Gail,
I found one that is by Herdim which looks like the one I use. It is the small sharp teardrop pick. Yellow is light, red is medium and blue is stiff. I may have found a source though it looks like it is limited in quantity. Song of the Wood in Black Mountain, NC used to carry them but they no longer stock them.
Credit card plastic is a mite too stiff and plastic container lids a bit too limber. I am continuing to look.
I use an elongated teardop shaped pick. Several internet searches have not revealed anything like I prefer.
A picture is attached. The tourtise shell appearing one came with my first dulcimer and has Jean Schilling's signature on it. Any help would be appreciated as to source to procure something like those in the picture.
I sent a 1991 era McSpadden dulcimer in to have the tuning machines changed out and strap buttons added. They received it at 11 am Monday. I got a call 930 their time today (Tuesday) saying it was ready giving me the tracking number. Awesome service from Jim Woods and the great folks at McSpadden. Just a reflection of the great service so many on this forum experience in our dulcimer world.
I am considering a couple of things at the same time.
Had thought about modifying a keyboard stand to make a stand to play lap dulcimer in standing. Will I need a board under the instrument like a possum board or just a support for the tail and head block?
In regard to a possum board for playing while sitting, is there an advantage to the board itself or will a frame like support with support at the head and tail blocks be as effective.
Need your thoughts from those who have tried different things.
Thanks
My first dulcimer was and is (I still play it) a Walnut Valley Wildwood Mountain model I ordered in late 1992 and received in Feb 1993. Lovely instrument with walnut back, cherry sides, walnut fretboard and spruce top. I did replace the tuning machines with geared tuners and added strap buttons. Still looks good other than some mild finish loss from playing it.
It came with a hard shell case with shaped mold for the instrument inside. I wish other builders offered the fitted case. I know Blue Lion does.
Maria,
I replaced my tuners on the Walnut Valley with 5 star geared tuners. Now no problem keeping it in tune. It is an amazing instrument. I have several dulcimers, but doubt I would ever consider selling it.
Blessings to you.
Richard
I saw and heard the mountain dulcimer in the fall of 1991 at Epcot Center in front of the America Pavilion. They were being shown and sold by a young man from a cart-like vendor space. He was from the Walnut Valley Dulcimer company in Burns, KS. I took a brochure home with me and after debating with myself and studying about it a bit I ordered the Wildwood Mountain model custom made for me in Feb 1993. I now have others but this is the one I play the most. It has been a great joy.
Late in this discussion. I have a dulcimer made by the Walnut Valley Dulcimer Company, the 3rd one made in 1993 by L D Sacks. Mine looks like yours and is noted to be a Wildwood Mountain model. It still sounds good and has held up well all these years. It was my first mountain dulcimer. I saw the company represented at Epcot in 1991 picked up the brochure and ordered in late 1992 with delivery in 1993.
Hi,
Another way to deal with the ball end vs. loop end dilemma is to buy ball ends. If you need loop ends, take a small wire cutter and carefully cut the ball away and you have a loop end ready to install.
Richard
My very favorite case is the one I got with my Blue Lion. It is difficult to find sturdy cases that will withstand baggage handlers.
Like Paul said, I have made a couple of cases using an appropriate length molded plastic rifle or shotgun case--Plano or Pelican for brand. The measurements are critical for length and height of your instrument and a bit of time may be needed to research the various measurements of the offerings available.
I removed the soft foam that came in the case. I used blue (some brands are pink) styrofoam from my local building supply store. By combining different thickness I got the depth I needed. I glued those together with special glue made for styrofoam (craft stores). Then I cut out the outer dimensions to snug fit the case. Then I cut the shape of the dulcimer inside with a little extra room at the tuner end. Following this, I covered it gluing on soft fabric--anything from felt to false suede to velvet. I typically line the top of the case with a thin later of padding and cover that with fabric as well. I had room in one to make a wooden box with a hinged lid set into the styrofoam for picks, tuner, strings, straps etc.
I suppose you could use the foam that comes in the case and cut out the shape of the dulcimer. I am personally leery of that as I had a camera in a case with similar foam and the foam disintegrated and stuck to the camera.
