Forum Activity for @traildad

Action is too low

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Ok I rechecked it. The dime does fit nicely between the string and fretboard at the first fret. The nickel won’t fit anywhere between the frets and strings. Should that be corrected before I try other fixes? What would be the fix? Shim the saddle or replace it?

Action is too low

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I have emailed David about the buzz when fretting at the 9th fret. We are supposed to set a time to get together. Later it started buzzing when played open. It is stored in its case in my closet but it is cold. It did seem to begin as the weather changed. So if the heavier string fixes the buzz do I leave the action set as I described it or bring it up so the nickel will fit as prescribed?

edit to say the dime fits correctly.

updated by @traildad: 11/27/20 11:51:13AM

Action is too low

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It’s a new dulcimer so I won’t try any self help first. I will sight down the fretboard though. I’ve noticed several times that it is tuned sharp when I check it before playing. Warping was my thought on how it would go sharp on its own. 

Action is too low

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I noticed a buzz on the bass string fretting at the 9th fret a while back. Now the bass string has a buzz unfretted. I got a dime and a nickel and checked the action. The dime fits in at the 6th and the nickel won’t fit in at any fret. This is for all strings. What should I expect to be done to repair it? Replace the bridge and nut or file frets? It’s a new dulcimer so I want it done right. Thanks

Bridge and Nut fix question

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Ok I went ahead and put the string on. You are right the tuner shows no difference when fretting the strings. I can feel a noticeable difference when putting my finger on the strings. The new one is obviously higher. I use a noter so I’m not sure if it will be a problem for my sister if when she plays it or not. I’ll have to let her try it. Sorry to be a pain. Thanks for the help. 

Bridge and Nut fix question

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How does that work? Tune them while fretted? Wouldn’t that cause it to be flat when unfreted? If they’re stretched different amounts I can’t see how they would make the same note. Maybe it wouldn’t be enough to notice depending on the difference in height off the fretboard. Isn’t it customary to set the action for all strings to the same height?

Bridge and Nut fix question

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Wouldn’t one be sharp as it is stretched more?

Bridge and Nut fix question

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Won’t the two strings sound different as one is stretched more that the other? I assume it’s important to have the action the same, especially for two strings tuned the same.

The dulcimer is a kit and was assembled by a boyfriend. It looks like the piece on the bridge was “adjusted” by putting two short pieces of zip tie under it. I planed for both pieces to be replaced with properly cut and adjusted parts. Grooves cut correctly and action set properly.

Bridge and Nut fix question

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The v is the new one. I expected to leave it with him but he whipped out the saw and worked on it then. I was surprised but gave him the benefit of the doubt. The more I thought about it the more I figured the two different depths would not be compatible.

What Are You Working On?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I started learning my first DAaa tune. Buffalo Gals. I like the way the notes slide into each other in this song. My new dulcimer sounds really nice in DAaa tuning. 

Dulcimer Dimensions

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Well I got an answer of sorts from the the guy that made the dulcimer. 

He said:
“I need to revisit the spec list for the dulcimers - I got those years ago and some things have changed - thanks for pointing that out.”

I don’t know about making dulcimers and why he would “get” a spec list or how it would change. It is what it is and it will do the job. 

Bridge and Nut fix question

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The dulcimer I borrowed from my sister is a kit that was assembled by an old boyfriend and the job was imperfect. The groove for the inner melody string was set too far from the outer string. I’ve been looking to have it repaired in return for the favor of the loan and as a birthday present for my sister. I recently had an opportunity to have a luthier fix it and the photo shows the repair. I thought he would replace the nut and bridge, but he used a saw to make some cuts as I watched. Would you accept this as a repair, or do you think as I do that the difference of the shallower cut is not acceptable?

updated by @traildad: 11/15/20 01:56:43PM

Dulcimer Dimensions

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As for why I was measuring my brand new dulcimer... It was a noob misunderstanding. When I read the height specification I was thinking it meant not counting the fretboard. I quickly realized it meant total height but by then I had the tape measure out. ;-)

I’ve got my new dulcimer

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I went and picked up my new Black Mountain Instruments Jumbo 81D with case. It is a beautiful dulcimer and looks to be well made. I was surprised to noticed that the dulcimer didn’t closely match the dimensions listed on the website but I’ve decided it doesn’t really matter for my purposes. It seems to be easier to play than the loaner kit dulcimer I’ve been using. It has a bright sound with good volume. The treble is a bit weak on the higher frets which is to be expected with a larger dulcimer. I’m looking forward to getting used to the new fretboard and the double melody strings.

Dulcimer Dimensions

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Not screws.

Dulcimer Dimensions

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Not unless he put his sticker inside a dulcimer and sold it as his own. 

Dulcimer Dimensions

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I have emailed the maker/seller. I’m asking here if it’s common for measurements of a dulcimer to not be precise. As I posted below the height is listed as 3.13”. Listing 3.13 suggests they are measuring in a very precise way. I’m not claiming anyone lied. I’m trying to figure out if my expectations are out of line. The VSL is listed as 29.25”. I am measuring from the zero fret and it measures 28.5” to the back of the white piece the strings rest on.

It sounds like a dulcimer. This is the first time I’ve played with two melody strings. It kind of adds a 12 string guitar sound to it. The drone strings are loud and the melody strings have a “super high up the fret board deadness sound” that is noticeable lower on the fret board than the loaner I’ve been using. I’ve read that is an issue with bigger dulcimers. There is a little buzz on the D drone string on the 9th fret. Since I’m playing noter drone it isn’t a problem. To my novice eye it looks like a quality build. No glue puddled inside that I can see. It has a lower action where I strum which seems to make it easier to keep the pick from going in too deep.

I’m not sure it’s a deal breaker. I haven’t had the chance to listen to and play many different dulcimers. Maybe I shouldn’t care as long as it doesn’t cause a problem. If it was the full size specified maybe it would lose more high end treble. Playing noter drone style maybe the VSL isn’t important. I didn’t choose it for the specific VSL, that was just what they listed. I’m really not sure what to think about it. 

Dulcimer Dimensions

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@Nathina But what does it say the specifications are on the web site? If you order a 29” VSL does it measure 29 or 281/4? I understand different instruments have different lengths and widths. I’m wondering about mine not matching the measurements given on the website where I ordered it from. Is it common for a dulcimer to be only near the stated measurements?

Dulcimer Dimensions

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29.25″ Scale, 36″ length, 3.13″ deep, 8″ wide

Dulcimer Dimensions

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Generally speaking how close do dulcimers come to matching the size description on the web sites? I ordered a jumbo dulcimer with the hope that the larger size would affect the sound in a positive way. I brought my new dulcimer home today and found that it does not match what I thought I was getting. It’s about 5/8” shorter in overall length, 3/8” smaller in width, 3/8” shorter in height and the VSL is about 3/4” shorter than the description states. Is this just the normal variances of a hand made instrument? It has a nice bright dulcimer sound. I probably wouldn’t even question this except I was looking for a mellower sound and I hoped the larger size would help in that department. Anyone ever measure?

I ordered my own dulcimer

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I read the Calistoga fire evacuation ended. I’m not sure how long it lasted. Thankfully nobody was injured and the town was spared. Hopefully it won’t delay my dulcimer too much. I’m sure he’s got other things on his mind right now. 

What is “My Posts”

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Ok maybe 35 years ago. ;-) my first computer was an Atari 520 st. The internet was just beginning. There were some forums, or I guess they were called bulletin boards or news groups back then. Same idea, slightly different email based format as I recall.  It seems like 40 years. Just ask Ken. ;-)

What is “My Posts”

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Yes a little disoriented. I’m getting more familiar as I use it. I guess I imagined that groups were the same as discussions where different topics like “Instruments”, “playing and jamming” or “beginner players” and “fingerpicking” are organized. I guess technically the answer to my question was “no”. Assuming posts to groups are also called topics. I have been kind of looking at the screen with a confused look trying to understand why it seemed like things were in two different places. Now I understand. What can I say? Us old guys take a while. lol

What is “My Posts”

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

I’m not sure if that helps or if I more confused than ever. lol. Maybe there is a forum tutorial I should have read. What is the difference between forums and groups? I thought everything was posted in a group and you had to join the group first. Oh well. I’ve been on forums for forty years and I just haven’t seen this format before. I’ll get the hang of it eventually. :-)

What is “My Posts”

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Since I took the screen shot the list has updated with my activity. The list isn’t complete though. I’m not sure how many are missing but the one I posted in “Help me learn this song” is not listed. I’m sure there are others. 

What is “My Posts”

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

On the Forums Page there is a tab “My Posts”. When I click on it I get a page with a list of some topics. Is it supposed to be a list of all topics I’ve posted in or created? Thanks. 

Changing the order of posts within a thread

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Most forums I’ve used take you to the beginning of the conversation at the top if you click the topic link, but have a second “recent” button that takes you to the last post at the bottom. That way you can start reading at either end. This did take some getting used to but at least now I can find the beginning. lol

What Are You Working On?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I’m starting to learn my third song. Wildwood Flower, Old Joe Clark and now Wreck of the Old 97. I’ve been playing dulcimer for over 40 days, but I lost two weeks while on vacation. So I’m still working on the basics like strumming and keeping the noter from sliding off the string. 

I ordered my own dulcimer

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@silverstrings: Yes, the deluxe with the package deal. I played the model 56 at his shop and it compared well to the McSpadden dulcimers I played in LA.

I ordered my own dulcimer

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@strumelia: that's what I'm counting on. All the McSpadden dulcimers had a nice tone but I think maybe I hear too much pick/string noise. I'm hoping it will have a bigger voice with good tone. I'm a little surprised at how good the kit dulcimer I'm playing sounds. It has a larger body also.

I ordered my own dulcimer

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Yes I agree. The standard one I looked at was very nice. In a perfect situation I'd be picking from a bunch of them that I could play first. I think it's the right way to go all things considered.

I ordered my own dulcimer

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I've ordered my dulcimer! It was really difficult to choose without being able to listen to a lot of instruments. I visited Black Mountain Instruments in Calistoga CA and got to hear a beautiful dulcimer, but I wasn't convinced. My vacation took me to LA so I decided to look around while I was there. I was able to try four McSpadden dulcimers. I still couldn't pull the trigger. The loaner I am playing has a much bigger sound so I was still thinking.  Then I remembered that Black Mountain Instruments makes a jumbo dulcimer. The craftsmanship of his dulcimer was excellent so I decided to cross my fingers and order one without playing it first. I should have it in a month or so. Walnut with a spruce top, rosewood fingerboard and a guitar style head. I'll be counting the days. 

https://blackmtninstruments.com/buy-dulcimers/model-81-dulcimer/

Loaner Dulcimer

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I notice it has capital letters and lower case. What does that signify?

Loaner Dulcimer

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I didn't know there was such a thing. Thanks.

Loaner Dulcimer

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Thanks for the reminder. I remember seeing that vsl affects string choice. One size down on all the strings?

Loaner Dulcimer

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I borrowed a dulcimer from my sister. I think it’s a kit dulcimer with a 29” VSL. It’s missing strings so I don’t know how it plays yet. It will give me something to work on my music theory with until I buy a dulcimer. .

updated by @traildad: 08/28/20 12:31:15AM

Assessing Tone

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I was thinking that a different tuning was involved, which is why I asked. Thanks.

Assessing Tone

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I am a newbie looking to get my first dulcimer. I have made a point to listen to some differrent recordings to get a  better understanding of different qualities and tones. Being inexperienced i can't be sure if all the differences i hear are related to the dulcimer or maybe to the tuning etc. I am comparing a audio file posted on this site of a McSpadden for sale with two YouTube videos. I am hoping to get opinions on what to attribute the differences between them too. The dulcimer,  the tuning, the key, the notes played etc. Thanks for the input. 

https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/38171/mcspadden-dulcimer-with-1-and-8-frets

updated by @traildad: 08/26/20 03:11:43PM