Forum Activity for @nathina

Nathina
@nathina
12/01/20 09:06:04PM
188 posts

Does anyone recognize this dulcimer?


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

Some interesting information on HA Fleming. If correct he died in 1981. So I came across a sale on an HA Fleming according to the owner dated (H. A. Fleming 08-18-90). It is a beautiful instrument that is pictured, but although he said he would show the signature and build inside the instrument. He hasn't. It definitely looks like a Fleming, but unless he came back from the grave, or someone is building under his name it is interesting. It is a 5 string, currently rigged for 3, and I think two hitch pins have been pulled. Now unless I am missing a tuning knob, there are 4 shown in one pic and 5 in another. The back does not come up high enough to cover a tuner. Would have loved to see pics of the sides and the foot.


Screen Shot 2020-12-01 at 7.04.35 PM.png Screen Shot 2020-12-01 at 7.04.35 PM.png - 343KB

updated by @nathina: 12/01/20 10:01:42PM
Nathina
@nathina
12/01/20 03:16:35PM
188 posts

Is this a capritaurus?


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

Robin Thompson:

I also recommend The Appalachian Dulcimer Book (Folksay Press) by Michael Murphy.  Used copies may not be hard to come by fairly inexpensively.   

Ordered it. Lots of used ones available.
Nathina
@nathina
12/01/20 11:00:56AM
188 posts

Is this a capritaurus?


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

Strumelia:

If it were made from a Capritaurus kit, that would explain the label not including a signature or date. Maybe there was a special label included with kits. It would also explain the plywood back and inexpensive tuners.

Browsing old dulcimers on Ebay can be fun and addictive, but it's often frustrating and is never without risk, especially if one is unfamiliar with mountain dulcimer history and makers. With older instruments of any kind there are often more questions than answers, and on Ebay you only get what info the seller has to offer, and they sometimes know little about dulcimers as well.

Thanks, it is the same on any sale site however. I did manage to snag the vintage McSpadden in pristine condition because the seller said it was unknown maker. Interesting that he didn't look at the Label inside, but I think they sold it because the tuners would not hold. A quick fix and now an excellent instrument for under 100.00. But then I did a lot of research about the old horseshoe mark used, and the old name etc. Hope I am not asking too many questions.
Nathina
@nathina
11/30/20 11:19:56PM
188 posts

Is this a capritaurus?


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

I was looking into his older Capritaurus' and there was a signature on the card. Serial Number etc. Looking at the Folkcraft a "business card" similar to what is pasted on the bottom is attached to the instrument at the neck normally for sale. I checked with Howard's site, and as far as I can tell, they did not use ply on the back, but solids for the Series. This would be the fourth or fifth, I lost count, of "vintage" instruments that were not made by the stated manufacturer if it is what I suspect. This instrument is on Ebay for 199.00. Suddenly there are several more listed on the web, no evidence of manufacturers name and one "new" Capritaurus from a reseller, again no id in evidence. Why I am becoming interested is 1. I don't want to buy a knockoff, nor would I want anyone else to buy one. 2. My brother told me the Chinese have caught on to cheap quick instruments and are making copies, especially since the country keeps getting locked down, and suddenly there is a dirth of dulcimers hds, mds. etc and other folk instruments for sale. I managed to get a great bargain on my vintage McSpadden, and a good buy on my new Gibson. So I am trying to learn to recognize copies of the MD. I can do that for the HDs but copies are few and far between due to the complexity. There is a big copy market on guitars, with knock offs coming in from China.

Nathina
@nathina
11/30/20 08:05:49PM
188 posts

Is this a capritaurus?


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

This is being sold as a vintage capritaurus. The dulcimer has a ply back which actually looks rough. I think this is simply a business card pasted inside. The Ruggs, I thought,  were making a high line in the Capritaurus and this instrument does not appear to be one. The varnish is irregular and pooled in the head, as well as in crevices. There also seems to be "varnish" splatter on the tuners. I may be wrong what do you think?


Screen Shot 2020-11-30 at 5.50.05 PM.png Screen Shot 2020-11-30 at 5.50.05 PM.png - 1.6MB
Nathina
@nathina
11/30/20 06:52:50PM
188 posts

New Luthier?


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

Phil Myers:

Richard Beard has been building for a long time.


Beard Dulcimers – Revels Music Mountain Dulcimers


Must have had some other outlet for sales before then. Seems to be pretty new posting on Ebay, and Reverb.
Nathina
@nathina
11/30/20 03:31:50PM
188 posts

Ruggs & Jackel Pre Folkcraft


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

Ken Longfield:

Two things I noticed about that post this morning: the label photo is no longer part of the post and the dulcimer is now called a Folkcraft. Curious.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

They can keep it. I just can't fully match it to a Rugg and Jackel, and with the label sitting on a carpet, Might as well call it a blue lion and get a label from somewhere, which is what they may have possibly done. There was one earlier that was suppose to be a McSpadden, but definitely wasn't.
Nathina
@nathina
11/30/20 03:19:12PM
188 posts

New Luthier?


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

I think this is a new luthier. Haven't heard of him/her before. Anyways selling only on EBay by the name of Beard. The instruments look beautiful, prices are high for possibly an unknown I would think but have never heard them played, or seen anything about them. Looks are fine, but the tone is all. 


Screen Shot 2020-11-30 at 1.17.28 PM.png Screen Shot 2020-11-30 at 1.17.28 PM.png - 329KB
Nathina
@nathina
11/30/20 10:46:30AM
188 posts

Ruggs & Jackel Pre Folkcraft


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

Ken Longfield:

If this is the dulcimer on eBay, I think the price is way too high. I'd value it at less then half the price, maybe around $300 - $350. My concern is that the label displayed is not shown in the dulcimer but on the carpet. I am unsure whether that is a Capritaurus sound hole and peg head. I'm sure Howard Rugg would be able to tell us. Just my opinion, but I would stay clear of this dulcimer at this price.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken that is the one I was wondering about. The label bothers me being separate. It would have had to come off, which is rare, and then tweezed out of the sound hole, difficult. Plus I can't see the hitch pin pattern. I was having my suspicions so I asked.. Thanks.
Nathina
@nathina
11/29/20 09:48:14PM
188 posts

Ruggs & Jackel Pre Folkcraft


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

ghcstr:
Nathina:

Considering the same manufacturer, a pre break up Capritaurus W/OSSC (walnut what is ossc?) would be better ?

How about: w/OSSC means “with original soft shell case” — does that fit what you’re seeing?

It has a the standard plush cardboard case. Very little about the dulcimer itself, outside of the label that says it is a Capritaurus and from CA. Certainly doesn't look much different than the Rugg and Jackel. 

Nathina
@nathina
11/29/20 05:54:05PM
188 posts

Ruggs & Jackel Pre Folkcraft


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


Considering the same manufacturer, a pre break up Capritaurus W/OSSC (walnut what is ossc?) would be better ?


updated by @nathina: 11/29/20 06:48:47PM
Nathina
@nathina
11/29/20 04:46:47PM
188 posts

Ruggs & Jackel Pre Folkcraft


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


Ken 1982 or 83

I am thinking the price is a little high for this one. Trying to keep myself from the potato chip craze.


updated by @nathina: 11/29/20 05:02:04PM
Nathina
@nathina
11/29/20 01:56:35PM
188 posts

Ruggs & Jackel Pre Folkcraft


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

So the Rugg and Jackel are a massed produced line assembly as noted by the high Serial number. Also seems that the sticker fell out of the instrument. Price wise not on the level of the current Folkcraft. 

Nathina
@nathina
11/29/20 12:27:33PM
188 posts

Ruggs & Jackel Pre Folkcraft


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

is a Ruggs and Jackel pre folkcraft a good instument? Are the current folkcraft better? What type of label did they use and was it inside the instrument?


Screen Shot 2020-11-29 at 10.31.22 AM.png Screen Shot 2020-11-29 at 10.31.22 AM.png - 233KB

updated by @nathina: 11/29/20 12:31:54PM
Nathina
@nathina
11/28/20 04:20:16PM
188 posts

Hammered dulcimer- 16/15s are for Celtic


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Played to the CD. Wanted to see if I could do it. Still me playing, with mistakes. As I said everything else is fill in. Trying to see if I could play to a combo. Also wanted to give the Roosebeck a full try with something to blend to. It's good practice. Take out the original from the mix, and play myself into it.

Nathina
@nathina
11/28/20 02:17:14PM
188 posts

Hammered dulcimer- 16/15s are for Celtic


Adventures with 'other' instruments...


Since some were wondering about a 16/15 vs an EXR bass dulcimer here is a song done on the 16/15. Pure Celtic. Even a cheap Roosebeck (not so cheap in price) can sound great when reworked properly. This song would not come out as bright on an EXR. Note the overtones.

https://soundcloud.com/user-9942446/10-the-abbess-of-kildare-bridget-omalley?fbclid=IwAR0e3knC3Omoyv9AgGHzhC--67EltC3R2zYv7AutgtOULORdd39bAA0HmHY


updated by @nathina: 11/28/20 02:24:28PM
Nathina
@nathina
11/27/20 11:11:01PM
188 posts

Action is too low


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

Don B:

regarding the dime and nickel - on my McCafferty dulcimer the dime at first fret is very tight and the string needs to rise ever so slightly to get the dime under it. At the 7th fret the nickel is loose fitting with the string just over the nickel with out touching. So should I be concerned. This appears to be equal with all strings. I also do not hear any buzzing unless I do not push down on the string correctly. When people say they get buzzing, is that with plucking open string or fretting them?

I assume that the buzzing is occurring with an open string. If buzzing during fretting it is an incorrect placement of the fingers. Actually some guitarists like to use the buzz with a distortion pedal for sound effects.
Nathina
@nathina
11/27/20 04:10:01PM
188 posts

McSpadden v. Folkcraft?


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

LisavB:

LOL, @nathina!  That's why I didn't try to simply do a video.  I'm sure my thumbs would have been even worse!  Not my best rendition of that bit of melody.  Oh well.  

I get all thumbs when I even *think* I'm being watched.  I learned Tom Waits' Rain Dogs pretty decently. I wanted to play a duet with him (him on CD, not in my house) on my guitar.  Whoa, parts I was OK, parts I was a train wreck.  And he didn't even know I was duetting with him.  Sheesh.

 Alone I am fine, on video, I forget what I am playing. Live as long as I am not front and center, ok usually. I have several songs I recorded on the hammered dulcimer. 

Nathina
@nathina
11/27/20 04:01:45PM
188 posts

McSpadden v. Folkcraft?


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

LisavB:

I usually call them "its," but this one is just so curvy and graceful, seems like a LADY.  :)  I'm no good with trees' reproductive habits...I majored in zoology in undergrad!

So I found an app to download to my phone to make a simple MP3.  I think she sounds better in person than in the recording, but it's not too bad. She's in CGC for this, has a double melody string.  I had a little performance anxiety with the phone staring at me, LOL.  

 When it comes to playing I become all thumbs when watched. So I stay behind the group and no one can see.
Nathina
@nathina
11/27/20 12:41:33PM
188 posts

Action is too low


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

Strings stretch, wood contracts or expands with humidity. Every wooden instrument needs to be retuned every few days. Try a hammered dulcimer. 15 minutes of retuning normally.

Nathina
@nathina
11/26/20 06:05:19PM
188 posts

McSpadden v. Folkcraft?


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

I always wonder if I should call may instruments, he she or it? Now if it is from a male tree it would be he, from a female tree her and from a self pollinating variety it.

Nathina
@nathina
11/25/20 06:05:21PM
188 posts

New McSpadden Flatwater Dulcimers


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Will they become popular or a passing fad?

Nathina
@nathina
11/25/20 04:44:57PM
188 posts

McSpadden v. Folkcraft?


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

LisavB:

And here she is...arrived yesterday afternoon.  Just beautiful!

 Lovely

Nathina
@nathina
11/22/20 08:23:12PM
188 posts

No wonder everyone has more than one.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have my dulcimers tuned to DAd DAdd. So I find a song that sounds better in DAaa, and then there is one in CGcc. Tune, retune, and retune again. How many have dulcimers just tuned to different keys and use that when they find a song? I do have capos but only use them for one song in a set if it has another key. 


updated by @nathina: 11/22/20 08:32:43PM
Nathina
@nathina
11/21/20 02:47:16PM
188 posts

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?


OFF TOPIC discussions


No, toilet paper is in abundance here. No problems. Certain imported goods are gone, the supply chain is broken. But otherwise no real problems with food.


updated by @nathina: 11/21/20 02:47:37PM
Nathina
@nathina
11/21/20 01:51:10PM
188 posts

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?


OFF TOPIC discussions

I cook Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese. Turkey day will be a turkey. Have to have a turkey with everything as usual. Christmas there is another frozen turkey waiting. They tied to say there was a shortage of turkeys, Covid caused, haven't found any shortage.

Nathina
@nathina
11/21/20 01:12:59PM
188 posts

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?


OFF TOPIC discussions

Not having any festivals to attend is a downer. My favorite restaurants have gone the way of the dodo, with more closing permanently every day. One more lockdown and that is it for a lot of them. Not sure what will happen with all the unemployed and under employed once the protections lift. Can't teach as I cannot do it online. Can't travel as most of the flights are cancelled or non existent and 28 days out of my life in isolation is not I thing I value. Not a good time at all. And on top of that, watching the Virus spread, (second wave was predicted) and yet everyone seems astonished. Current measurements will not work, but then they new it wouldn't yet had to provide the population with something to believe in, and they are running out of people to blame. On the other hand it is interesting to watch history repeat, and be able to predict to the letter what will happen. 


updated by @nathina: 11/21/20 01:15:08PM
Nathina
@nathina
11/18/20 06:26:50PM
188 posts

Blue Lion Dulcimers why so Special?


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

What makes Blue Lion so much different than the other great luthiers?

Nathina
@nathina
11/18/20 11:48:39AM
188 posts

McSpadden v. Folkcraft?


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

And I like when I see a new build using beautiful woods, Especially of the wood is reused. Such a wonderful way to bring the wood back to life.

Nathina
@nathina
11/17/20 02:27:56PM
188 posts

Bridge and Nut fix question


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

Right, was not sure how high an action then we were talking about. Thanks Again

Nathina
@nathina
11/17/20 01:49:47PM
188 posts

Bridge and Nut fix question


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

Thanks, but I was thinking use of a noter for a slide on the melody, and a possible technique of pressing the higher string down to create increase tension thus creating a sharp. (technique used typically on Chinese stringed instruments). I gave up guitar due to first bleeding fingers, then calloused one, then no feeling in the tips.

Nathina
@nathina
11/17/20 12:34:38PM
188 posts

Bridge and Nut fix question


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

The only reason I can think of for higher actions is performing a slide or tremelo. Are there others?

Nathina
@nathina
11/16/20 10:50:08PM
188 posts

Bridge and Nut fix question


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

You are adjusting the stretch of each string independently as to obtain the note.If you want to stretch it more, the note goes up the scale, until the tensile strength of the string is reached and they break.

Nathina
@nathina
11/16/20 10:04:45PM
188 posts

Bridge and Nut fix question


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

There shouldn't be any difference in tone as you are using a tuner to bring it into true. Tone would vary by quality of string.

Nathina
@nathina
11/16/20 09:05:29PM
188 posts

Bridge and Nut fix question


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

On the HD, all choruses are doubled, and each string is offset from the other, thus the "stretch" is different but the sound is the same. I see no reason why it wouldn't be the same for the md. In fact the chorus strings are also offset in the head.

  3