Forum Activity for @jimgoodin

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

Skip thanks - I think I should leave it alone now as it's much improved but thank you re filing the string slot.  I had also and hand not mentioned but I put a new bridge on it last night as well as new tuner keys.  The bridge by the way is fixed though I know the floating allows some advantages in terms of adjusting on the fly.  I'm planning to get another at some point from a builder whose work I like but this Etsy one which has certainly taught me some things already re improving it's playability, for a modest investment is offering a good start with decent woods.  Here's a pic.

Jim

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

Skip thanks.  I didn't note and just checked dime and nick again (this time right order as I think I had it backwards earlier) but they are much better in spect.  Just barely touching where they weren't and yes got it, re little can do huge and it did albeit positive thusfar.  Thanks again folks.

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

Happy to report that I did 20 sand strokes with 320 (didn't have 400) to nut and saddle and it's notably better.  @+/-10 cents where it had been more like 20!  I will say I'm learning a lot re my ability to work on an instrument.  I have background of few years in other instruments and have danced with bit of work on other instruments but have done the most with this dulcimer which I bought the wrong way, took a chance on etsy but I am bringing it around so cool.  Thanks Ken for the lead!

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

I'm new to the community and latching on to this as I appreciate finding the thread for current needs I'm having.  In my case my dulcimer is a bit high at the first fret meaning it's clearing the nickel instead of just touching and sharpening by the third fret.  I don't have an exact measurement but it feels high.  I realize other factors can be affecting intonation but don't at this time feel I have any warping.  I did go over the frets with a rocker finding inconsistencies and did some leveling which helped with some buzzs on bass string and couple spots on the high pair.  This dulcimer though new to me was used or been in storage.  It was made in 2003 according to it's inner label and appears in good shape but the intonation is few cents sharp in spots which I've been trying to improve so I'm hoping taking Ken's advice and sanding some on the nut in my case and possibly the saddle might avail.  Thoughts?