Does anyone have information on these dulcimers? It is 3-string, tuned DAD, and elliptical shape. Amazingly sweet sound. My sister had 9 that she used when teaching. All now sold but one and I have a potential buyer but would like any information available to provide to the buyer.
Thanks Strumelia. I wasn't thinking seriously of selling but was asked "if I did" what would I ask. At that point, I realized I had no idea what the instrument would go for. Obviously not a "Strad". So sounds like best option is to start with what I paid. Thanks for the insight.
update - just discovered there is a bowed section for FOTMD. will check it out!
Love the mountain dulcimer but have been smitten with the sound of a bowed dulcimer. Anyone else in that category? So many different instruments out there - will never be proficient in all so just do my best on a few. Banjo - interesting and great sound, but not for me. Ditto for the guitar, and then the ukulele. It was hard to let them go but can't eep everything.
I hope this is the right place to ask this question - was not intuitive - my apologies for asking in the wrong area earlier. I have a late 1990's Bill Taylor dulcimer and have been asked to price it. I know what I paid for it and the case when new but no idea how to price such an item. I also have an all walnut McSpadden about 2-3 years old. Not sure I want to part with either - they have very sweet tones - but promised to look into it. Both are fine, the only downside on the Taylor is it being a bear to chase strings due to slim spacing on scroll head but then I've not needed to change strings that often.
In her collection was one interesting old dulcimer, same builder. Beautiful dark wood, possibly walnut, but NO frets! That one was already sold.
Thank you both Kens. I know she will have no idea of string gauge but that can be figured out with a micrometer. Still have Dad’s old antique...or let local music shop figure it out. Good reminder about the peg dope etc. for cantankerous fiddles. A little goes a long way. I would be surprised if this one has 6.5 fret but that is something I use frequently.
What I have never understood is what gauge to use. Is it dependent upon the tuning or?
I guess I need to see whether it has the 6.5 fret. Duh! If not, is that something that can be added? I think the price will be reasonable - likely around $100 or maybe less.
A long-time friend has been downsizing her collection of mountain dulcimers - the usual, thought it would be good thing to play but never happened. She has probably had it at least 30 years and is down to one and knows I have been contemplating purchase of a second MD. I've not yet seen it, but would like to have 'gut reactions', or things to consider or watch for. Check it out, 'run', look for something newer like McSpadden or Folkcraft, etc.? Thanks for any advice.
Wood: cherry. Pegs: 'old' style; she said they are not geared tuners. Maker: a local builder, now deceased. Name is likely marked inside. VSL: approximately 28". Strings: "look old". Case: none, apparently been sitting out (who knows where) but has a case from another dulcimer that should fit. The other dulcimer was sold but she kept the case and thinks it might fit. I have my old Bill Taylor, usually playing in DAD or DAC. Since we sometimes play in DAG or DAA, thought was that a second dulcimer would avoid having to retune during gigs. Any advice appreciated.
My first was/is a Bill Taylor. My grandmother left me some money after she passed away so I figured the dulcimer was best purchase to make. To this day I can remember standing there at Bardstown contemplating which one to buy. Ron Turner came over and stood beside me then pointed to one and said "That is the one you need." Great choice - small holes in the top so I could not drop picks inside - and a sweet sound. Sad to say Ron passed away not long after that, but I'm forever grateful for his assistance.
