Forum Activity for @dan

Dan
@dan
01/20/21 05:49:23PM
198 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
198 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
198 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
198 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
198 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
198 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
198 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
198 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
198 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
198 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
198 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
198 posts

A bit of "our" humor


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

...and my favorite, Locrian!

Dan
@dan
05/03/20 12:33:16PM
198 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
198 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
198 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
198 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
198 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
198 posts



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

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

Dan
@dan
01/05/20 11:49:23AM
198 posts

North Carolina dulcimers getting media attention


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

“We sometimes say they’ve taken out all the wrong notes, because it does not have all the sharps, flats, all the keys that a piano has, but we have enough notes to play in a particular key and play a song without hitting too many wrong notes,” Johnston said.

I love it!

Dan
@dan
11/30/19 06:51:47AM
198 posts

John Molineux uses a striker on a mountain dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Irene showed us how to do this @ the Berea Gathering!

Dan
@dan
10/28/19 05:21:18AM
198 posts

Hog-Eyed Man playing Green River


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Don Grundy: Does Don Pedi basically play the melody string?

Yes.

Dan
@dan
10/05/19 06:32:54PM
198 posts

Care Advice Sought for 2 Really Old Instruments:


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

I clean with distilled water, gently wiping with a soft cotton cloth (an old t-shirt) and Q-tips. Dry air is not good for any instrument so some sort of humidifier would be good. Making them playable would have to be determined by a luthier, depending on whether "you" are O.K. with altering them from an original state, maybe museum pieces?

Dan
@dan
09/07/19 07:06:39AM
198 posts

Conversation with John Crocker


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Our beloved John Henry, thank you for sharing!!!

Dan
@dan
07/20/19 06:15:54PM
198 posts

Old-Time Central interview with Hunter Walker


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Robin Thompson:

I greatly enjoyed this interview with my young friend Hunter Walker.  I think Hunter was thirteen or fourteen when we met in-person at the Vandalia Gathering in Charleston WV.  (First, we met online at Everything Dulcimer.) 


https://oldtime-central.com/hunter-walker-interview-and-tunes/?fbclid=IwAR14EmV-UdiLOUmVbW9iAbZeY3OHplP4u1noyl-wdja6yu0qQ-XCK3hWEb8



Can't find credit for the young lady with him?

Dan
@dan
07/15/19 08:23:16PM
198 posts



I get my blanks off ebay,  bone blanks

Dan
@dan
07/13/19 07:02:12AM
198 posts

Ebony versus Micarta Fretboard on McSpadden Dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

You are right @dusty-turtle, it will catch on and you will be able to order any color you want. I suspect any more than an overlay would start inherent problems with tonal qualities, but less is more! IMHO

Dan
@dan
05/23/19 03:57:20PM
198 posts

Berea Gathering Attendees


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Ken Longfield:

It's on my calendar for 2020. I will not schedule any overseas trips near the date again. Originally my trip to Italy was to start on May1, but the tour company had to move the starting date to May 8 which meant coming back on May 19 rather than May 12. Had the original schedule worked I would have arrived home on Sunday and left for Berea on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to next year.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Wonderful to hear this Ken, we have you scheduled to teach the History class next Gathering!

Dan
@dan
05/23/19 06:49:08AM
198 posts

Marvin Hilla dulcimer


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

I've heard the name, but don't know any thing about him. Google only had his Obit and it list him as a guitar maker?

https://www.hornbeakfuneralchapel.com/obituary/3012647

Sorry I can't be more help.

Dan
@dan
05/01/19 07:01:39PM
198 posts

2019 Dulcimer Exhibit Jonesborough TN


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

David Bennett:

The first link says the exhibit features dulcimers made by Ernest Combs. I'm not familiar with this luthier. I could be wrong but from this bio he didn't seem very passionate about dulcimers


https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/artist/ernest-combs/


Still there is probably more to the exhibit and either way I am glad they are even doing a dulcimer exhibit.



I believe he made about 7 of them, no not a passion....

Dan
@dan
04/16/19 06:47:06AM
198 posts

Berea Traditional Dulcimer Gathering Update


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Various operating system securities won't allow some forms to be completed. Simply email your name and address to

  berea.traditional.gathering@gmail.com

and we'll add you to the list!

Dan
@dan
03/27/19 07:39:42PM
198 posts

Top/Back Thickness and Sustain?


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

I don't measure! I "feel of" the wood panel as I'm thickness sanding to the right thickness. Flexing the panel and from experience knowing the right mass I'm looking for for a particular tone. Harder denser woods can be sanded much thinner than a softer less dense piece.

As for sustain? Panel thickness is just one variable factor in a multitude of factors involved. String selection, nut and bridge hardness or softness, nut and bridge placement, over all mass of the piece, wood selection, possibly the finish, intonation, and so on.

If sustain is what you look for, I'd try harder more dense woods sanded to around .090 if you can, harder nut and bridge, and possibly a zero fret?

Some place to start....

Dan
@dan
03/24/19 07:42:37AM
198 posts

Tiny mahogany dulcimer thingy just made


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

Yes I know all too well about "ideas" gettin' in my head, I got a fire barrel chop full of great ones.... Wonderful work John, I'll play you a door chime folk tune at the Gathering!

Dan
@dan
03/18/19 02:27:04PM
198 posts

Ruth Randle


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

So sorry for your loss Patty......

Dan
@dan
03/06/19 08:14:46PM
198 posts

Synthetic fretboard


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

I've ordered a piece of 6061 aluminum bar stock. I'm going to put together a prototype extreme dulcimer, (ED) this weekend.

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