Forum Activity for @john-c-knopf

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
09/22/24 10:37:40PM
410 posts

1977 Robert Mize


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

Capewavedancer, on another note, it looks to me like you have happened upon an incredible Bob Mize dulcimer!  The top looks like wormy chestnut, which is rare and wonderful.  Get some new strings on it, and ENJOY!  Congratulations!

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
09/12/24 03:10:02PM
410 posts

Tennessee music box just finished


FOR SALE:instruments/music items/CDs/Wanted to Buy...

Wally, here's Lois' TMB with the handle attached to the player's side:

Keel TMB.jpg

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
09/09/24 06:44:14PM
410 posts

Tennessee music box just finished


FOR SALE:instruments/music items/CDs/Wanted to Buy...

Thanks, Wally!  I actually DID put a metal door handle on one I built for one of our members here, Lois S Keel.  She gives presentations dressed as a schoolmarm and wanted one of these to play when she performs.  And it was finished with walnut stain.  Looks real nice!  I've painted checkerboards on the back of a couple, too.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
09/09/24 10:52:42AM
410 posts

Tennessee music box just finished


FOR SALE:instruments/music items/CDs/Wanted to Buy...

This music box is still available for purchase now.  It's a tribute to an older time in dulcimer history.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
08/31/24 09:19:46PM
410 posts

History of mountain dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

That's the way to prove your point, brother!  Sounds like an old Andy Griffith Show episode, don't it?

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
08/29/24 03:51:12PM
410 posts

History of mountain dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Yes, old dulcimers were quiet instruments, almost always played in the home.  No big concerts back then.  They were just meant to accompany singing, like Jean Ritchie demonstrated. 

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
08/18/24 09:35:04PM
410 posts

Tennessee music box just finished


FOR SALE:instruments/music items/CDs/Wanted to Buy...

This new solid-poplar Tennessee music box is offered for sale.  This is a replica of heavy, primitive dulcimers produced just after the Civil War in south-central Tennessee.  David Schnaufer was crazy about these things and made a video of several old ones, and collaborated on an article about them and their history. You can read more and see a video on my website of a guy playing one with a violin bow!  knopfdulcimers.com

The list price for these is $375, but I'll sell it to you for $300 plus shipping.  How's that?


TMB 8_24 A.JPG TMB 8_24 A.JPG - 62KB
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
08/18/24 02:42:49PM
410 posts

String Action


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

That would be preferable in my view.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
08/03/24 10:16:09PM
410 posts

Nut & saddle Material


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

Welcome, Jon, to our little world!  We're glad you're here.

As to your question of the differences between bone and Micarta or Delrin, all I can say is that I've used bone and Micarta, but not Delrin.  All sounded fine to me.  Bone is a bit disagreeable to cut (gives off the same smell as a dentist drilling your teeth), but has excellent sound conduction because it's so dense.  It's also very traditional for use on dulcimers of the past.  McSpadden makes extensive use of Micarta, and they claim it's superior to bone.  I think it's fine for nuts and bridges. Delrin is known for its lubricity, and is sometimes used for HAMMERED dulcimer bridge caps.  Seems strings would be less likely to hang-up when tuning.  I haven't yet encountered it as a dulcimer nut material. 

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
07/11/24 09:46:32PM
410 posts

Something Old with a new surprise


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

That's so cool, Ken!  I like it!  A creative use for an old case.  Hope it sounds great, too, once you finish it up.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
07/07/24 01:45:01PM
410 posts

Cherry Jethro Amburgey-style dulcimore


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

Thanks, everyone!

Ken H., it's based on every scrap of information I could find about Jethro's dulcimores.  Photos, written dimensions, actual eyewitness of his dulcimores, etc.  I think it's pretty close overall.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
07/06/24 11:16:21PM
410 posts

Travel Dulcimer string angle issues


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

Mackelroy, you could use several materials for the nut.  Bone, ebony, rosewood, Micarta, even brass.  Tennessee luthier John Maxwell even used clear plastic, though I don't know why.  You can get bone blanks at Guitar Center or an old-school music store.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
07/06/24 09:25:07PM
410 posts

Travel Dulcimer string angle issues


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

It might help if the strings were wound around their posts right at the surface of the peghead, rather than around the beveled area by the holes.  You would have to hold each string down at the peghead surface as you tighten them.  This could give you a few more degrees of break angle.  The straight peghead-mounting design is not beneficial to proper string action. 

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
06/05/24 11:20:52AM
410 posts

Shifting bridge and nut


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

Wow! People who wrote on that page use English in some mysterious ways!  I think the foreign manufacturer reverse-engineered a high-quality Waverly 5-Star planetary peg, then just cheaped-out on all components when they made theirs.

A low- to moderately-priced dulcimer should wear tuning pegs that are appropriate, that is, what it's designed to use.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
06/05/24 09:54:59AM
410 posts

Shifting bridge and nut


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

Those look like high-end, planetary tuners in those Roosebeck dulcimers.  I'm surprised to see they're using those relatively expensive ones on their "cheap" instruments from Pakistan.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
06/03/24 01:44:31PM
410 posts

Question about a western KY dulcimer maker/James Norris


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

Well, I'll make it a three-peat! 

I've never heard of that guy either, but then a lot of folks could say that about ME, too! 

I'm interested as well in seeing a photo or two of the Norris dulcimer.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
06/02/24 03:13:41PM
410 posts

John Jacob Niles


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

John Jacob Niles was a unique (only one of its kind) individual, it seems. 

He liked to give "theatrical" performances with his dulcimers, interpreting a folk song rather than just playing it.  He had some dulcimer builders make him dulcimers, with no frets installed, so he could add his unique fret patterns to enable him to get the musical effect he was shooting for.  And he sang some very high-pitched melodies.  Takes some getting used to...

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
05/21/24 10:02:04PM
410 posts

FOTMD one year anniversary on July 29th, 2010 !


OFF TOPIC discussions

Well, Lisa, I'd say this teenager you brought forth 15 years ago has been on his best behavior, wouldn't you?

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
05/21/24 07:17:58PM
410 posts

New Knopf Dulcimers website!


FOR SALE:instruments/music items/CDs/Wanted to Buy...

Thank you, friends!   If I can assist you in your dulcimore requirements, please let me know.  I'm now starting another cherry Jethro Amburgey dulcimore, just like the one I finished a few days ago!

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
05/20/24 08:24:14AM
410 posts

New Knopf Dulcimers website!


FOR SALE:instruments/music items/CDs/Wanted to Buy...

Thank you all!  I had plenty of assistance from Michael Willey, one of our members here.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
05/19/24 10:04:12PM
410 posts

New Knopf Dulcimers website!


FOR SALE:instruments/music items/CDs/Wanted to Buy...

Finally I have a new website for my dulcimer-building work!  It shows my current model range, as well as a few dulcimers ready to sell right now.  Give it a look, and thanks very much!

John Knopf

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
05/17/24 07:26:59PM
410 posts

buzzy strings


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

A string buzzes if it's too loose, or if the next fret up from where you're noting is too tall.  The tall fret needs to be filed down slightly so the string doesn't hit it. 

You could also try raising the nut with a shim, or raising the bridge with a shim.  All of the frets need to be level with each other to keep the buzzing away.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
04/28/24 02:26:38PM
410 posts

anchor pin pulled out


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

MJ, the owner could buy a longer screw of the same type and put the string end (ball) through that.  It seems like an unusual design to have to unscrew the pin every time you need to change a string.  I would replace all 3 pins with headless nails that the string balls could just slip over, thus making changing strings faster and easier.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
04/19/24 04:43:03PM
410 posts

Dulcimer by JR


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

It might be from Dulcimers By JR, 10068 Stonecreek Rd., Newcomerstown, OH 43832

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
04/12/24 02:26:39PM
410 posts

Introduce Yourself!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Beth, have you contacted Robin Clark there in Wales?  He's quite the knowledgeable dulcimist.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
04/07/24 01:30:02PM
410 posts

Geoffrey R. Johnson Dulcimer?


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

I have not heard of Mr Johnson, but I would go by the VSL (distance between the inside of nut and inside of bridge) to make a determination, at least to start out, anyway.  My dulcimers usually have long VSLs (27"- 28"), and I use .012" plain steel for the first and second strings, and .022" wound for the drone.  Nice looking dulcimer.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
03/29/24 09:47:51AM
410 posts

If you could have just one dulcimer...


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

It's t'other way around, Ken!  VA at the top, KY at the bottom.  That Ed Thomas sure is a beauty!

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
03/17/24 09:17:45PM
410 posts

Crack in the soundboard, by the sound hole


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

Marg, as a builder I am aware of such things.  If I make a dulcimer with intricate soundholes, I'll glue some tiny wood pieces under overhangs, at right angles to them, as has been discussed below.  It's just a good practice to get into and prevents breakages later.  Glad you were able to repair your own dulcimer!

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
03/08/24 07:24:47PM
410 posts

New Cherry Galax Dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thankee kindly, friends!  The new owner is one of our members here.  Hope she loves it!

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
03/07/24 09:29:11PM
410 posts

New Cherry Galax Dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

This is a new Galax dulcimer I finished yesterday.  It's mostly cherry, with a spruce top and mahogany "inner back".  It's made like Raymond Melton of southwestern Virginia used to make them.  The new owner lives in Ohio.

Feb 24 Galax 0.JPG  Feb 24 Galax 1.JPG Feb 24 Galax 3.JPG

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
02/28/24 09:25:29PM
410 posts

Vintage dulcimer information sought


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

That would work out to just about $95 in the US!  Talk about CHEAP!  You got a great value there, Art!  And an interesting piece of musical folk art.  I'm glad it plays well.  Good for you!

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
02/25/24 09:30:13PM
410 posts

Birdseye Maple


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

Here are 2 photos.  Not very good quality, but you can see what I mean.


birds.jpg birds.jpg - 75KB
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
02/25/24 09:23:21PM
410 posts

Birdseye Maple


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

I once made an hourglass dulcimer completely out of birdseye maple.  It looked wonderful, was somewhat heavy, had an OK tone.  The wood behaved like plain hard maple when fashioning the dulcimer.  I sold it to my younger brother.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
02/01/24 09:18:58AM
410 posts

instrument question- Stephens Lutherie/holy grail dulcimer?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Ah, the search for the elusive "perfect instrument"!  It probably does not exist (just as the perfect spouse does not exist), but luthiers like me try to build the optimal dulcimer for each customer.

I have not encountered Stephens Lutherie.

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
01/31/24 09:21:12PM
410 posts

1970 M12R Signed by L. Mcspadden


FOR SALE:instruments/music items/CDs/Wanted to Buy...

I agree with the others.  I think about the $400-$500 range or so.  You can try, of course.  It's a wonderful instrument!

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
01/30/24 05:51:50PM
410 posts

Vintage dulcimer information sought


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

Art, that looks like a nice one.  Not sure of the bridge-bar either, but it may be an adjustable bridge, with the "real" bridge there just to set the height and spacing?  Like a zero-fret at the other end?

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
01/30/24 01:28:18PM
410 posts

Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic


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

Let me help you with that, Ma'am!  The misty dulcimore past is calling out to you...

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
01/28/24 09:38:09PM
410 posts

New instruments that I have no clue about!


Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

That triangular one looks like a balalaika (Bal-al-LIKE-ah), a Russian instrument like a mandolin.

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