Forum Activity for @dedicated-dad

Tuning for a 4 Equidistant String Dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Yes, "upper strings" meaning higher tones, treble, higher register.  The strings nearest your body when playing.  

Tuning for a 4 Equidistant String Dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

What is the proper tuning configuration for a 4 equidistant string dulcimer?  Are the two upper strings played together, as if they were close together?  Thanks.  

Dulcimer Maker ID

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

Well, I got the instrument, and it's a beaut! Gorgeous curly mahogany and in perfect shape. I looked more closely at the signature in better light, and found that he had signed "Chet" before the part I photographed. What I thought was a "C" before the "Hines" was really part of the "t" in Chet. So, it's definitely by Chet Hines.

Dulcimer Maker ID

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

Thank you, Robin!  When I read your response, I googled "Bill Davis dulcimer" and found several pictures and forum postings about Mr. Davis and his dulcimers.  They were similar to my dulcimer, but not exact.  One of the postings said that this shape was used by Bill Davis and by another maker, Chet Hines.  I checked the signature, and I think it appears to be "C. Hines."  Mystery solved!  

Dulcimer Maker ID

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

I have an opportunity to buy this dulcimer, but I can't quite make out the maker's name.  Any ideas who the maker might be?  Thanks.  

updated by @dedicated-dad: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM

Question about Homer Ledford dulcimer finish

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

Thanks for the responses!  In answer to your question, Ken, it's number 1296.  There's no description in the Master List, just the name of the first owner.  I got it recently from the third owner.  The label just has "1296" and "SPECIAL" written by hand, and the writing is quite faded.  I think the scroll is walnut, not cherry.  It's definitely fretted for just intonation.  I play both DAD and DAA, but my screen name is a rather poor attempt at a pun, as I am the father of a wonderful 16 year old young lady of whom I'm very proud!  Anyway, I've attached some pictures of #1296, including a picture of the fuzzy area on the back.  To be honest, it looks much worse in the picture than it really is.  It definitely is an issue with the finish and does not go down to the wood.  I would love to do something about it if it can be done correctly.  If not, I could live with it.  

Question about Homer Ledford dulcimer finish

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

I'm fairly new to FOTMD and this is my first discussion post.  I recently acquired an older Homer Ledford 3-string dulcimer with staple frets (for all you "Homer heads" out there - 1967, birdseye maple back, butternut top, quilted mahogany sides, cherry scroll, pegs, and tail block).  It's in excellent condition and sounds great.  My question is about the finish on the birdseye maple back.  There are two 2" spots where the finish is a little dull and cloudy looking.  It's very minor, but it's the the only real flaw and I wanted to know if there is a way to even out the finish on the back so those two dull spots disappear.  I've used lemon oil on furniture with good results, but I'm hesitant to use it on my dulcimer.  Any suggestions?  Or is it better to leave it as is, to keep it "all original" even with small flaws?  Thanks in advance for your input.