Forum Activity for @jim-at-gcreek

K&K pickup versus LR Baggs under saddle pickup.

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Lilley Pad,

I build this dulcimer model that I call the "Peardrop".  The dulcimer pictured is a 6 string that is my own personal instrument.

I also build it as a 4 string.  This model has excellent sustain and resonance has a floating bridge.  I wanted even more sound

when playing in larger rooms , so I equipped the 6 string with the "K & K Twin Spot" pickup that Dusty mentioned.  The two

pickups are mounted right under the ends of the bridge.

The "Twin Spot" delivers a terrific, pure acoustic sound.

Jim Phillips

Wanted: Case for a Galax Mountain Dulcimer

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

Kimberly,

I have designed and now build a custom dulcimers that I call the "Peardrop" {see attached image).  It is 11 inches wide.  I hunted all over for a case that would work for this instrument.  I buy the TKL brand Model 4640 soft case.  This is actually a banjo bag.  Inside measurements 4 1/2 inches deep   12 inches wide      39 inches long.

This is not a thick, heavy case but is fine for transporting to jams,etc.  Padding is maybe 3/4 inch thick.  I have bought a lot of these cases for including with my instrument orders.

James Phillips

Micarta fret board

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

Matt,

I have not made a fretboard from micarta, but I use it for nuts & saddles.  I buy that stock from "Texas Knifemakers", but I think maybe they would not handle pieces long enough for a fretboard.

A good place online would be:

https://www.professionalplastics.com

They have many types and colors of micarta - listed under "Phenolics".  You would probably want the "linen" grade - itis a very fine weave.

A couple of months ago, I found some blocks of micarta on Ebay that I used for a guitar repair job (internal insert) - so you can check on Ebay.  It was very nice material.

Good luck,

Jim Phillips

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Buckeye67,

You are indeed very fortunate!  The Dayton dulcimer club is probably one of the best clubs in the US.  They have many events during the year.  I have contacts that are leaders of the group and have other information about the club.  If you want to send a PRIVATE MESSAGE to me, I will send information to you.

Since both of you are military,  I am posting some pictures of one instrument that I recently built.  A mother here in Ohio had me build this instrument to honor her son as he retired from the USAF. She was having a hard time deciding on sound holes. She decided on the "stars", since they are a prominent part of the USAF insignia.

Please see attached images.

Jim Phillips

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Buckeye67,

Many thanks to you and your wife for serving and protecting us.

I am also a “Buckeye”.  I live in central Ohio - play and build dulcimers.  I am also from Appalachia.  Family was from Buchanan County, VA - maybe 50 miles from Pikeville.  I have a son that lives in Cincinnati and I would be glad to send you information about playing.  I know players who are involved in string clubs in southern Ohio.  I think playing with a club is a great way to learn.

Jim Phillips

FOTMD's 10th Birthday Pickled Dulcimer Contest!! (contest CLOSED)

OFF TOPIC discussions

442

Classic Country and Old Country Tab Books

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Strumelia & Skip;

Thank you for those helpful comments and ideas.  I have been trying to steer new players to qualified teachers and give

suggestions for books.  Will need to stress the 1 1/2 fret along with 6 1/2 and 13 1/2 if installed.

 

Thanks again,

JimP

Classic Country and Old Country Tab Books

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Ken;

Did you attend the Hindman, Kentucky dulcimer festival this past year?  I thought I maybe picked that up from

one of your posts.

 

JimP

 

Classic Country and Old Country Tab Books

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Sorry- I meant Skip!  Dropped a letter there.

 

JimP

Classic Country and Old Country Tab Books

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Kip;

Many of my instrument buyers here in Ohio are beginners, although some have played other stringed instruments.  Do you

think the 1 1/2 fret is confusing to new players?

Jim

Classic Country and Old Country Tab Books

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Ken;

Thanks for the information.  I think I will try it!

Jim

Classic Country and Old Country Tab Books

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Ken;

John is a real proponent of the 1 1/2 fret.  Do you ever play a 1 1/2 fret instrument.  I have not tried it yet.  I build and sell dulcimers, so

I am thinking about building an instrument with 1 1/2 fret configuration.  I am hearing that many experienced players are requesting 1 1/2

fret on new dulcimers.

Jim

Classic Country and Old Country Tab Books

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Ken;

Thanks for adding John's website!  I found John's bio on that site very informative.  Military Veteran, engineer, music arranger and author - 

PRETTY IMPRESSIVE.

Jim

Classic Country and Old Country Tab Books

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Recently I purchased some tab books from John F. Sackenheim.  The book I am learning from right now contains

country and western songs from the 1930's, 1940's and 1950's.  He has many other old country tune books available,

and also has Gaither music.

I think John's material is very well done and highly recommend these books.

 

updated by @jim-at-gcreek: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM