What is the purpose of floating bridges?
Are floating bridges notched or not?
I would just like to have knowledgable people tell me all they know about having floating bridges, the advantages or disadvantages of having them.
Thanks for all your help.
Patricia, I really enjoyed listening to both of your podcasts, they were both intertaining and interesting.
I really liked the interview with Ben Seymour, he is very educated on history of the MD, a great luthier and musician.
Thank you Ken for clearing the fingerdancing up....I play Noter/drone with a stick and have heard others say they play with fingers but refer to it as noter/drone. I know it makes a difference to my ears, I like the sound when playing with a stick best. I think these people play this way cause they also say the haven't got the hang of playing with a noter so they use their finger.
Yes Marg, we will never have just one and always want another! I am really into the history of the mountain dulcimer and enjoy the sounds of the early players and the early lutheriers and so admire the folks who build the replicas and the sweet sounds.
Some folks play noter with their fingers/thumb and guess it works, as long as you enjoy playing this is what is important. Thanks for posting this topic, I have enjoyed reading all the comments.
Let us know how you like playing with the peacock feathers. Hope you find them fun to play with.
Early in my "Dulci Journey" I chose to play Noter/Drone and purchase my Dulcimers from FOTMD friend's who build copy's from the ole' time builders and players.
My first dulcimer is an Apple Creek, it was an ok dulcimer to learn the basics from and then I purchased from Robert Schuler a butternut dulcimer based on A. W. Jefferies and then a copy of "Uncle Ed Thomas, made of walnut with a mean tone fret board setup by Kevin Messanger. Both these dulcimers are exceptional for playing noter/drone, they both have the silvery sweet old time sound and are beautifully made and really my dream dulcimers.
Uh no, I am not finished with purchasing other dulcimers, my wish list is to in the future buy a Virginia Hogfiddle by Bobby Ratliff, but I am not sure he is building again. Also I would love a TMB and a Just Intonation again by Robert Schuler. If I think on it the list would become too long so I will stop there.
I really like the sound of your "Dulci Friend" and it is very cool you can make the fret board to suit you. 
Excellant Robert, it looks like a beautiful friend to have and it is good you could fit it to your style.
I like the hammered part also, but this is not the first time I have seen it. Little Girly was playing my dulcimer and she was experimenting with the sound by tapping the strings with a chop stick, it sounds pretty neat.
Barbra, What are your names for you dulcimers?
Yes, I name my dulcimers, my first is "Ho-Hum", my favorites and new this year is "Lil' ButterNut", made by Robert Schuler modaled after A. J. Jefferies.
And the one I just purchased not long ago is, "Thommy", made by Kevin Messanger copied after Edward Thomas. I play N & D style and my 2 new ones are very sweet to play and have that old time silvery sound....Love It!
WOW, thank you Strumelia for your work at educating us on what happens by clicking on different areas.
This has really helped and I appreciate your time and effort! 
Smiley Friend, does a humming type howl when I am listening to dulcimer music, he especially likes to hear Ken Backer and other deep male voices, then he really sings. Smiley just stares at me when I play. 
Patty that is cool that they have dulcimers etc. Is that tab books below them?
Did you play them for the lady so she could sell one?
As you can see in my avitar my 2 treasured dulcimers in which I go in between to play sometimes I choose one for a certain song, sometimes it is the one I want to play.
Both are fabulous to play and I love it!
Very nicely done Robert, my butternut would work great, ya think.
A HUGE Thank you to Strumelia, the Moderators and all involved in this Magical Site!
I believe it is looking good and slowly getting the hang of it. I feel like when all get settlled and glitches are worked out it will be terrific.
I am thankful we have this site, it is great and more, the folks on it are what makes it so great.
Thanks Robin, for me this site and Strumelias N/D blog has got me strummin', then all of the lovely people on this site that give insight and support is fabulous. I love the sound and techniques shared with noter drone playing and the wealth of knowledge our luthiers share about the history and the building of their beautiful instruments.
I truely enjoy this site and it is remarkable when I think about all the ways I continue to learn from this site. Lots of hugs to all who have had a place in my Dulcimer Journey.
Jan, Great ideas for those who get the opportunity to attend dulcimer festivals.
Gail, I don't have a JI from Robert, but bought one made out of Buternut and can highly recommend his workmanship.
They are great to play noter/drone or chord and the sound is that silvery old time sound. Mine is my most lovely and a treasure. Robert models after A.W. Jeffery's and it is a gorgeous design.
Also Robert is a great person to work with, very kind and considerate.
Also Cynthia Wingington bought a JI from Robert recently and she seems to love it, she would be a good person to talk with about it.
Good luck with your "Sweet Strings"
Really lovely Robert, I really REALLY love hearing you play them, not to mention that sweet sound.
Congrats on selling this beautiful sweet instrument Robert, I am sure the buyer will be very pleased.
We are getting rain off and on in Central MT, here's hoping for rain for your crops and your Dulci-stuff.
Robert it is not only beautiful, aww that sweet, sweet sound is exceptional, I love it and best save my money.
Very nice song Gregg, oh it is lovely that you give us a different instrument and sound.
Yes Gregg I understand, the computer thing is why I posted the wrong one the first time.
I enjoy your bowed psaltry videos.
I have a question about the strings and setup of the psaltry; Are the strings piano wires?
Also, is the right side of the instrument like playing the white keys of the piano?
Then the left side when you are bowing it the black keys of the piano?
Thanks.....Lexie
Here is the link to your you tube subscription Gregg;
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=greg+schneeman
It is very nice to listen too. Thanks for promoting such a fine instrument.
Gregg if you copy the URL to the LINK in top left corner in the bar just above where you write your message it should post.
Sorry I posted the prior link, but it is a beautiful song.
Maybe this will work.
Gregg, when I click on your link, it says video unavailable.
Great this worked thanks.
Congrats Cynthia and Robert on this wonderfully sounding dulcimer.
I am so happy Cynthia that you are buying from Robert, he makes a sweet instrument and I know you will be very pleased.
I love my "Lil' ButterNut" Robert made for me, it is a treasured dulcimer.
I will be anxiously waiting for your unboxing video and best yet your sound test video.
Robert, I believe you taught me some about dissonance with this demonstration.
Thanks for your efforts, this is how I learn about music. This really sounds great.
Excellent Robert, it is great to hear how sweet this sounds. Thanks!
Really great Robert, I like how you put that song together.
robert schuler said:
Thanks Cynthia and Lexie... Here is a tune in the Dorian mode... DAg. Again you can hear the nice way the melody and drones harmonize together... Robert
That sounds amazing Bob, thanks for the demo love hearing you play.
Excellent Bob, oh sure would like to hear you play it. Happy you guys got this all figured out, gee we are a great group!
