Forum Activity for @dan

Dan
@dan
10/25/21 03:13:57PM
180 posts

SoundCloud issues


Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?


I can't seem to get the "share" link to work?

https://soundcloud.com/dulcimore-dan/silent-night

Dan
@dan
08/20/21 02:02:49PM
180 posts

Why is it called a possum board?


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

The "false bottom" or Galax bottom" is what we call the bottom attached to the instrument.

"Possum board" is one of the names for a tapered thin board used in the stretching and drying of animal hides in some regions of Appalachia. Hides were skinned out complete for more money than the belly cut hides nailed to the side of an out building. There are those from outside Appalachia who believe we call them Possum Boards to be cute....

Dan
@dan
06/18/21 07:18:22PM
180 posts

Name that tune.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thank you sir. One of those tunes I know, but I couldn't place it!

Dan
@dan
06/18/21 04:27:25PM
180 posts

Name that tune.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


I know this video has been around a time or two, found it again the other night and can't quite make out the tune for the second segment on Edd Presnell, (time 9:24)

Thank you in advance.

Music From The Hills

Dan
@dan
06/13/21 12:54:52PM
180 posts

What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer


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


Don't know there is any thing exact in the tradition. Some (I included) use the term Dulcimore to differentiate the traditional  pieces from the contemporary pieces. "Dulcimore" was just one of several regional names assigned to an Appalachian folk instrument some 150 year ago? Hog fiddle, scantlin', music box, harmonium to name a few, and those had varying regional mountain pronunciations too! There will be several sages to enlighten you to the origins of the terms!

You might be better suited to ask the difference between the traditional piece and a contemporary?


updated by @dan: 06/13/21 12:55:59PM
Dan
@dan
05/23/21 03:17:00PM
180 posts

Zoom group invitation


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

@ken-longfield the site is open to the Berea section only. Bobby can probably open the Traditional Zoomers section so they can look, but they would still need to register to post. 

Dan
@dan
05/17/21 05:14:50PM
180 posts

2021 Berea Traditional Dulcimore Gathering Details


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Steven Berger:

I'll be there with mask and vaccination card...don't forget to bring any necessary paperwork, folks...and a few dulcimores! Now I gotta get the oxen and wagon ready for the big trek...Wagons EAST!!!

You taking the scenic route, I thought it would be north?

Dan
@dan
05/13/21 04:24:37AM
180 posts

What examples do you use to explain what a dulcimer is?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

The ‘dulcimore’ is a unique survival of antique musical instruments, and needs explanation. It is oblong, about thirty-four inches in length, with a width at its greatest of about six inches, becoming smaller at each end. Three strings reach from tip to tip, the first and second ones tuned to the same pitch, and the third one forms the bass string. Two octaves and a quarter are marked out upon the three-quarters of an inch piece of wood that supports, and is just under the strings on the top of the instrument. The Mountaineer “toilers pickin'” it by means of a quill, with which he strikes the three strings at the same time with his right hand, over the gap at the larger end, at the same time using in his left hand a small reed with which he produces the air, or his “single string variations.” The music of the dulcimore resembles that of the Scottish bag pipe, in that it is weird and strange. Under its spell one finds himself mysteriously holding communion with the gossamer-like manes of the long-departed souls of the palace of Lady Rowena Trevanion, of Tremaine. The dulcimore is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, because the Mountaineers are becoming ashamed’ of the musical instrument that stands, with many other things, on the dividing line between two civilizations. Only a few of them are extant. Within a few more years and this strange old relic of by-gone days will pass…..

The Kentucky Highlanders from a Native Mountaineer’s Viewpoint
by Josiah Henry Combs
J. L. Richardson and Co.
Lexington, KY 1913

...hope this helps!

Dan
@dan
05/11/21 02:57:32PM
180 posts

George Orthey Dulcimer


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

The image doesn't show ball end or loop end, some hitch pits will work for either. I believe KenL knew George, he may have a better insight to  what string was originally used, if not, VSL, tuning and personal preference will all factor in.

Dan
@dan
04/20/21 04:53:00PM
180 posts

Do you feel limited by the diatonic scale?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Diatonics isn't missing notes. Each mode has its own notes and if you have an accidental, it's probably in another mode.....

If you give us an example of how you are tuned and what note you are "missing" we can direct you to the tuning you need to be in....

Dan
@dan
04/19/21 03:00:41PM
180 posts

Warren May Maple Dulcimer


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

Warren makes fine instruments, chorded or noted. Yes his scale is proprietary as is most modern makers but I've heard many of his pieces over the years and they are wonderful! (Yes Maple has a little brighter tone)  If you are good with the price buy it! 

Dan
@dan
04/16/21 07:13:54PM
180 posts

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?


OFF TOPIC discussions

I got my second shot of Moderna today, no side effects on this one or the first......looking forward to seeing the grand babies now!

Dan
@dan
04/08/21 07:04:22PM
180 posts

How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Six traditional pieces. 26 inch Betty, 26 inch Homer repro, 26 inch Dulcimore, 28 inch Thomas repro, 28 inch Ultra-lite and a 36 inch Grand. I play them all regularly!

Dan
@dan
02/20/21 09:43:46AM
180 posts

Where have all the beginners gone, long time passing?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

The dulcimore is a unique survival of antique musical instruments, and needs explanation. It is oblong, about thirty-four inches in length, with a width at its greatest of about six inches, becoming smaller at each end. Three strings reach from tip to tip, the first and second ones tuned to the same pitch, and the third one forms the bass string. Two octaves and a quarter are marked Out upon the three-quarters of an inch piece of wood that supports, and is just under the strings on the top of the instrument. The Mountaineer "toilers pickin'" it by means of a quill, with which he strikes the three strings at the same time with his right hand, over the gap at the larger end, at the same time using in his left hand a small reed with which he produces the air, or his "single string variations." The music of the dulcimore resembles that of the Scottish bag pipe, in that it is weird and strange. Under its spell on,e finds himself mysteriously holding communion with the gossamer-like manes of the long-departed souls of the palace of Lady Rowena Trevanion, of Tremaine. The dulcimore is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, because the Mountaineers are becoming ashamed'of the musical instrument that stands, with many other things, on the dividing.line between two civilizations. Only a few of them are extant. Within a few more years and this strange old relic of by-gone days will pass, to keep company with
The harp that once thro Tare's Halls
The soul of music shed, 
Hangs now as mute on Tara'a Walls, 
As if that soul were fled.

The Kentucky Highlanders from a Native Mountaineer's Viewpoint
By Josiah Henry Combs;
J. L. Richardson and Co.,
Lexington, KY 1913

Dan
@dan
01/20/21 05:49:23PM
180 posts

Dolly on mountain dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Was that the embellished piece that was auctioned off for charity?

Dan
@dan
01/10/21 12:28:45PM
180 posts

Hollow or solid fret boards


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

I like to rough the staple board and let it set in the shop for about a year, you will know if it's going to have any movement in it by then. I too relieve the bottom with a forstner bit.

Dan
@dan
12/11/20 05:39:06PM
180 posts

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.


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

Maxwell was friends with John Rice Irwin.He did a lot of work on the music display @ the Museum Of Appalachia in Norris Tennessee. There are several pieces of his displayed.

Dan
@dan
11/27/20 05:20:26AM
180 posts

Curved back dulcimers


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

Bill Robison:

Thanks Dan, the soak and heat  process was in my mind.  Did you notice any advantages to the curved back other than looks?

 

Yes they are pretty, but I couldn't distinguish any tonal quality changes. The center of the jig is "proud" of the frame, when you tighten the bolts it bends the panel into place. Wetting the panel in hot water in the bathtub, then using a hot air gun whilst torturing the panel in the jig. Hope this helps, always fun to experiment!


P7040003.JPG P7040003.JPG - 153KB
Dan
@dan
11/26/20 04:42:59AM
180 posts

Curved back dulcimers


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

I did a few Virginia pieces years ago, there didn't seem to be any interest in them then. I wet the panel and placed it in a clamping jig drawing it to shape with the help of a heat gun. I let them dry for a few days and it worked quite well. Mike Slone and Kevin Messenger were gifted the pieces in Hindman that year.

Dan
@dan
08/10/20 05:29:53PM
180 posts

Truss Rods?


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

"That makes sense. I am fascinated that there are well preserved dulcimers that old! Do you know where I could find visuals, recordings, or anything like that of dulcimers of that era?"

Dan
@dan
08/10/20 02:56:48PM
180 posts

Truss Rods?


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

I've played several traditional pieces well over one hundred years old and no warping issues! The zither is a very different animal than the lute, requiring very different approaches to design.The truss use came about with the introduction of steel strings cir. 1830's ish for the guitars? I don't know of any one using truss rods for dulcimer traditional or contemporary. I'm sure some one has tried about every thing......

Dan
@dan
08/07/20 05:32:41PM
180 posts

Dulcimer sales in 2020


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Less sales, I think folks are holding on to their money for good reason. I'm still active in the Dulcimore Den, just working on my own projects!

Dan
@dan
07/09/20 03:01:23PM
180 posts

Size of Soundbox and Loudness


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


NateBuildsToys:
Dan:

I'm going to suggest a large Galax with heavy strings drawn up tighter than a banjo.......like a MawHee on steroids?



Hello Dan. Does 'galax' mean a dulcimer with a 'false bottom' or 'possum board?' Or is it the wide oblong shape that denotes a galax? I do not have access to any means to curve wood into the shape of traditional dulcimers such as a lozenge dulcimer, however if you are referring to the false bottom, I have been adding these with noticeable benefit!
Thanks, 
Nate

Like KenH said, elliptical, deep body and false bottom. (Built in possum board) I also put feet on the bottom of my false bottoms! I may look into one of these... just have to figure out what to call it?
updated by @dan: 07/09/20 03:19:19PM
Dan
@dan
07/05/20 07:48:42PM
180 posts

Unknown maker


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

I saw that piece and thought it was quite interesting. (Still do!) There are a lot of pieces out there that were made one off. If the maker didn't sign it, we may never know?


updated by @dan: 07/05/20 07:49:48PM
Dan
@dan
06/30/20 07:14:26PM
180 posts

Size of Soundbox and Loudness


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

I'm going to suggest a large Galax with heavy strings drawn up tighter than a banjo.......like a Mahhee in steroids?

Dan
@dan
06/27/20 07:09:39PM
180 posts

A bit of "our" humor


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

...and my favorite, Locrian!

Dan
@dan
05/03/20 12:33:16PM
180 posts

Is the strumhollow redundant?


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

Not really needed. I make my staple boards with them on the Kentucky pieces because the old masters did. Like Bobby said, we strum about staple 14, a few inches beyond the hollow.


updated by @dan: 05/03/20 12:33:46PM
Dan
@dan
05/02/20 05:58:28PM
180 posts

What's your favorite tune or dulcimer to play this month?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hobbyhorse:

The wheel fiddle looks really nice Dan .... was it built to a specific plan?

No, just my own design, "keep it simple" two string, ten key.

Dan
@dan
05/02/20 04:13:38PM
180 posts

What's your favorite tune or dulcimer to play this month?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Wheel fiddle I made out in the shop a short time ago, been working on an embellished Go Tell Aunt Rhody because it is an easy tune.


DSC01737-600.jpg DSC01737-600.jpg - 242KB

updated by @dan: 05/02/20 04:14:57PM
Dan
@dan
03/25/20 06:25:02AM
180 posts

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?


OFF TOPIC discussions

The CEO is buying us lunch today!!!

Dan
@dan
03/18/20 06:13:35AM
180 posts

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?


OFF TOPIC discussions

I work at a Medical Supply Distributor and when face shields or goggles come in we all stop, process them and right out the door they go! Other than that, blessed to be in the right job at the right time.

Dan
@dan
01/07/20 05:27:08PM
180 posts



This is the guy I deal with for wooden pegs...

http://www.violinwoodworkshop.com/violin-pegs.html

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