Was just now on Reddit and had a person pop up in the Mountain Dulcimer community there with questions about playing the Mountain Dulcimer with health issues in his hands that he’s working on a diagnosis for. I wanted to share the answer I gave him here, and would welcome any other insight folks might have for future reference:

” I’ve got some kind of general connective tissue disorder that runs in my family that resembles hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome but comes with a side of Dupuytren’s contracture, which I have in my right hand, so far not in my left but I suspect it will arrive eventually. I also have congenital MCP joint lock in the thumbs of both hands. So, my hands have reduced strength and flexibility all around and yet dulcimer is a dream instrument because it matches my ergonomic needs better than any other instrument I’ve tried. Some info I’ve figured out as a still beginner player:

Picking/strumming hand: I’ve got a whole collection of different picks as I’ve tried to find what works for me, as my hand flexibility decreases over time. I find I like a pick with good flexibility as it compensates for my lack of same. Dunlop nylon .46 mm are my go-to for flat picking, but they might be too small for some folks. Blue Mountain blue thumb picks for finger picking are great, and I’ve been playing around a bit with Oud picks for fast strumming, which isn’t something I do much of, as their length and flexibility makes for less hand/wrist strain for me.

Chord/noter hand: Set up of the instrument is key. I had a previous dulcimer with high action, among other problems, and it was a complete life changer when I got a dulcimer with lower, easier action. Depending on your playing style you might find a three string (no doubled melody string) easier to manage. VSL is also key - don’t overstrain your hands by trying to play an instrument that’s VSL is just too long. My dulcimer at the moment has doubled strings and it’s VSL is a little too long for me to chord easily so it’s going to be my noter/drone dulcimer and I’ll be getting a New Harmony Pudge Pro soon, which has the VSL and three string setup I need, on the advice of my dulcimer teacher.

Hope this helps!”

Sadly, we do not have Thanksgiving or an equivalent in the UK. Nevertheless happy thanksgiving to all of you.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here at FOTMD. And thank you, Strumelia, for linking to The Welcome Table. Gotta go and start peeling potatoes.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Happy Thanksgiving, yes!  To all friends here and their families.
Perhaps a good time for me to post a link to a dulcimer song and (free) tab on my blog, called The Welcome Table . 
If you like the simple tune and learn to play it, you can always have fun with it and invent some new verses that make it meaningful to you. You can tune to DAA and play the melody entirely on the melody string, in drone style.
I hope folks get to spend time with people they enjoy today!

Yes, indeed, Happy Thanksgiving to all of us here.  There is so much to be thankful for.  I think of the old hymn "We Gather Together" every Thanksgiving.  It's a good one to play on the dulcimer.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my dulcimer friends. Have a wonderful and thankful day.

Strumelia, so, he really could say he plays the banjo.  

Dusty, the fan has perfect pitch.  

I'm just trying to figure out how you tuned the fan to begin with.

I love when those cool coincidental things happen, Robin.

Sound vibrations are funny. My husband sometimes sneezes so loudly that the two banjos on our living room wall actually resonate and 'play' their open string chord in response.  

I had a funny thing happen.  The attic fan was left running while recording a tune-- the attic fan created a drone in tune with the mountain dulcimer.  

https://soundcloud.com/robin-thompson-5/awake-early-solo-mountain?si=794db22eec7d4e6d8154e6fff81875fe&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing  

Wally, Wow! that's pretty precise fret work. The black marker process is a great idea. I will use that on two of my instruments. I have filed frets before but never thought about rounding them back again after. I wonder if sanding the frets without polishing them could be detrimental to the life of the string after extended use. Very helpful info. 

Very useful information. I found out about frets and fret boards the hard way. I purchased a kit that was partially built. The owner lost interest (if you can imagine losing interest in a dulcimer) I had trouble from the start after assembly until I noticed the fret board had a noticeable warp. I had to remove the frets and block sand the board then recut some of the slots. 

another antique instrument I bought had some frets cut by a chimpanzee, I filled the some of the slots with Durham's and recut them. I seldom play it but soon will need the fretboard completely rebuilt. Probably add a thin piece of mahogany on the top and recut.  

I just finished lowering the nut and bridge on my tear drop. Wow! what a difference. Problem solved thanks to the pros at FOTMD group. 

I spend a lot of time with a straight edge on the frets, making sure they are the same height. I learned to make sure all my fret boards are stored in a dry place on a flat surface. I am always open to any suggestions about building and tuning. 

That is an interesting experience you had with the frets from one part of the country to another. That kind of info will go down in the archives as, things to think about in the future. 

I'm 83 years old and still stick to my same motto, try not to go a day without learning something weather it's the easy way or OOPs! the outcome is still useful to me or someone else.

You have constructed an attractive instrument. That is only Part 1 of making a fine instrument. Even a very well made string instrument needs "SET-UP" after construction. "Cheap" instruments are often discarded simply because no one has done that. It usually requires less than an hour of informed action.

As Ken noted, you may need to level the frets. You might find it insightful to read one of his earlier posts on leveling - 
https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/instruments-discuss-specific-features-luthiers-instrument-problems-questions/37078/leveling-of-frets-why
 
Most of the on-line information on leveling is by guitar folks. This video is good in terms of basic technique,
Fret Leveling - The Easy Way // How To

As the video notes, you start by making sure the FRETBOARD itself is straight. Many guitar necks have a metal rod which can be used to adjust the curvature. We don't use such a device. We can usually compensate for a small bit of un-straightness in the stick through leveling. 

We also don't typically use a crosswise arch on our frets.

Another cause of buzzing is the fit of the strings in the slots in the nut and the bridge if it has slots. Too tight and the strings bind. Too loose and the strings buzz. Also make sure you are using the correct strings for the VSL and tunings your are using. Thanks for the photos of the dulcimer. You really did a great job on the eagle.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Thanks Ken. That may well be the reason for the buzz. My strings are set much higher. I have tried several different remedies. I learned one thing. You can't ignore the buzz and pretend its not there. Even the slightest bit distracts what I'm playing.  The pic shows the tear drop I'm having difficulties with. As I mentioned, this one is tuned CGC. I love the tone and reverberation on it when it's set up correctly. It took me longer to make that the others so I want it to sound good in this key.

 Dulcimer Patriot tear drop.jpg - 119KB

A rule of thumb for good string height is to place a dime next to the first fret on the second fret side and have the string just touch the top of the dime. Then place a nickel on the top of the seventh fret and the string should touch that. If you get buzzing after that then you need to level and dress your frets. Now this is good for general playing and finger picking. If you are playing noter style you can increase the height of the strings a little bit. Oh, and you will be adjusting the height of the slots in the nut and bridge if it has slots otherwise you adjusting the height of the bridge.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

There seems to be some differences of opinion on bridge and nut height from fret board to string. One builder says 3/8s" One of my dulcimers is tuned AEA and one CGC. I sing bass and DAD is just out of reach for many songs. Consequently, 3/8s" is not and option. lots of buzz and I don't know how to sing in key of "buzz". Any suggestions on nut and bridge height?

I've liked this video for some years and am glad you shared it, Alex! 

Apologies if this is old news to all of you, new to me and very cool:

Check out this article  that Lil Rev wrote in Dulcimer Players News about a year-and-a-half ago. He's got pretty simple tab in a DAC tuning.

Hi! Does anyone have a tab (or know where I could find one) for the song Swannanoa Tunnel? I know it from Paul Clayton's dulcimer album, but apparently there are other versions with different names- Swannanoa Town and Asheville Junction. So if you have a tab for a song with any of those names it's probably what I'm looking for!

Thanks in advance folks!

...and the nearer to the end of the roll, we learn to treasure each sheet that much more....

God be with you, my friend.

I just wanted to say thank you to all who sent me their condolences about losing Ms. Noni. I truly appreciate it. And thanks again this experience is one that I would not like to repeat again, way too draining. I guess it's time to close that chapter and move on. Perhaps they're right about life being like a roll of toilet paper the closer you get to the end the faster it goes. Thanks again everyone.  

I love my Blue Lions!  (Two of mine were bought used and Bob and Janita Baker made modifications to the instruments for me.)  Wishing you the best in selling yours!  

Currently seven ... or eight ... something like that.  Including a Bernd Krause, a Tom Yocky, a Farkleberry Farm Steam Dulcimer Works ...  I'm 72 and there have been so many that have come and gone ... and I'm not done yet :-)

I see this thread has been dormant for many years.  Does anyone know how to contact Mary?  The last phone number I had reached a car dealer!

Sorry for your loss, Jon.

I am saddened by your loss. Pets, especially dogs, are wonderful friends and family. They endear themselves to us right from the start. Please know that I share your grief.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I can feel the sadness in your post, because we've had to say goodbye to many family dogs. It's so very difficult. We've experienced the same emptiness. I can also understand the need to express your feelings in words. Thank you for sharing. My heart goes out to you. Take care of yourself during this difficult time. Noni was such a beautiful girl.

Noni was a beautiful little girl and my heart is with you, Lilley Pad.  At our house, dogs are family.  <3  

All our dogs who have died still live in our hearts and I imagine all dog lovers feel the same way.  

Take care.  I hope making some music can bring you comfort.     

I know this is not the right Forum but I just needed to vent I apologize 

NO NONI Goodbye my old friend 

It looks like it's a sad day for me. Today Friday I had to say good-bye to my roommate and friend for the last 11 years. She will no longer lie next to the door waiting for me to come home. She will no longer wake me up in the morning to let me know that she wants to go outside to go to the bathroom. I think I will truly miss her. I know we are all going down that path. Today I decided to make today our last special day. I threw her in the sidecar on the motorcycle. We went  to the park so she could walk around a little bit and she could sniff at the rocks, the grass, and explore little white dots on the sidewalk to see if it was something edible. and just watch the world go by, then we went to the vet to say goodbye.On the table at the Vets office when she was being sedated she gave me a little kiss. Goodbye Mis. Noni I will truly miss you. It's been fun. I hope you enjoyed the life you had with me. 

Last night when I was in bed trying to fall asleep, and I reached over there was just no Noni. When I hear the wind and the noises in the house, just no Noni.  When I look at the doorways to see if she's peeking around the corner there's just no Noni. At the front door waiting for me to come home there's just no Noni. When I'm at the table eating I look down at my feet and there's just no Noni. There's just no Noni.

This morning the sun is  creeping up over the hills. It looks like it's going to be a very nice day today. I guess that the birds and the grass just  haven't heard that I have lost my old friend. I decided to go to the park for a walk. I think I'm just looking for a lost spirit.

I find myself still looking out the window into the backyard. no Noni. When I  get in the car I look over at the passenger seat no Noni

I think writing this stuff down is helping me work things out. I hope I'm not boring everybody,I  just felt the need to do this. Why No Noni.

 N-01.jpg - 151KB

I'm pretty much in agreement with John, a combination of heat softening of the glue and string tension resulted in separation of the "flat head." I would guess that there is little other structural damage.

You have three clear choices, (1) a very expensive "restoration" (2) a repair to playing condition (3) giving or selling it to someone who would repair or restore it. Don't throw it in the trash, at least give it to Goodwill where it would find a new home.

McSpadden instruments can have a variety of signatures, even if factory assembled. From the shaping or the sound holes, I'd say a kit is a good guess.

It may need new "bridge", spacer, strings, and tuners, but McSpadden can readily supply them. The re-gluing is pretty much a handyman project, not lutherie, and you might want to make it a DYI job. If I was doing the repair, I'd probably keep the discoloration and the story. 

In any case, it is always a good time to get another instrument.

Oh, I am so very sorry you had a house fire!    

My concern is repair would be very expensive.  Thus, you may be better-off looking for another instrument.

Take care.  Sending best wishes!  

Amazing how it got so scorched, and without touching the case! Just kidding. I hope all are doing well since the fire.

I don't know of any luthiers near Nashville, but I'm sure there are many. As for the cost, well that could get "interesting"...Depending on what you are looking for. Fully restored to like new, will cost you probably much more than it is worth. Returning it to functionality, with all its scars and stories intact will be much more affordable. It "looks" as though the scorching may not go thoroughly through the entire depth of the woods, so other than some thinness in places, and a bit of stabilization, things should work out well.

It looks as though you are correct about the head/glue joint. The heat and string tension made it lose it's mind....Personally, I love instruments that tell a story, give a glimpse into the history. Makes the songs that much sweeter. Just wait till you play Johnny Cash "Ring of fire".......epic!

Hello all! Hope you're doing well. I've posted on FOTMD a couple times in the past, most recently for advice about what to look for when buying my first wooden dulcimer secondhand. I wish I was back under better circumstances, but I'm now looking for advice about what to do with an instrument that was sadly damaged in a devastating house fire (pic attached).

I don't know much about this dulcimer since I got it on Facebook Marketplace from someone who was unfamiliar with the instrument, but it's been suggested to me that it was built from home from a McSpadden kit because the case is McSpadden but there's a different signature inside. The head is intact but has come off as you can see (we're thinking the glue melted in the heat) and the upper area of the instrument is a bit scorched. I live in Nashville, TN — any suggestions for a good luthier in the area? Or is this enough damage that I should just get a new instrument? Thanks so much for your help!

 dulcimer.jpg - 329KB

Five. One is a kit dulcimer by Cedar Creek. It all began when I ordered an antique Fishtail Dulcimer by Hughes in the mid 70's. The next three are home builds by myself and more to come. 

Some would think I'm going in the wrong direction.....I was at 7, now I'm down to 5. I had a couple dulcimers that weren't getting the play time, so I moved them on to folks who would give them the love they deserved. We did pick up a new Folkcraft for my husband, since he's decided to learn. So, the household is officially at 6.