Forum Activity for @richard-streib

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
05/18/17 03:27:21PM
279 posts

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

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.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
05/16/17 08:58:03PM
279 posts

What's the best thing to use to condition my old all black walnut dulcimer?


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

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

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
01/26/17 10:00:55PM
279 posts

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

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.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
11/04/16 10:10:03PM
279 posts

What's the best thing to use to condition my old all black walnut dulcimer?


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

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.

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
08/23/11 09:30:39PM
279 posts

What MAKE of strings is best?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

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

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
02/10/14 02:37:23PM
279 posts

Your favorite dulcimer case!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

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.

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