pocket tunes and maintaining the backpack
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
As a 'beginner' I like your perspective Ken. 
Forum Activity for @kusani
Anybody know this builder? John Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I, also, have one of Maxwell's dulcimers also made in 1976 and had never been played prior to a few weeks ago. Mine only has one base string, middle string, and two melody strings; see the photo in my profile on the left. I am starting to learn..... slowly.... 
Sidenote: the Upper CumberlandCraft Center in Cookeville and the Tennessee Tech's Appalachian Center for Crafts are not the same. Maxwell's Craft center was privately owned and preceded the Appalachian Center for Crafts.
updated by @kusani: 02/01/16 10:04:40AM
recommendation on a capo for the dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I ordered a walnut capo from Ron just last week, using Paypal, and everything went through like a charm. I received it only 3 days later. I don't know how to use one yet, but have one just in case. 
Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanks Kathy and Marg. It's going to be an interesting experience. I am anxious to get lessons started and learn if I can play by fingering or if I will be a 'noter'. Either way is fine with me.
updated by @kusani: 01/11/16 07:54:34AM
Tricked-out Music Stands
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
And being a novice, I am interested in seeing pics of various stands, tables, players use. I am finding a stand, table, much easier than playing in my lap.
How to tune wooden pegs
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Robert, it's fun solving problems like that. Nice. :)
How to tune wooden pegs
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanks Dan and Robin; the encouragement helps. :)
How to tune wooden pegs
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanks for the encouragement Jan. Here is a pic. of my Maxwell; as well as the antler noter, custom to fit my hand, I made today. I'm determined to learn on this instrument, despite the wood peg frustration Later I may upgrade if I learn to play decently. :)
updated by @kusani: 01/07/16 06:56:51PM
Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
My first, and only so far, dulcimer was purchased by my mother in 1976 when she visited John Maxwell's dulcimer and craft shop in Cookeville, Tn. She never played it and it has been hanging on my wall for the past 30 years. Day before yesterday I took it down, cleaned it up, started reading volumes on line, went to a music shop and had it restrung and learned about the difficulty of tuning with wood pegs. I also made the noter today, using some deer antler I had in my shop. Learned what DADD tuning is, and last night started practicing on a couple of simple songs. I am scheduled to start lessons at church week after next. Wish me luck. :) The last musical instrument I played was a trombone in high school.
updated by @kusani: 01/07/16 06:31:02PM
How to tune wooden pegs
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Being a newbie, just started playing, or trying, yesterday I was faced with the decision wether or not to go to geared turners. I have decided, at least for now, to keep my instrument original; partially due to sentimental reasons and also due to remaining true to the instrument maker. As I hopefully gain more experience, I suspect I may purchase another dulcimer rather than modify my current one. May sound silly but I live in Cookeville where I met John Maxwell the day my mother purchased her dulcimer; which I now have. :)