dulcimer is the Voice of Angels"

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Thanks for the photos and feedback, looking at the pictures of yours, I would lean towards it being an Edsell, a lot of strong similarity, mine looks to be older or just more played judging by the oils impregnated into the finger board, even the heart hole angles are right, and the similarity in the head stock are quite strong. From what I've heard and seen Fred tended to put the paper inside.

 Thanks for the feedback.  lot of discussion was over the fact there was no paper inside, but everything else looked spot on.

 If you are OK with it, would love to see a photo or 2 of your Edsel.

 your 2 cents is worth 100 times more,

(Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes.. That way you'll be a mile away and have his shoes!!)  

Some time back a member posted a video of them playing one of these I think, can't remember who it was. If anyone knows who it was, or has feedback on these as far as the usual intonation etc. I remember hearing the recording and being fairly surprised by how nice it sounded

I have never seen a Bill Davis with the upper f holes, and only a couple that were done with heart holes, mine also has just the upper round ones, I'm attaching a couple of pictures of the signature, and the headstock so you can see the Davis looks quite a bit different. My understanding is, and I very well could be wrong on this, is that Davis was the "original" builder of the fiddle side design. 

 Looking at the photos you posted, I would still lean towards it being a Clemmer.

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As was mentioned about Bill davis, it does look like his style, and he did sell kits, the ones he personally built were signed by him carving/engraving his name on the back side of the dulcimer, kits were not signed. I was fortunate enough to find a Bill Davis sometime back, signed that way but also carvet with the name of the person he built it for.

 Otherwise I would also lean towards Mike Clemmer.

 Either way a sweet one, I love the five strings, and as far DADisease, I am now up to 28, the dulcimers live in the house, if I add any more I'll be sleeping outside.

I have quite a few dulcimers, everything from 27", to my old Bill Davis at a 29 1/2" VSL ! I think it would be difficult switching up to that longer VSL if all you've played is the shorter, but or me, at this point I switch between them with no issues whatsoever.

No doubt, I got an Echo Dot for christmas, still haven't set it up because I'm waiting for the 15 year old to show me how, well, be honest, to do it for me!!

So I picked up the Lazenby, It has the wooden friction pegs, which I am actually quite fond, a few minor dings and will need some serious TLC, will do before and after pics. Mostly minor issues with the finish ad a few scratches. Only has the lower f-holes, but otherwise sound. Just been neglected a long time, corroded strings etc.

 I love fixing them up! Makes it more personal.

I've seen good feedback on random searches, anyone here own one? Reasonable price, looks to be in good condition.

Thanks Dusty and Jan,

 So, I'm such a dinosaur I didn't even know there was voice recording software on my computer.

 I went with the Snowball mic, got a decent video cam since a lot of my dulcimers need to be seen too~! :-) 

  Jan, you were right the sound quality with the onbard mic isn't great but works, that's why I went with the Snowball, Thanks for the recommendation on that Dusty, Has a lot of great reviews.

 I can finally start posting some embarassing clips of me playing badly!!

I've been wanting to post some sound clips, but seriously technically challenged. Whats the simplest way you all record and post "soundcloud", You tube etc. What are you using to record, or better yet, what do you recommend?

Saw Joes posting on the stringing on this Mize, and agree, who knows how many times it's been restrung with whatever range of strings.

 Also Joes comment on what fine craftsman Mize and Orthey were, But he left one other fine craftsman off that list. Mr. Joe Sanguinette himself.

 I stumbled across one of his Elk River Dulcimers, #1322 on a random E bay search, picked it up just for the beauty of it, and have not been disappointed one lick with it as far as intonation, sound, play-ability, would be a cold day in hell before I ever parted with it now, one of those sight unseen gems!!

 Take a look at the photos of the one I was lucky enough to find.

 All I can say is if you are ever fortunate enough to come across one, don't hesitate, grab it up!!

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 Like I said, guessing at the J11, but think you need to lose the second wound string and lighten the gauge, But sometimes it's all up to the "ear" as to whether slightly heavier or lighter strings "work". Either way, great find, a Bob Mize 5 string with wood friction pegs, Do you know what kind of woods?

 As for the George Orthey, still one of my faves, Not always in the mood for it, but when I pick it up and randomly strum, it draws me right in and hooks me, such a unique voice.

"Dulcimer is the voice of Angels".    George

I'm basing this opinion on my old Bill Davis 5 string, also I have seven 6 string and have never seen, or strung it with 2 wound strings. Although i received one that some one strung with way over blown guitar strings.

 The set up I use on the Davis, because it is a larger than average dulcimer, .011, .011, .012, .013, then the wound, .024.

 I have a Mize also so know they are much smaller than the Davis, So you might try .010, .010, .011, .012, wound at .023

 Tuned to DAD, but holds really killer in CGC too. Yeah, that's different tuning, but sounds great on larger bodied, "bassy" dulcimers.

 Did I buy my Edd Presnell from you?? Pretty sure I did buy one from you at some point, but good luck with the 5 string, I love it. The Bill Davis is dated roughly around the late 60's

  One last thing, Is it J11, or maybe JI? Just intonation?, Just guessing now.

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I agree, I'm a big fan of Carl's dulcimers. My first was finding a used Cello-mer, also my first experience with the 1 1/2, 8 1/2 fret etc. I currently have 3 of his, had a custom 6 string built by him, the first with the zero fret and the "Amburgey Groove" around the top. Also picked up a used Banjo-mer which is a hoot.

 These are all hi larger styles, lots of volume. All about 45 inches long, deep and wide build. 

 The workmanship is fantastic, great sound and tone. I would agree that the smaller ones are for sure equal to equally quality built, much more expensive ones.

 I'd recommend to anyone looking for a finely built dulcimer at a "deal" of a price.

If that's the case, It could be a "Fredsel Martin", sorry, couldn't resist!!

I had also read that early on, Fred and Edsel worked together, then started doing their own, Maybe?? A joint venture? (Being in Colorado,) "joint" venture doesn't have a double meaning.

Thanks for all the input, very interesting piece, and like some earlier input, intonation is good until you get up to the higher frets, than seems a bit off.

 But also played a lot, no grooves in the wood in all the usual lower frets, but can see, and had to do a good deal of clean up at frets all the way up and down the board. Also on various strings. Can see dirt and finger oil; impregnated into the wood all over the scale. So indicates it's been around a long time, well played, but taken care of.

 Either way, not disappointed,  always looking for the unique, historical, and different. This is a nice one. Also came with the vinyl, gave me a reason to pull the turntable out. Now I really am dating myself.

Recently picked this up after doing as much research as I could. Has the same look/design as either Edsel or Fred. There was another brother, Wade, but from what I'm finding he didn't build many dulcimers, it was Fred and Edsel. 

 They both used the same design as far as the dulcimer body, the biggest difference being the carvings on the "scroll". 

 Fred's carvings were, from what I've seen, were a bit more "rustic", where it seemed Edsel's were more refined. I looked at some of Edsel's figure carvings and the style seems to be consistent with what I'm seeing on the dulcimer itself.

 I can see no label or signature inside, although looks like there may have been at one point, but really can't tell for sure.

 The seller included 2 sweet old vinyl LP's. The Mill Run Dulcimer Band, and Edsel Martins Appalachian Dulcimer Music. Both in great condition and play great with no skipping.

 The Edsel one has Photos on the back of him holding his dulcimer, It looks liek this one, although the photo is grainy and you can't see the figure carved clearly at all, the style is definitely the same. 

 I have posted pictures of the dulcimer, The album cover, a couple of photos of Fred Martin to compare the carving styles.

 Let me know what you think!!

 And I'm only guessing here, so am curious what you all think.

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It's a big one, 44 inches long, 12 inches at it's widest, 3 inch deep body, 6 string, touted as a Bass dulcimer made by Milford Blevins, South Fork Dulcimers,Number 277. Looks to be very well made, no idea on wood, but all I've owned up to now are "standard" dulcimers, looking for tips on tuning this up, Will try and do a sound clip of it at some point, but I need to bring someone in to help with that, otr to be more precise, to do it for me because I haven't a clue!! Thanks all!

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