Forum Activity for @susie

Susie
@susie
06/18/22 11:47:42AM
487 posts

How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Riverene:

Only one (so far), but it's not here yet - just shipped and will be here next Thursday.  It's built by Dan Daniels of New Traditions Dulcimers in Indiana.  

Rene

Exciting. I've heard wonderful things about Dan's dulcimers. Maybe you could show it to us after you get it. 

Susie
@susie
06/13/22 08:58:26PM
487 posts

Warren May Hourdrop Question


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

That's a real beauty!  A deal too good to pass up. Enjoy!

Susie
@susie
06/11/22 09:13:20PM
487 posts

Table for Mt. Dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


Strumelia:

A strap is what I use. Sure there is a tiny bit of getting used to it and 'fitting' the proper length, but it's soooo much easier than hauling around folding tables or footstools. I use loops and big buttons to make the strap adjustable depending on if I'm wearing heavy or light clothes.

I agree. An adjustable strap is pretty easy to get used to. I've even found as I have progressed, I've changed the positioning of the dulcimer by adjusting the strap (and my legs). So, the flexibility is an advantage. Experimenting with a strap is a cheap investment and might be a pleasant surprise for her.


updated by @susie: 06/12/22 08:24:26AM
Susie
@susie
06/09/22 08:30:39PM
487 posts

My latest and greatest mountain dulcimer!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Congratulations, very nice looking dulcimer. Hope it brings you years of music joy!

Susie
@susie
06/02/22 08:00:47PM
487 posts

How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Richard Streib:

Congrats on  your new dulcimer. I know you are excited.



Thank you Richard. nod

Susie
@susie
06/01/22 10:00:09AM
487 posts

How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Nice to see I'm not the only one adding to their collection. Thanks for sharing.

Susie
@susie
05/31/22 04:45:26PM
487 posts

How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


Dulcimer Acquisition Disease. wasntme

I ordered #7 today. I've been contemplating this one for quite a while. My husband said "life can through you a curve ball at any time....just do it". So I got my order in. A 4 month wait begins. whistle

(Hickory sweetness, with some secial features.)


updated by @susie: 05/31/22 04:46:37PM
Susie
@susie
03/27/22 05:57:47PM
487 posts

Sweet Woods Instruments and Ron Gibson


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

Lucky Dave:

Susie, I can't recommend Ron enough. Very good to work with and talented.  

So happy you had a great experience  and it turned out beautiful  for you. I had one of his years ago, a Birdseye Maple. It was very pretty, but the intonation  was off up the fretboard. My Luther did his best to correct it, but it still wasn't right. I parted ways with it. I probably just got a bad one, because so many people are happy with Ron's dulcimers.  I have another builder lined up, but thanks.

Enjoy your gem!

Susie
@susie
03/27/22 01:02:08PM
487 posts

Sweet Woods Instruments and Ron Gibson


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

Beautiful  and a great honor to your mom. Priceless!

I'm thinking about doing something special with another builder, to honor my dad and the farm property where we live and produce Maple Syrup, which was settled in 1889 (I'm 4th generation  and only descendent  living here). My dad died last year at 86 too. 

Susie
@susie
03/18/22 11:59:54AM
487 posts

nice article on the McSpadden shop


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


Yes, that was a really nice article.

Love my McSpaddens!


updated by @susie: 03/18/22 01:36:27PM
Susie
@susie
03/08/22 05:52:00PM
487 posts

Looking for a Small Dulcimer


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

The VSL on a Black Mountain is a little longer than you stated, but they cost less than the Gingers. They are pretty decent dulcimers. Just trying to give you ideas.

https://blackmtninstruments.com/buy-dulcimers/

Susie
@susie
03/08/22 05:24:53PM
487 posts

Looking for a Small Dulcimer


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

Wally Venable:

I'm sure it would be a good choice, but, at $500+ without case, I don't know if it is within her price range.

The Ginger DOES come with a real nice soft case.

Susie
@susie
03/08/22 11:09:33AM
487 posts

Looking for a Small Dulcimer


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

Dusty Turtle:

I have one of Ron Ewing's baritone dulcimettes and I absolutely love it.  Tight construction, low action, crisp, clear sound.  However, it is tuned usually to G or A rather than D, and the VSL is only about 21 inches, so it may not be perfect for this case.  That's why I recommended a McSpadden Ginger.



That's why I asked Wally what tuning his friend wanted. I agree, your baritone dulcimette is gorgeous and has a great voice.  It sounds like she's just starting out, so my guess is she'd want a dulcimer in D tuning, to learn and play with groups. Many of these little dulcimers are for those of us who already have standard dulcimers and are looking for alternate tunings and fun little dulcimers to complement what we already have. Maybe Wally will get back with us and let us know. Hey, even I am still toying with the idea of a Ewing baritone ducimettte. wasntme

Susie
@susie
03/08/22 09:34:34AM
487 posts

Looking for a Small Dulcimer


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

Wally Venable:

We have a friend who is looking for a small dulcimer. She is currently playing a borrowed small Apple Creek instrument. She has tried "full size" instruments and is uncomfortable with them.

I would describe her desires as follows:

24 inch VSL
Hourglass body
Geared tuners
6 1/2 fret
Holes you can't drop a pick in
Good sound
Not looking for a specific wood
New or used OK
Moderate price

Any suggestions?

Does your friend want standard D tuning? 

Many of the little dulcimers are set up for alternate tunings (usually G or A). So that's something to keep in mind. 

Susie
@susie
03/07/22 05:28:46PM
487 posts

Looking for a Small Dulcimer


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

I have two McSpadden Gingers, which I love. You can have them set up for standard D tuning. They check most of the boxes you have listed. They are quality made, sound great, and are a joy to play. 

Also, in the groups, check out the "Little Dulcimers" group, where you'll see a "Little Dulcimers Little List". Very helpful when looking for a smaller dulcimer.

Susie
@susie
01/25/22 07:18:00AM
487 posts

Dulcimer capos


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

DavisJames:

Thank you all for the input and suggestions.I found Mr.McCafferty online and ordered one of his capos[tuner included!] .I also stocked up on strings.It's hard to find suitable gauges and lengths for the dulcimer in Canada,in my experience.

That's great to hear. You will not be disappointed.  Those with the tuner look like a great idea (I got mine before he came out with those). Glad we could be of some help to you. 

Susie
@susie
01/24/22 06:14:54PM
487 posts

Dulcimer capos


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


Terry McCafferty makes some really nice capos for a little more money than the economical Ewing capos (which are generally a good value). I have purchased 4 of Terry's capos. Nice mechanism, consistent pressure across the strings.....my favorite dulcimer capo. 

https://www.mccaffertydulcimers.com/capos


updated by @susie: 01/24/22 06:17:10PM
Susie
@susie
01/11/22 03:20:34PM
487 posts

Bocote Wood - the 'eyes' have it.


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

That is beautiful. Bocote always seems to have an eerie look to it.

Susie
@susie
12/12/21 03:27:25PM
487 posts

Mike Clemmer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I really enjoyed that, thanks so much for sharing. I had one of Mike's Tennessee  Sweeties a while back. He's so talented and has quite a history in the dulcimer community. 

Susie
@susie
11/01/21 09:18:42AM
487 posts

Sam Rizzetta Has Passed


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

We met Sam at a dulcimer festival. A real nice guy for sure. Sad news.

Susie
@susie
10/10/21 05:37:23AM
487 posts

RIP Bill Taylor


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Sad news. Taken too soon. I hope his family can find some peace in his passing.

Susie
@susie
10/08/21 08:08:30PM
487 posts

The Positive Thread...


OFF TOPIC discussions


Dusty Turtle: Positive?  Maybe not.  Mildly funny?  Perhaps.

I recently bought matching stands for my dulcimer and guitar.  The instructions for how to attach the base to the arm read:


"Do not overtighten.  You can crack the wood.  Maybe not a job for a drummer."


And similarly, the instructions for attaching the hanger to the arm read:


"Do not overtighten.  You can strip out the insert.  Keep the drummer away from this."


For the record, the assembly went very well.  Clearly dulcimer players are more gentle creatures than are percussionists. 


giggle2


At least they had an appropriate (musician) sense of humor. (Although,  a drummer may disagree.)

Susie
@susie
09/17/21 12:54:18PM
487 posts

Have not been on in awhile


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Super cool! Glad you're back with us.

Susie
@susie
09/16/21 06:11:49AM
487 posts

Don Pedi honored


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

A nice honor. Congrats Don.

Susie
@susie
09/14/21 08:46:49AM
487 posts

Fret Markers?


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


If you really want to have choices for fret markers, I'd suggest this place:

https://www.inlaystickers.com/

I've used them on occasion for various instruments (for different purposes) over the years. Easy to apply, look really nice, and you can remove them without residue.

When I recently purchased an instrument without a fret marker on a particular fret that I was used to, I added a sticker to the fretboard. Here's that instrument. All but one of the markers are actual inlays, one is a sticker. Can you tell which is which?

img



updated by @susie: 09/14/21 08:51:28AM
Susie
@susie
09/10/21 06:09:47AM
487 posts

Can you tell me about Curt Mangan FusionMatched strings?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Maybe contact them directly with your questions. I've found most places to be very responsive and informative.

https://www.curtmangan.com/contact/

Susie
@susie
09/02/21 02:34:18PM
487 posts

Varying VSL


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have dulcimers with VSL's that range from 23" to 27". My fingers/hands (and mind) tend(s) to adjust very quickly.


updated by @susie: 09/02/21 02:41:59PM
Susie
@susie
07/12/21 06:47:09PM
487 posts

New Dulcimore


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

That's great, hope you enjoy it!

Susie
@susie
07/11/21 06:14:05AM
487 posts

All-Maple Melton-Style Galax Dulcimore


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Maple is so beautiful, nice instrument. She should love it!

Susie
@susie
06/09/21 10:21:20AM
487 posts

The Positive Thread...


OFF TOPIC discussions


Robin Thompson:I saw this America's Got Talent video this morning and found it very moving.  The young woman in it is originally from the county just north of where I live.  Also, I saw a young real-life friend of mine post that he & she have been lifelong friends.

Wow, that touched my heart. ❤️


updated by @susie: 06/09/21 10:27:05AM
Susie
@susie
06/09/21 05:14:17AM
487 posts

How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Ethan Chastain:

but are always open to more ; )



thumbsup

Susie
@susie
05/29/21 08:23:09PM
487 posts

How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Rob and John, thanks for sharing. It's interesting to see the other instruments that people play too.

Susie
@susie
05/27/21 09:49:29AM
487 posts

Show Us Your Pets!


OFF TOPIC discussions

David Bennett:

As Rockwell sang back in the '80s, "I always feel like somebody's watchin' me"

Love it!

Susie
@susie
05/14/21 08:20:26AM
487 posts

How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I've enjoyed this thread. Thank you to everyone who shared. Whether you have 1 dulcimer or 10, we share a common love for this beautiful little wooden box with strings. 

Have fun! dulcimer

Susie
@susie
05/14/21 08:12:47AM
487 posts

New McSpadden Flatwater Dulcimers


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Congrats on your new Flatwater, ADK. From what I see, they look and sound great, and have a great price to boot. I think McSpadden has really filled a niche with these new dulcimers.

Susie
@susie
05/11/21 10:08:26AM
487 posts

NDD - McSpadden Ginger


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Robin Thompson:

Susie, enjoy that lovely new Ginger!  


There may be some enablers here at fotmd yet I'm not one of them. whistle giggle2



Thanks Robin, I sure will! No, I didn't think you were one of the enablers. wasntme

Susie
@susie
05/11/21 10:06:01AM
487 posts

NDD - McSpadden Ginger


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Dusty Turtle:

Looks like a beauty, and I'm sure it sounds like one, too!

Thanks Dusty. It sure does have a nice voice and these Gingers are fun to play. It's amazing the tone they can get out of a small bodied dulcimer. 

  2