Forum Activity for @richard-streib

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
12/11/24 08:08:59PM
245 posts

1981 Jeremy Seeger Dulcimer


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

Most current day mountain dulcimer players are more interested in an instrument which is built to play chords and or finger pick. Jeremy's dulcimers from the era of the '80's were better for noter drone style playing, or sometimes called traditional style playing. It is a lovely instrument.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
12/05/24 07:12:39PM
245 posts

Disappointed with customer service from The Dulcimer Shoppe.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Sorry to hear about your poor experience. I agree. That is not the way to encourage repeat sales.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
10/06/24 07:56:55PM
245 posts

Hurricane Helene news?


OFF TOPIC discussions

The news media have heavily reported on the storm damage in the NC mountains, but other southeastern states have suffered as well.

Keep these folks in prayer as well as all of the those who assisting and aiding, paid or volunteers.

Our church has had several members go to the NC mountains. Their first hand reports tell us the damage is 10 times worse when seen in person than any of the images can show on the news. Our church has sent two trucks of commodity items so far and another one is going this coming Tuesday. The mountain people are so resilient and in spite of the damages, losses, and their personal situations generally have an attitude of "we'll get through this together."  

If  you can afford to give I suggest donations to one of the faith based organizations as they have a positive track record of getting goods to those who need it the most.

This is going to be a years long recovery and rebuild, maybe 10 years or more. May we not forget them when the news tires of reporting on this event.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
09/30/24 09:01:17PM
245 posts

Hurricane Helene news?


OFF TOPIC discussions

NC mountains hard hit. Well over 400K people without power, Many are isolated with no means of getting any help due to roads and bridges washed out, no phone or cell or internet service. There are literally thousands of volunteers on the ground and sending needed supplies. 3 churches that I know of in our area in central NC are sending trucks and trailers loaded with needed supplies. Keep these folks and the many helpers lifted in prayer.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
07/26/24 07:43:00PM
245 posts

What's your current fave GO-TO instrument these days?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have a number of traditional style dulcimores. While I do enjoy them all and play them all on a rotating basis, the one I reach for the most  at this time is a replication of a 1917 James Edward Thomas dulcimore built for Balis Ritchie. This one was made by Dan Cox using walnut wood on the back which came from the Ohio farm where I was born and raised until age 12. That wood was cut on the farm by either my great grandfather or grandfather. And I am on the north side of 70 to give an idea of the age of that walnut.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
07/18/24 04:41:44PM
245 posts

Lil' Willie Dulcimer


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

That is a might pretty little travel dulcimer. Ron builds nice instruments. Wish you the best if finding it a new loving home.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
05/20/24 05:28:11PM
245 posts

New Knopf Dulcimers website!


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

Looks great John. Glad you are back up with the website.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
04/28/24 08:14:05PM
245 posts

anchor pin pulled out


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

An additional solution may be to use loop end strings so more of the threads engage the wood. Using loop ends will not require removing the screw to change strings. It looks like the screw hole may need to be filled and start over with a slightly longer screw.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
04/15/24 04:03:12PM
245 posts

Something to watch


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks Ken.  A little late for me. Maybe I can find a recording of it later.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
04/12/24 05:03:13PM
245 posts

Introduce Yourself!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Beth,

A note of encouragement. DAA is not terminal nor disabling. Nor does it respond to advanced medical treatment. I have found the best way to treat it is to get one more dulcimer.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
04/04/24 07:49:31PM
245 posts

What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer


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

    Thought I’d add my observations to this discussion. I like to use the analogy of how we label automobiles.
    An SUV, a sports car, a sedan, a coupe, a minivan, a hot rod, a convertible, and an EV are all automobiles. Yet we use descriptive terms as those cited to further identify models with specific traits, shapes, and features.
    It is much the same with the Appalachian dulcimer.  We can say that the traditional dulcimer, the post-revival or transitional dulcimer, the modern dulcimer, the baritone dulcimer, the bass dulcimer, the chromatic dulcimer, and the electric or amplified dulcimer are all in the family of dulcimers. It is just that some who have a personal preference for the traditional dulcimer choose to use the descriptive term “dulcimore” based upon the traditional dulcimer’s history, style, features, and construction, differentiating it from the other styles of the dulcimers in the marketplace today. For those individuals, “dulcimore” describes a traditional style instrument with a pure diatonic scale, staple frets under the melody string, a light weight body of native woods, and a high silvery tone.
    When I refer to my instrument as a dulcimore, I want people to be able to envision its features, and not have to wonder if it has guitar style frets or a large body made of some exotic wood from Africa or what it sounds like.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
03/25/24 07:14:27PM
245 posts

If you could have just one dulcimer...


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

Tough question. If I could have just one, today, I think it would be a 1917 RT model, a replication of an older Thomas made for Bailis Ritchie in all walnut built by Dan Cox. Maybe tomorrow it would be something else.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
03/22/24 07:15:04PM
245 posts

Can anyone out there help me with a tuner question?


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

There is a small fiber washer in the mechanism if my memory is still good. Sometimes that can be the culprit. I have had some success loosening them a lot and then slowly tightening them back down. If you ever disassemble one all the way take note of the order of the metal and the fiber washers on the shaft. Sometimes just using them will get them holding again. After all no exercise for 40 + years and we all forget how to do things.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
03/08/24 06:50:19PM
245 posts

New Cherry Galax Dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Nice looking Melton Style Galax John. I am sure the new owner will be well pleased.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
02/12/24 04:57:03PM
245 posts

What Are You Working On?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

@shanonmilan I enjoy Wittner pegs on several traditional dulcimers. Wrist arthritis makes tuning wooden pegs difficult as much as I like them on the traditional instruments.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
02/07/24 06:54:04PM
245 posts

instrument question- Stephens Lutherie/holy grail dulcimer?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

That song may be  under copyright. I did a search and could not find when it was written.  Your best avenue may be to purchase the sheet music and create your own tab from the sheet music.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
01/25/24 03:51:03PM
245 posts

Dulcimer Bag Lady Dulcimer Bags


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

They are great bags. Well made with quality materials. I can recommend them without reservation.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
01/22/24 07:28:08PM
245 posts

Introduce Yourself!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Frank, Warren builds wonderful dulcimers both in aesthetics and sound. I know you will enjoy playing it. Post some pictures when you receive it.

A hint: when it arrives if it is cold there, take it inside and let it acclimate to room temp in the box for a couple of hours before opening it. The hardest couple of hours for sure to tolerate.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
01/19/24 06:51:32PM
245 posts

Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Ken Hulme:

There have never been any 'classical works' written for the Appalachian dulcimer either.  Leonard Bernstein has been bust with other projects.   IMHO "lower class peasant instrument" is a bit harsh.  No, they were not instruments of the major cities -- Vienna, Paris, Milan -- nor were they "favored" by the hoi polloi of those cities and cultures.  But that doesn't make them 'lower class peasant instruments'.  

I so agree kenH. !!
Richard Streib
@richard-streib
01/12/24 05:23:42PM
245 posts

Dulcimer Shipping


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have shipped more with USPS than other shippers mostly out of convenience. I always pay for insurance and I am careful to pack the dulcimer well. Sometimes in a box inside a box.. I use lots of bubble pack. I usually loosen the strings as well. Label the outside of the box fragile--musical instrument. Hope that helps.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
01/06/24 05:59:09PM
245 posts

String suggestions


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

I use Just Strings.com. You can get individual strings there. Warren May will sell you a set I am sure. He is still making a few dulcimers at his shop at home.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
12/31/23 02:04:12PM
245 posts

Beginner questions about dulcimer care


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

Warren May is still building dulcimers. He is a delightful and friendly gentleman. The questions you pose he would be glad to answer. His number is on his website. If you leave a message I have always found him to return calls. Hope that helps.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
12/20/23 06:51:22PM
245 posts

What Are You Working On?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I've been working on my Christmas cookies. So far 30+ dozen and I think I am finished. All for giving away to church members, neighbors, and some local businesses where I trade. Decorating is done and most of the wrapping. I'll make the coconut cake for Christmas and help cook dinner on Christmas for the family.
Merry Christmas every one.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
12/04/23 10:31:07AM
245 posts

The Positive Thread...


OFF TOPIC discussions

Thanks for the suggestion Strumelia. My family and I will celebrate Christmas from the perspective of the Biblical record, with praise and thanksgiving. We look forward to the Christmas fellowship at church and then the Christmas Eve candlelight service. It will be different this year as we lost my wife's dear sister passed due to cancer in September, so time will be spent to remember her.  We will share Christmas dinner with close family. Our daughter and her family will be with us for a day or two. There will be visits with family and neighbors. I will be making a homemade gift for my brother in law.  As of now I need to get started baking about 30 dozen cookies to share with many friends and some local businesses in the small town where I am. My list is growing so it may be more. I will play Christmas music most every day on the dulcimore.

Then as the Christmas Season passes into the New Year, we will continue to enjoy the birds which visit our 6 feeding stations daily. We also feed the wild deer, Canada geese, squirrels, an opossum we call Polly, a racoon we call Rocky,  and a few ducks that have taken up over the years. Some nights we listen to the call of the wild coyotes across the way.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
10/26/23 07:31:59PM
245 posts

Accompaniment


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Well stated Wally and KenH. The mountain dulcimer is what it is. And in my humble opinion, one should enjoy its sweet song as it is without trying to make a bull horn out of it.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
10/11/23 07:05:25PM
245 posts

Vintage Dulcimer Builds


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

I am remembering that maybe the change over from laminate to solid wood was about 1996. It seems I remember the McSpadden having to send too much of the plywood back due to poor quality and it was slowing down production. I have had 2 McSpadden's with laminate bottoms with no trouble at all.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
08/27/23 12:46:55PM
245 posts

Introduce Yourself!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

What a beautiful dulcimer Nightingale. I know it must be special to you. I like a long scale dulcimer for playing noter drone.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
07/21/23 06:23:14PM
245 posts

Dulcimer Shipping


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have found a different source for shipping instruments, books, cd's, or whatever. They ship USPS or UPS, but not FedEx at this time. I have found the rates can be 30% to as much as 60% less than going to the post office or UPS store. The service is free to use. The software by default gives the lesser rate via  xxx, but for $n.nn  more you can ship via  yyy.  There is a provision for pickup at your home or office or another address that is convenient if you don't have time to get to the post office or UPS pick up point.

The service is found at Pirateship.com.  I have used it with good results.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
05/02/23 06:56:23PM
245 posts

Help with ID of recent thrift shop purchase


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

Wow, Randal, you have a beautiful dulcimer and a bargain at that. I wish you well as you learn more and learn how to enjoy your special find.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
04/18/23 06:51:42PM
245 posts

FOTMD Advisory...


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have not noticed any problems. Sounds like a wonderful move to the new server.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
04/17/23 04:58:49PM
245 posts

FOTMD Advisory...


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hope it goes smooth as buttermilk.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
03/21/23 08:14:25PM
245 posts

How Old is This Dulcimer Kit/Stuff?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Nate, that is a real treasure. A wonderful gift to you.

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