Forum Activity for @jdh54

Warren May Maple Dulcimer

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

Ken:  I have asked for the seller to 2x check, for the VSL.  He's a music shop owner who deals mostly with guitars.  I'm thinking this is actually 28.5 inches, too.  I'll let you know what I find out. 

I did not know that regarding who sign the McSpadden labels?  So, although several folks may have been involved in building this dulcime, Larry McSpadden at least "inspected" it before gluing on the back??

Regardless,  I'm glad to hear you say " I think you are making a good decision".

Made good sense to me.  Thanks For All Your Help - John

Warren May Maple Dulcimer

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

Richard:  Thank you kindly!!  I have a line on a 2001 McSpadden Spruce over Walnu, 29 VSL.   It was Larry McSpadden. 

It is in mint condition.

I think I'm going to go with the McSpadden. 

I know Warren May does beautiful work, but I have concerns about the rework on tuners and 6 1/2 fret.

Thanks Again for answering all my questions.

Warren May Maple Dulcimer

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

One more quick question.  This build is solid maple (curly maple top and bookmatched bottom).  

I am told that the dark streak on the back is not a crack, but just darker color in the wood.

To me it looks like someone dripped something across the back.  Any thoughts?

Warren May Maple Dulcimer

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

Thanks Richard! 

If I'm seeing this correctly the added 6 1/2 fret is right over a position dot?  No 13 1/2, correct?  Will this be a problem?  I'm looking at a possible 1st dulcimer.  It has been in a case in resident's closet for at least 25 years.  

This appears to be a Warren May built in 1987 (based on label) that has been switched to GOTAH covered tuners and a 6 1/2 fret added.   

Thanks!!

Warren May Maple Dulcimer

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

does this dulcimer have a 61/2 fret?

Thanks

updated by @jdh54: 04/21/21 05:10:28PM

Warren May Maple Dulcimer

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

Thanks to @strumelia and @John-Gribble  for getting this to a better forum and specific comment on scale!

Warren May Maple Dulcimer

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

Hello All:  I am giving some considertion about a Warren May built in approx. 1996.  Appears to be (and seller info says) curly maple top and back.  Will solid maple sound super bright??I'd prefer something more mellow.  Seller out of town so I can't get label info.  I met Warren many years ago at his shop when he had it.  His craftsmanship on dulcimers (and fine furniture) is beautiful.  Understand that because he builds "traditional" KY scale", they are best for noter style playing and can be difficult to chord and/or fingerpick.  Seller is out of town for a few days so I can't get label info, but do know they got it about 25 years ago, took a few lessons, decided dulcimer was not for her and put it in case since then. 

Looks nice.  One scratch (I assume it is a scratch from pic) on back.

I'll appreciate any comments anyone has.   Thanks - John

updated by @jdh54: 04/19/21 07:38:15AM