Forum Activity for @jim-schulte

Finding a tuning Peg

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

John Knopf made a very good replacement peg.  It is great to hear the sweet voice of the John Maxwell dulcimer.   Jim

Finding a tuning Peg

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

I have obtained a John Maxwell dulcimer (1975) three string, which is missing a tuner peg - friction, wooden, with a very large finger hold.  The exterior hole diameter is 11.2 mm, interior size of same hole is 10.34 mm - exterior diameter of hole on the opposite side of the head is 7.6 mm.  Do not seem to be able to find anything resembling the original tuning pegs.  Open to suggestions.  Jim

Installing Whittner fine tune pegs in a 1973 McSpadden

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

I acquired a 1973 Mc Spadden M12 it has non-geared tuners where the tuning tension is adjusted by tightening or losing a screw the the knob.  I find these tuners difficult to use.

  My brother gave me a junk shop find three string and no 6 1/2 fret hourglass dulcimer with a broken and repaired by splint head.  It had wooden pegs which were a difficult to use.  I replaced them with Whittner finetune pegs.  They work very well and very easy to install.  The dulcimer sounds very good (as good or better than the McSpadden - I tune CGg), and has a label inside "MADE ESPECIALLY FOR JOANNE M.   WITH LOVE AND CARE MICHAEL".  I have no idea who Joanne or Michael are but the dulcimer was found in Minnesota.

Now to my question - Is it wise to replace the tuners on the Mc Spadden with Whittner tuners and if so what size should I use, the peg hole is about 8.27mm.  Also the McSpadden does not sound bad but not as good as I thought it would.  It may be me, the tuning, my playing noter style using my fingers or are there some other recommended changes.

Jim