Forum Activity for @lisa

Synthetic fretboard

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I ended up buying an old “Plickett” dulcimer shaped object to keep in the car.  It’s very quiet and sturdy.  It had a trial run last night, as I ended up doing an emergency overnight respite visit with a hospice client to give the family a break.  I spent most of the night in a recliner about fifteen feet away from the open bedroom door, and plucked on my Plickett softly, to keep myself awake and pass the time, along with watching Forensic Files at low volume. 

The strings were the original super thin, rusty wire, so I swapped two out with what I had on hand, and ended up tuning it to C, g, D, with the melody string being tuned lower than the middle, as is my personal presence.  This is my favorite tuning that I use on my cardboard box dulcimer that I play constantly, too.  The lower tunings made the Plickett sound less plinky, giving a more pleasing plunk.

It’s a fun little board, and I think would survive the trunk of my car wrapped in a towel in a duffle bag this summer.

For those who don’t know, a Plickett was a small novelty dulcimer sold in the 70’s for a while.  It’s two feet long, five inches wide at the bouts, and a 3/4 inch thick solid board, with a big circle cut beneath the bridge in the back, to give it a little volume and resonance.

It’s not perfect by any means, but it beats not having a dulcimer at all by a long shot.  I suspect my cardboard box dulcimer would survive a summer in the trunk if it were in some sort of bigger box or case, but I love it far too much to try that.  The Plickett is actually small enough that I just put it in my work bag and it stuck out just a little, so I could bring it into work or field work situations with me, and not leave in the trunk at all.  Yay!  I have something to use during work breaks!

Lisa

updated by @lisa: 03/03/19 03:41:20PM

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have the dulcimers pictured in my avatar.  The one I play daily, often for a couple of hours, is the cardboard one.  I’m not worried if my three small dogs knock it out of my lap while I sit my my recliner.  While I don’t want it to hit the floor, it’s happened a few times with no damage.  It’s always next to my chair, ready to play.  It sounds fantastic, and as Ken noted, the frets are placed accurately.  I love it so much as is, I no longer have no plans to upgrade the box to wood.  Don’t be put off by cardboard.    You can buy one all put together, or buy a kit and paint and decorate it just the way she likes, too.

There’s a saying about musical instruments ...  someone asks, What is the best make and model?  The answer should be, the one I play the most.

Lisa

Oddball double fretboard dulcimer

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

I wanted to add that I contacted the person selling it on consignment, and asked if they could find anything else out.  He responded that the dulcimer was purchased used, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, at some unknown date by the seller.

Synthetic fretboard

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

I can't store it at work, there's no closet, I have a table style desk with filing cabinets in a shared office that's too small as it is. Thus, my need for a tough dulcimer. I might just get or make a canjo, they're inexpensive and it's something to plink on for an hour. I was thinking of making a neck out of rectangular or square 1 1/2" aluminum pipe. It could possibly work. It'll have to wait until spring, as I don't have a garage or basement to work in.
Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.
Lisa

Synthetic fretboard

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

Hi,

I’m wondering if anyone has a good idea for a dulcimer for all weather, leave it in the car to play on your lunch break?

Would a cardboard dulcimer with a wooden fretboard hold up to temperature extremes of a car in the summer?  Would the fretboard warp?  

I know some ukuleles are made out of all plastic and people keep them in their car or take them hiking with success, and they sound decent for a travel instrument, according to what I’ve read on uke forums.  So how about a cardboard dulcimer with a plastic fretboard?  In theory, would that hold up better as a car dulcimer than a wood fretboard version?  I have a friend who owns has a small business and makes things out of acrylic plastic, like custom fish tanks.  I could ask about the logistics of making me a fretboard (And even the body) out of acrylic, if it sounds like it’s worth pursuing.  I have to take an entire hour for lunch at work, and it’s too far away for me to drive home and back.  I usually go sit in a park to kill time, and would love to have a dulcimer to play that I could leave in the car trunk all the time.

Thanks, Lisa 

Oddball double fretboard dulcimer

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

Sorry, I forgot to mention it was an internet purchase and came to me from Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Oddball double fretboard dulcimer

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

I can't see how it could be bowed, as each fretboard is flat, but I'm not a bowed instrument player at all. It also has strap buttons, so maybe it was played standing up?

Oddball double fretboard dulcimer

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

Robin, there's nothing known about it. It was being sold on consignment, with no info known from the seller. There's no label or makers marks at all, inside or out that I can see.

No Strum hollow

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

Thanks to everyone for the input, I'm not wondering now if my dulcimer is lacking anymore, and that others have struggled a little with strumming back and forth, something I need to work on.
Thanks, Lisa

Oddball double fretboard dulcimer

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

Hi,

I wanted to share a picture of the used dulcimer I just got in the mail today.  I thought it was very unique, and wasn't too expensive, they listed it as poor condition.  Really, it's just homemade, an amateur build.  I don't care, I love this thing!  It's got great resonance and sustain, and the frets seem to be placed well, as it plays in tune pretty good. It's electric, but I think I need some adaptor as the plug opening is small.  I'm not overly interested in the electric feature, but will see if it works.

Thanks for looking, Lisa

 

updated by @lisa: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM

No Strum hollow

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

Hi, I bought my cardboard dulcimer used, already put together.  It looks like any other cardboard dulcimer, except it has round holes instead of hearts.  The box is a rectangle, no tapering toward the tuners, i’ve seen both kinds of boxes, nothing too odd there.  But the thing that seems a little strange is it doesn’t have a strum hollow at all.

I’m wondering what the purpose of the strum hollow is?  I don’t use a pick, only my fingers and rarely my nails, so does it matter that there isn’t one?  

I think I read or saw a video somewhere that you wherever you fret your string, you double that distance and strum there.  I don’t know if that’s true or correct, I watch a lot of videos, that could be info for a completely different instrument and I’m, mixed up.  Anyhow, to my ears, it sounds more like an electric guitar when I strum closer to the bridge, and more of a normal, warm, acoustic sound higher up, so i usually strum all over the place for whatever effect I want to hear at the moment.  I also strum toward myself, not away, or pluck the strings with three fingers at the same time, or I sometimes try to fingerpick a little bit.  I mostly just strum toward myself at an angle, not straight across the strings, holding my fingers really flat, so I’m not using only the pads.  I sometimes try to accent the string(s) I’m fretting a little bit more than the other one or two.  I know my technique is terrible, a real train wreck, but I really enjoy the sounds I’m making.

I really like how it sounds now, and also wonder if the tone would change a lot if I were to take a Dremel to it, and carve out a strum hollow.  

I’ll most likely leave it as is, but just wanted to understand what the strum hollow is all about, and make sure I’m not missing out on some major tone improvement or the notes having longer sustain because the fretboard is one straight piece.

Thanks, Lisa

Zither pins

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Thanks for the response. I don't think that type of set up will suit my needs right now.
Lisa

Zither pins

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Hi, 

I'm wondering if you like to retune often, if zither pins, instead of conventional tuners would be a problem.

I found a travel dulcimer, but it has pins, and I am trying lots of tunings right now.  Would it wad out the wood quickly it I tuned often?

The headstock design would need some major changes to put in tuners.

Thanks, Lisa

Narrow waisted hourglass shape

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I found out the wasp waist is a Berg, so I'm going to pass. Not that they aren't fine instruments, but they are still in production. I just have to really think about adding a loan payment into my budget.
Lisa

Narrow waisted hourglass shape

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

I'm looking at a couple used dulcimers right now. One is a teardrop Keith Young with modern fretting that I could finance. The other is a no name, homemade one, with some inlaid strips down the back and fretboard, pictured in my first post. Its a five string, notched for double bass, double melody, though I'd probably stick to 3 or double the melody. It looks like it was made with love, and I'm thinking, not from a kit, given the narrow waist. I'm trying not to get over excited and pull the trigger, buying something I'll regret. I can see Not regretting the KY, I'm sure it's very well made with great intonation, given his reputation. The wasp waist really appeals to me also, it has character, and I wouldn't feel so bad getting a scratch on it, as its got some battle scars. Soooo, I don't know, lots to think about. Both are for sale far away, no chance of playing them. Lisa

updated by @lisa: 01/08/19 11:45:33AM

Narrow waisted hourglass shape

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

Hi, 

I was wondering if someone could explain about an hourglass shape with a narrow, or pinched waist.  Is this simply a regional or comfort design, or does it affect tone?  I mean more than the average amount of pinch than I see on most instruments. I imagine it would be a bit more fragile, but it’s very a very lovely look.

I tried the search, but maybe I’m not using the right terms

Thanks, Lisa

Inexpensive short dulcimer

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

I'll probably just make one, unless I find a great deal. In my world, three hundred is a lot of money. I only make a little above minimum wage. I've seen dulcimer fretboards for around 25 bucks. I just want something to play on my lunch hour in the summer, that does not take up a ton of space. I'll probably make or buy a cigar box version, though I'd prefer a traditional lap style. I've got other instruments I should just sell, and fund what I want.

Thanks for the help. I joined the little group, lots of nice looking instruments and advice there.
Lisa

Inexpensive short dulcimer

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

Okay, I'm going to toss this out there. 

I'm in an area where there's no dulcimers for sale.  I'm looking at good used ones for at home, but is there an inexpensive one out there to take camping, or on a bike ride?  I'm thinking around 30".

  I know you get what you pay for, etc.  I'm interested to hear about success stories for short, inexpensive models, something I won't get heartbroken over if it gets damaged, but is still playable.  I'm interested in accurate fretting, as opposed to wonderful tone.  I'll expect great tone from an expensive instrument.

An older Naylor Dulcimer factory? I've heard they had issues after the late 90's, but what of earlier models?   I've even read a few good reviews for the First Act ones as a cheap travel dulcimer, as they were made from real wood, not plywood.  Hondo?

Thanks, Lisa

updated by @lisa: 01/06/19 02:53:36PM

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

LOL!  Ken, the secret to not breaking strings is not trying to tune it up five notes higher then it should be!  Unfortunately, I got the last pack of strings from the music store, so if I keep experimenting, I’m going to have to resort to banjo strings until they get some real dulcimer strings back in stock.   

Lisa

updated by @lisa: 01/05/19 12:20:54PM

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks for all the kind words!

Susie, I would love to go the Evart, but someone else already requested that weekend off.  I’ll have to ask, since generally, only one of us are allowed vacation at a time.  

I’ve read your pdf’s Ken, every helpful to a newbie like me, thanks!

It’s going to be a while before I play any events, though I could see how dulcimer music would be really nice during our tree lighting/rememberance ceremony.

On another note, I got my second-hand cardboard dulcimer today, three days earlier then expected!  I’m going to have fun with it this weekend.  I already managed to break one string trying different tunings, lucky I bought a pack on my way home.  DAc sounds pretty cool, I really dig it, though I better stick with DAa for now.  

Anyhooo, it’s an ugly cuss, painted brown cardboard, the neck is pretty rough cut with no strum area scooped out, but the fretting is pretty good according to my tuner, so that’s all that matters right now.  There is no fretboard, it’s just a plank with frets pressed into it.  I guess I’ll name it Plank.  It’s a lot of fun, and my dogs enjoy it a lot more than my penny whistles.  Probably the best 27 bucks I spent in a long time.

 I don’t know if I’d bother putting this neck on a better body, but who knows, I’ve got cigar boxes laying around, and a huge exotic wood warehouse is a few blocks from where I work, Bell Forest Products.  They have instrument quality fretboard wood and neck wood all ready to go.  They also got this huge pile of the coolest scrap wood they sell by the pound, so I might go crazy and try to make a proper box body for Plank and shoot some roofing staples under the melody string to get some of the frets it’s missing (no 6.5 fret).  I certainly can’t make a worse box than the cardboard box it’s currently made from.  

I’m already very fond of Plank, I think a box upgrade is in the future.

Enjoy your weekend, Lisa

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hi, I'm Lisa. I love in Marquette, Upper Michigan, two blocks from Lake Superior. I enjoy playing musical instruments, mainly woodwinds until now. clarinet, recorder, Native American flute, irish penny whistle and simple, cheap bamboo flutes. I was terrible at improvising until I took up NA flute five or so years ago, I couldn't let go and just play.
I've always loved string instruments, but have been frustrated by the learning curve. I'm not a singer, and just strumming chords was boring to me, and finger picking a six string or even a ukulele was beyond my level of patience and time. I do love playing the kalimba or thumb piano, I have a small collection of those. Very easy and fun to play.
I remembered in the 80s, one of my friends got a dulcimer kit for Christmas, which she and her dad built. I vaguely remember playing it a few times, but I was too into clarinet to be interested.
Now, my musical tastes have matured, and I enjoy world music, especially Irish traditional music, slow ballads, music along those lines.
While surfing youtube, I stumbled upon the dulcimer, and knew that's what I've been looking for.
I've got a cheap cardboard dulcimer on the way to use until I find a nicer one to purchase.
I'm currently reading the forums heavily to get a grasp of what I should be looking for, as whatever I get will come in the mail. There's nothing local for sale, and I don't know any players.
I'm glad there's such an active forum to read, it's very helpful for someone in my position.
In real life, I work as a care aide for a home health and hospice company. I'm kind of the jill of all trades, I work half in the office, half in the field doing visits and training new aides. Music is necessary for me to decompress, it can be extremely stressful at work.
I have a husband, 21 yr old stepson, three rescue dogs, and take care of my 89 year old mother, though she lives alone, for now. I'm 51 years old, and my job has taught me not to wait too long to do something important to you, life can get messy really fast. This is important to me, I'm really looking forward to my dulcimer journey.
Best regards, Lisa