Forum Activity for @dmvtatter

Vintage Dulcimer

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

@nate there are two strings still on this dulcimer that I assume are between 50 and 60 years old but I did tighten them up a tiny bit and “played” the dulcimer and it actually had a really nice tone-one of the reasons I am now becoming excited to get this dulcimer back in working order.

I gather that my best course is to have a piece of appropriate wood glued into the gap and then put the screws for the strings on the base part.

Vintage Dulcimer

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

@nate the gap is not rough. I need to give this poor baby a good cleaning. Did you check out the last three closeup photos I sent? Also if you look at the photo of the whole top attached to my initial post you can see little scroll cutouts on either side of the tail-there has been no separation of the tail at those spots. 

Vintage Dulcimer

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

Thank you all so much for helping me. I’m going to try to find a luthier in my area-I don’t think I can find one with loads of dulcimer experience but at a minimum maybe I can find someone to replace the nut and maybe take care of the strings at the tail. Thank you all again for your insights.

Vintage Dulcimer

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

One last close up of the tail from the side.

Vintage Dulcimer

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

I feel like an idiot. I realize now that that gap at the bottom is supposed to be there. The entire fret board is raised up and is attached to the body in four places. I’ve attached a  photo of the side view near the tail. That gap is supposed to be there. I don’t think it would do to move those pins to the bottom piece of the tail.

Vintage Dulcimer

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

@ken-longfield

I’m afraid you may be right. I tried to gently press the fretboard down and there were a lot of creaking noises. Plus, when I look at the fretboard from the bottom at eye level I can see that it curves upward at the bottom slightly. I don’t know if either of these things necessarily means that it is warped.

Vintage Dulcimer

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

Also, I wanted to add that the odd shape head makes a great “handle” for carrying the dulcimer-its kind of a neat design feature.

Vintage Dulcimer

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

Wow! Thanks for the rapid response! I’m not sure whether I have the skills required for these repairs so I might try to find a luthier in my area. I don’t have a huge investment in this so I don’t mind spending more to have a working instrument.

I’ve attached photos of the head and pegs from the top.

Vintage Dulcimer

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

I can’t resist a homeless dulcimer regardless of condition. As you can see this one’s a little rough. The nut is broken and the neck is lifted off the body down at the bottom. I bought it because the price was right and I could hang it on the wall if I couldn’t get it restored to usable condition. The tag on it said it was from the 1940’s. I’ve not been able to find a photo another with this style head so I can’t verify its age. I’ve looked high and low for some kind of label or makers mark but no luck. I’m hoping someone here will have some insight. Thanks for your kind attention.

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?

OFF TOPIC discussions

I’m very fortunate. I just retired on Friday so I was already prepared for staying home for a while. I got excused for my term of jury duty so until the groceries I bought today run out I have no reason to leave home. I’m in the at risk category so I really appreciate everyone who is self isolating to reduce the spread of the virus. I’ll be spending some time with my dulcimer-it has been neglected for the past year due to my high stress job situation.

8 String Dulcimer Maker?

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

I did check in the sound holes and all over the surface of the dulcimer for any markings.  

I know that the man who purchased it lived in Vermont but he traveled extensively to craft/artisan shows for his pottery company so it could have come from darn near anywhere.

8 String Dulcimer Maker?

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

I have recently purchased a vintage 8 string mountain dulcimer. It was built to the owner’s father’s specifications about forty years ago. I cannot find any thing on the dulcimer that would identify the maker. Does this seem reminiscent of any particular maker’s style?

 

updated by @dmvtatter: 02/20/18 07:02:24AM