I just use a strap. I find that if I angle it out and down a bit at the top (I lower my left knee a bit) and have the strap taut that it has nowhere to go and doesn't slide. I play pretty aggressively sometimes, and never have any problem. Seems to be some good ideas from others here, so I hope you figure something out.
Ahh, bummer you have to wait to play it, but I'm glad to hear it arrived relatively unharmed. I like hearing about the case. That IS cool.
I was looking at this on ebay! It seems promising. If you like it maybe it will give me courage to make an offer on something similar in the future.
Thanks for posting that. I've been wishing I had a hurdy gurdy for awhile now, and find myself coveting hers!
Thanks Randy! My other dulcimer also has fiddle edges...now I know what to call it. I prefer them!
Randy Adams said:
The top and bottom plates extend past the sides 1/8 of an inch or so.....it's old school.....I like it....
Randy, what are fiddle edges?
Randy Adams said:
No matter how it got to where it is now it's a nice dulcimer Jennifer. I like the scroll, the bridge placement, the fiddle edges. All the other stuff gives it character! I bet it does sound good. Back looks like walnut.
Thanks for your comments everyone. It was sitting next to a used McSpadden and a Folkcraft, and they were very nice, but after playing them side by side, the sound of this one just had "it" for me. I left without it twice, partly because I was a bit fearful of the wooden tuning pegs. They are finicky, but I've come to like them. I wish I know the story behind it, but I enjoy imagining the possibilities.
Also, I added a photo to show more of the frets from the side to clear up that confusion.
Kenneth, I'm not sure which piece you are referring to, so I took a picture from another angle, which may clear up any confusion.
Kenneth W. Longfield said:
That's a nice find Jennifer. I am having trouble figuring out the second picture. Do the strings go under the round metal piece or over it? Under the metal piece it looks to be a walnut bridge with slots for four strings. Or maybe that is where strings cut in to the end of the fret board. The nut definitely looks like a replacement.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
That hadn't really occurred to me Robin, but that is possible.
Oh, I meant to mention that. I don't see any name.
Hello! I found this dulcimer in a shop the other day and after playing it for awhile kind of fell in love with it. It's been banged around a bit and is inexpertly made, but that is what endears it to me. Most importantly though, it has a lovely sound.
I wonder if anyone has any guesses as to the type of wood. I'm also curious about the fact that the tuning pegs and the pins are set up for 4 strings, but the bridge and the nut for 3. An indecisive maker? A later change? It's also interesting that is only goes to the twelfth fret...luckily I rarely play higher than that. It's got a 28 inch VSL, and the strum hollow is really long! I've not seen one that looks quite like this...but then I haven't seen as many dulcimers as many of you. Here's some photos.
Oops, looks like some missteps with the frets!
