Forum Activity for @matt-berg

Makes sense.  Thanks for sharing your process.

Point well taken!  On the other hand, an oldtimer might easily have also said "Why would i buy or order fancy 'fret wire' when i can just use these perfectly fine and useful fence staples I've already got right here?" 
My husband is very practical and handy, and i can envision him saying something just like that.  
More rambles- oldtime builders probably didn't think they were doing anything 'out of necessity', they were just clever in using (or making) what worked well and produced the desired result... something people did plenty of in daily life without thinking about it much.
These days, we are drowning in specialized tools and gizmos for doing literally everything... frothing milk for our coffee, car seats that warm our butts, weird red light masks to improve our complexion, and yeah clipping on electronic tuners instead of simply going "bim bim BOM".    I like to think about these funny things.

I often suspect that the masters of old might be a little surprised to know that we buy special drill bits and pencil sharpeners to make a nicer facsimile of what they had to settle for out of necessity. I wonder if I showed Uncle Ed a piece of nickel fret wire, then told him that lots of us enjoy using staple style frets even though we have easy and cheap access to fretwire, if he'd be confused.

At the same time no matter how many modern tools and conveniences we have, I'm still drawn to simpler methods, because I love that the dulcimer is so versatile and adaptable to whatever level of skill and materials the builder may choose.

I suspect Strativari, if given modern tools would use cymatics, microscopes, carbon fiber, low gear ratio tuners, CNC, lasers, and everything else the modern world can afford him to make instruments more precise to his goals

Anne, the time zone is an issue for me as well, though not so seriously as it is for you.  The NGFDA folks are 3 hours ahead of me, so I'll be doing the first workshop at 7:30 AM.  That OK for farmers, but musicians are not usually morning people.

Yeah, I miss working with Aaron on a regular basis as well.  And that's a great picture of you, Anne!  Love it!

I measured the 3-fret distances on my old Folkcraft dulcimer and then made the triangular Fret Rocker shown from a piece of scrap aluminum I had on hand. 

I tested it against the Folkcraft and found that two frets were high, but not enough out that I could hear any problems.

If I was making another in that size I would increase the short side to 6 cm.

The size of a fret rocker must be appropriate to the VSL and scale. I may someday make another rocker for my 24 inch VSL instruments. Sides 10 cm, 6.5 cm and 5 cm, maybe.

There's nothing wrong with a 4-sided tool, but it is a bit harder to lay out than a triangle.

The aluminum was a thickish sheet from an old award plaque, not a bit of house siding. I roughed it out on my electric coping saw and belt sander. I did make sure to refine the straight edges by putting fine sandpaper on a cast iron plate and sliding the edge back and forth along it.

 Triangular Fret Rocker.jpg - 32KB

  I've been rehabbing and re homing instruments for years to kids and families...only in these last few years doing it as a way to lose money faster by opening an ETSY shop and going to dulcimer/folk festivals....

 Most of what I aquire come from resale shops, garage sales, or the broken relics from the closets of dead hippies... 

I've yet to find a dulcimer that doesn't have a sweet voice. Some sweeter than others, yes. I wonder if Stradivari would have used cardboard, birch plywood and titebond if he had them available, instead of scraping chunks of maple down to 3mm with his hands.... Then using machine tuners instead of sharpened sticks.

I really wish these old instruments could talk, I'd love to hear their tales. To see what the builder was thinking (or why?) 

My thought is that, it would be nice to save the original pegs in case they ever want to reinstall them in the future, but most people probably wouldn't have any desire to do that.
I'm not a big fan of wooden pegs, but I can't deny that they look a lot better. Maybe if you used those giant cello type pegs, it would be easier on the wrists and still look nice.
I say just switch to machine tuners unless maybe it's a really pretty one.

If you are selling them as musical instruments, the first concern should be how do they sound. If the sound isn't better than a cardboard one, they're not worth the cost of new pegs. If they don't sound better than an Applecreek 100 or a 1960s Korean one, they're not worth $100, and your labor cost probably isn't a good investment.

Prospective buyers must be given an opportunity to sit down and play them to hear their voice. Saying "I don't like the tuners" is an easy way to just brush off the vendor.

I have cardboard and Applecreek instruments for beginning classes, so I'm not knocking them.

And there's nothing wrong with wallhangers as decoration, just treat them as such on your display.

Good cartoon, John.  lolol
I certainly don't know your situation or how you get these dulcimers that you are trying to then sell in your 'booth', but in general-  I've always been of the opinion that if you prefer a dulcimer with machine pegs for some reason (in this case easier to resell?), then it's easier and cheaper to just get a machine pegged one to begin rather than to convert an older dulcimer with wooden pegs. I'm sure I'm missing some aspect here though.

I do like to see old dulcimers with wooden pegs left as they are (if they are playable)... especially since there are plenty of newer machine peg dulcimers all over the place for those who prefer them. In my view one day someone will seek out and fall in love with the old dulcimer in its original condition and they will know how to work with and enjoy those lovingly made wooden pegs. That's just my personal view, free to ignore!   :)

Thanks for the info. Dusty. I'll check it out. What generally interferes is Time Zone and US vs AUS dollar.. I still drag out stuff printed out from Aaron's Patreon site .. I wish he was still doing dulcimer stuff, but, I guess nursing and a baby stretch one far enough.. 

Cheers,

Anne 

 instrument Makers pavilion 2 2026 .jpeg - 74KB

Better now I hope...

Oops

Truly do appreciate your comments....I agree those mechanical pegs are nice...but at over a hundred bucks a pop...

Well that's not gonna happen. 

Thank you one and all.

If the dulcimers are "revival" instruments, mainly post 1950, I don't see any problem in modifying it. I would look to be able to undo the modification if necessary. I have a very early Folkcraft dulcimer (1962) but don't value as much my 1931 James Edward Thomas dulcimer. I think instruments made by individuals should be valued more than instruments built in group shop. Having said all that, you run a business. Do what you think is necessary to move your inventory. You are not keeping them as an investment. And anyone who thinks of owning a mountain dulcimer as an investment probably is kidding themselves.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I  understand the hesitation to  "cut up" a wonderful historical instrument. It does seem a shame. And like John says, the violin looking mechanical pegs look fairly authentic and are easier for old hands to tune. I have had to go to those due to some severe degenerative arthritis in my thumbs.

I guess it comes down to how valuable the instrument may be one day to donate to a museum for its place in history or whether to make it "playable" for the present and sacrifice some of its historicity.

John (good name), you have many options from which to choose. 

The most popular option with my customers is to replace the wooden tuners with either "Perfection pegs" by Knilling or Pegheds, which are a similar product.  Both of these mimic ebony violin pegs, but have secret mechanical guts in them which allow for very smooth and very accurate tuning.  They can seem expensive at first, but I hear that they save a LOT of tuning headaches for regular players.  Those with arthritis and other hand issues LOVE them!  And they look like wood pegs.

Machine tuners work well, but I think they are a "visual jar" to the smooth historic lines of a fine dulcimer.

Need to pick some brains, get some opinions...

 Seems I get quite a few older, 70's 80's era instruments that are quite nicely put together, except for the fact that they have wood pegs for tuners. I appreciate the craftsmanship, and history,  but if no one will buy them, they are relegated to be discounted wall hangers.  Most players that visit my booth at shows distain pegs, in part due to older hands....

  Sawing off the pegs (as plugs for the holes) and installing machine tuners seems the way to go. 

  But I don't want to "cut up" history either.....

What say you all???

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The vendor is a distillery in Maine. Probably expensive shipping for a pint of vodka.

My favorite is French polish and it is best done with pure grain alcohol. The denatured has garbage added to discourage human consumption and isn't that good for fine finishes. It can be had on Amazon...you did say best and not the cheapest.

Ethanol

I agree completely with Ken. When I build a modern dulcimer, I tend to use spray semi-gloss clear lacquer such as Deft. It's fast-drying, smooth-coating, and looks fine to me once it's knocked down with steel wool, waxed and buffed.

For historical reproductions, which I'm known for now, I try to replicate the finish that was used by the original builder.  This would include (amber) shellac, flat black milk paint, oil or whatever else I can determine that they used back then.

Great question!

When I first started making dulcimers I used violin varnish as that was what my teacher used since he was a violin maker. I think I made three or four dulcimers with this finish and started looking for something easier and less labor intensive. I tried both brush on and wipe on polyurethane finishes, but did not like the look of them. For most of the rest of time building dulcimers I used a spray on lacquer finish. Once I got in to making reproductions I started using oil and shellac finishes. I've also used milk paint. Now, to answer your question, I don't think any of the are the best finish. It just depends on what you are trying to achieve. I think for the end user a lacquer finish is the easiest to care for finish. It cleans and polishes well and looks good plus it can be satin, semi-gloss, or gloss so you can go from understated to flashy.

You can't buy denatured alcohol (labeled as such) here in Pennsylvania either, but you can buy denatured alcohol as fuel for alcohol stoves.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Hello everybody, just Jon Lilley here again.  With another dumb question this question is to those who are Luthier out there builders. What is your personal opinion? What do you think is the best finish for instruments? varnish, lacquer,  or French polishing. And why? 

Don't let the fact that here in California. Our wonderful politicians have decided to make French polishing indirectly illegal.  We no longer can get denatured alcohol here it's illegal

Thanks again for your opinions and feedback 

A "fret rocker" can be any straight edge which spans 3 frets, but not 4. The "special tools" sold for the purpose are metal plates with 4 sides of different lengths, but you can use 4 or more separate objects as well.

If you explore the guitar makers' websites you will find suggestions that a credit card, small machinist's square or "ruler", etc. are suitable for different places along the fretboard. They don't have to be metal.

You can refine a straight edge by putting fine sandpaper on a mirror and sliding the edge back and forth along it.

Stewmac sells a tool called a fret rocker.  The idea is that you slid this tool along the frets.  If the tool sits flat all the fret are at the same height and life is good.  If the tool rocks a bit, you have found a fret that is higher than the other frets.  This tool works well on the higher frets, but not as well when you get below the five fret.  Has anyone found a tool that has the same rocking motion below the five fret?  (The three fret doesn't count.)

I talked with Doug Naselroad the other day and he hopes to be able to have the Homecoming in November 0f 2026. I think the dates he mentioned to me are Nov. 5, 6, and 7. It still depends upon receiving some funding to make this possible. If it happens I plan to be in Hindman for it.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Okay HDH fans, let's all consider contributing what we can to make sure this great time is possible for next year. I look forward to it every year and am so sad it isn't happening in 2026.

Dusty, thanks for your helpful reply.  I went to my local office supply store and bought a webcam.  While there I looked at the Blue Yeti mic.  I will buy that in a week or two.  Can't wait to start noodling around with this stuff. Should be fun!  I'm sorry I put my question re tech stuff in the wrong place.But I did get more helpful info directly from you.  Thanks again!

The mystery continues . . .

A friend called Corky Wolf (in the second video) and she says it's called "Rocking My Baby Through The Sugarcane."

You're welcome, Dusty. The Road to Recovery is an excellent program for recovering addicts. Not everyone stays at the Stringed Instrument Company. Some go on to further education and other jobs. I spoke with one of them last year who now has a Masters degree and is teaching at a community college. He continues to come back to speak with employees encouraging them to keep working in the program. Some stay on and become permanent employees at Troublesome Creek. Doug said the recidivism rate among Road to Recovery is very low. He did tell me the number but I can remember it. I do all I can to support Road to Recovery.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Thanks for sharing this, Ken.  The last time I saw a video on Troublesome Creek Instruments it was immediately after the flood.  When companies embrace their workers as whole human beings instead of beasts of burden, remarkable things happen.

What an excellent update on the work going on in Hindman!  Now folks everywhere can see what's really happening in the factory with these workers in recovery.  Doug has started a meaningful enterprise, with world-class musical instruments being made and lives being changed.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful PBS News Hour segment on the Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Company!  The folks there on the bank of Troublesome are doing wonderful work!  

Also, I hope it comes to pass that the 2026 installment of the Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming will take place! 

Last night (4/6/26) PBS News Hour featured The Road to Recovery program and the Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Company in its final segment of the broadcast. I thought they did a good job. Here is a link to the video: Rebuilding I hope you enjoy it. I spoke with Doug Naselroad shortly after the segment aired and he told me he hopes to hold the 2026 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming the 5th, 6th, & 7th of November if funding for it comes through.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

@david-bennett, I tabbed out Corky Wolf's version.  Send me a personal message with your email or contact me at www.rivercitydulcimers.com and I'll share it with you.

David, there was a banjo player from Arkansas named Carlos "Bookmiller" Shannon.  Alan Lomax recorded some of his tunes in the late 1950s.

My guess is that someone learned a tune from Bookmiller but couldn't remember the name and just started calling it "Bookmiller's Tune" or something like that.

I just looked on Spotify and the only tune by Bookmiller Shannon is "Eighth of January."  But those Lomax recordings must be around somewhere. Maybe there's some other stuff, too.

P.S.  I could probably tab it out based on the recordings, but I won't be able to get to it for a couple of days.

Here's someone else playing the same tune

Do any of you know a dulcimer song by the name of Book Miller's Song or Bookmiller's Tune?
I am looking for a friend who first heard it at a jam in Mountain View, Arkansas several years ago. He is wanting to know the background/history of the tune and where to get the tabs.

I did find this on YouTube "Bookmiller's Tune" which my friend is the song he is looking for:

This may or may not be the same tune, I can't tell because I can't get the volume loud enough to hear
https://soundcloud.com/omareastwind/bookmiller-39-s-tune

Any info would be appreciated.

Hi @maddie-myers.  I hope you're doing well.  I'm sure "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" would sound great in fingerstyle arrangement.

To get a more complete answer about microphones and cameras, you might want to join the Technology/Software/Amplifying group and pose your question there.

Yes, I think the first USB mic I ever bought was a Samson Go mic. Back then they cost about $40.  Now they are almost twice that.  They are really small and portable and have much better sound than any mic built into your computer or webcam.  Nowadays I use a Blue Yeti USB mic, which cost about $100 and is much bigger than the Samson Go. But I think the sound quality is better as well. It seems simple, but what I like most about it is that it has a big volume knob right on the front, and if you push it, it mutes you, with a noticeable red circle indicating that it's muted.  Pretty idiot-proof.

Those are only the microphones I've used, but there are lots out there.

I use several Logitech webcams, including a C920S Pro, a C925e, and a StreamCam Plus.  They are all several years old, so there might be newer models around with faster speeds.  They all produce very clear images and all have built-in microphones.  The microphones are very good for a work meeting, but not so hot for recording music.  My only advice about webcams is to make sure you get a lens cover.  Being able to glance up and know for certain that no one can see you is invaluable!