Forum Activity for @dusty

The "normal" tuning for a standard dulcimer tuned to a 1-5-8 pattern in C would be C3 G3 C4 since we usually list the tunings from the bass note to the melody note. (I don't know who made up that rule, but it's as logical as anything, I suppose.)

I would not assume that someone putting a .005 string on a dulcimer actually knew what they were doing. It could have just been whatever strings they had lying around or perhaps someone thinking lighter strings would be easier on their fingers. The strings that @nathina suggests from John Pearce are within a normal range for a full-size dulcimer (though still light for my preferences).

Magnetic pickup vs Piezo vs Mic pointed at dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I saw a fellow on YouTube playing with a system that clamps on the neck just ahead of the strum hollow and I’m sure he was using a Lawrence acoustic guitar sound hole pickup with the sound hole spring clamp removed. In this application the pickup is inverted over the strings. I have one of those pickups and also a Dean Markley pickup that fits in the sound hole. When I got my copy made I realized that the Bill Lawrence one wouldn’t work unless I removed that clip and I wasn’t willing to do so. I guess I should have built the mount a bit wider. The Dean Markley pickup works fine but has a more compressed sound than the Lawrence. Either way I can now make enough volume to play with guitar players and actually be heard and I don’t have to alter my dulcimer in any way.

 Great, is that C3, G3, C4
updated by @nathina: 12/20/20 11:59:54PM

Update: I tuned the dulcimer to CGC, sounds great. This dulcimer has a 27" VSL. It sounds pretty cool.

Thanks!

crosby dulcimer from wisconsin?

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

No not one of hers.

crosby dulcimer from wisconsin?

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

some photos

There comes a point on a 27-28" vsl where the strings required to reach a very high note become so thin that they will probably break by virtue of their own thinness. I found this out once with .008 strings, tuning up somewhere around high f. Went through 2 strings before I decided I probably needed a shorter scale length.  ;D

The Positive Thread...

OFF TOPIC discussions

How Jimmy Stewart's WWII experiences shaped It's a Wonderful Life... and how this affects us today.

Zu Zu's petals...

https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/19/entertainment/its-a-wonderful-jimmy-stewart-world-war-ii-service/index.html

crosby dulcimer from wisconsin?

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

Probably way off with this, but David Crosby of Crobsy Stills and Nash? This luthier made some for him. https://lapidusmusic.com/bio

The first question is -- What is the VSL of this Jeffreys dulcimer?   THAT is a major determinate as to what the gauges should be.

I went to the Strothers String Choice calculator to see what I could see...

If the VSL is about 27" and the owner wanted to tune up to Ggg, then strings around .005 and .015 are good choices.

crosby dulcimer from wisconsin?

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

Hi nik;  

I've not heard of David Cosby as a builder, but it appears that this was his second dulcimer build (#2), back in 1978. 

A series of wide and close up photos may help use better identify things.

crosby dulcimer from wisconsin?

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

hi all, newbie to dulcimers here but I have a lot of other stringed instruments.  just picked up a dulcimer with a label inside that says "David Crosby, #2, studio three, 12/21/78, 528 state street madison WI" with a signature (that does not match CSNY's david crosby's autograph fwiw).  does anyone know anything about this luthier?  you can imagine what I get if I google David Crosby, lol.  it's an hourglass shape, 4 string, heart shaped soundholes, caspari type tuning pegs I think (maybe schaller?), pretty rough carved scroll, 6.5 fret is present.  I can post pictures tomorrow if they would help.  Thanks!

There are string packs out there from other manufacturers that do have different Sizes. I just put John Pierce Strings on a dulcimer .009, .010, .012, .023. Tuned it to C4, G3, C3. Wouldn't take much more, but is does sound great. I wonder if someone was trying to get a soprano dulc or having trouble strumming?
updated by @nathina: 12/19/20 11:49:31PM

Interesting, just bought bought a 1974 A.W Jeffrey's dulcimer and found that the strings are really small in diameter. Ever hear of the strings that (1st).005,(2nd).005, (3rd) .005 and (4th) string .015. I have ordered new strings and just waiting for them to come in. I wonder if they are actually original however they really can't be right?

Remembering "Deputy Mo" / The Friendly Beasts

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

@slate-creek-dulcimers Santa Claus put some stuff in the mail early this year.  :)

A Henry C Desler Just came in for restoration.

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

It helps prevent confusion if we all use the same terminology when describing instruments, and the terms used for dulcimers are not necessarily the same as those used for other stringed instruments. 

Mountain Dulcimers have a head block, a scroll or flat tuning head, a tail block, two sides (usually), a top, a back, a nut and bridge (but no saddle usually) and a fretboard which may also have a fingerboard on its top. Some have feet on the back. 

A "heavy, square" tail block is not necessarily a Galax style element; many instruments from different regions have large tailbocks of various shapes.  What normally distinguishes the Galax is it's double back, it's wide (7-10") elliptical shape (not teardrop), it's extreme depth (2.5" to 3.5") and usually 3 strings of the same thin gauge tuned normally to ccc or ddd.  Check out Kudzu Patch Dulcimers -- Ben Seymore is the "king" of Galax instruments...

updated by @ken-hulme: 12/18/20 04:34:12PM

Remembering "Deputy Mo" / The Friendly Beasts

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

My first dulcimer friend. Mysteriously I received his book and accompanying CD in the mail today. If it was from someone here you don't know what it means to me. ❤️

Dragons Anyone.

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This one I do not have. A lot of work went into the carvings,  Built by Freeman D Jones.

A Henry C Desler Just came in for restoration.

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

Sorry I used the term foot as the base of the dulcimer not meaning feet as on the back.

A Henry C Desler Just came in for restoration.

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

Sorry when I say foot it is the design on the end at the base, not feet as in underneath. The bridges are original and will be fixed. Anyway here are the pics before stripping it down. Heavy square block base I was led to believe is a WV style. There was no way to get the string anywhere near the fret board even with a noter. But all will be repaired and it will shine again.

A most embarrassing question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

old joke-
How can you tell if the stage at a bluegrass concert is level?
-the banjo player is drooling from both sides of their mouth.

A Henry C Desler Just came in for restoration.

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

As far as I know, a dulcimer having feet doesn't specifically suggest WV.  Galax dulcimers are traditionally tuned in unison all high ddd or equidistant dddd stringing. BTW we have a Group here on fotmd for Galax dulcimers- might be some fun threads in there to check out for fun.
Maybe the 1/2" action was an experiment to use it as a lap steel, with a slide? Obviously one cannot fret a 1/2" action. Maybe they clipped on a pickup. People do things weird things with dulcimers they find. Do you think the bridge and nut were replaced with high ones? Can't say much without pictures.

A Henry C Desler Just came in for restoration.

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

Builder's name doesn't ring any bells.    Galax style dulcimers did/do not normally have feet.  

A Henry C Desler Just came in for restoration.

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

This time I am taking before and after. I don't know what Desler was thinking when he built this. The body is solid and the wood is good but the action is litterly 1/2 inch + off the fret board. There was 6 feet of string on each tuner and they were all .024s. Noting the construction I think he thought he was making a baritone and larger heavier strings required higher action. Currently it is completely unplayable, but I will start on the restoration eventually, and it will sing again, actually for the first time. This thing could never be played in the state it is in. The style is a galax, WV foot style. Hopefully when finished it will be something. This should make a good baritone when finished.Short VSL, and narrow fret board, 3 string.

updated by @nathina: 12/18/20 10:35:45AM

A most embarrassing question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Ken Hulme may have analyzed it correctly. I could be approaching a meditative state.

A most embarrassing question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

"zen dulcimer".  Ah.   Grasshopper must learn seal lips when play music!  When I do deep meditation and really relax, my lips, teeth, jaws, etc.  I can have the same issue.  Luckily I meditate that deeply when lying on my back, so the liquid goes in not out.  Try playing dulcimer laying on your back -- strap the instrument to your music stand

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

I care about all the instruments I restore. They sort of become "friends" . Taking something that was meant to sound lovely, and again allowing it to do so is a good feeling. The tuners I have fixed to hold perfectly. I have tested them with a .032 string and it has maintained tuning over several days. That is how I adjust wooden pegs. If they can hold a heavy tension then they can hold the correct string. There are also a few other tricks I use on wooden pegs to hold them tight. 

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

Agreed, that bass string someone put on is way too heavy. And yes someone might have been trying it out as a baritone. Wrong dulcimer for a baritone experiment, IMHO.  ;)

I have had some antique banjos and mandolins that absolutely had to be strung only with a slightly lighter gauge set than normal. Older instruments deserve a little love and tenderness I think.   

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

Dusty's right- there is no room for fine tuning beads or any kind of fine tuners behind that bridge. But if the wooden pegs are well fit to their holes, and a drop of Peg Drops applied and let to cure, then the pegs 'should' turn smoothly and hold well... as they are supposed to do.

People who buy dulcimers find out pretty quickly if they like wooden peg tuners or not. Some people won't buy vintage dulcimers by a known maker if they've had their pegs replaced with geared tuners. Other people won't buy dulcimers unless they have geared tuners. Those people aren't usually that interested in an antique or collector dulcimer. Don't worry about it, because you can't please everyone.

In general, it's best to keep an antique dulcimer with its original wooden pegs if at all possible. There are thousands of geared tuner dulcimers all over the place to buy if one wants or needs geared tuners. And only a finite number of pre-1970s dulcimers in their original configuration.
You can take pride in preserving an old instrument in a way that is faithful to its maker. Remember the word 'restore' means just that- to restore something to the way it was. Your Maxwell has a huge amount of charm and grace and should be a joy to play when strung up. I can tell you care about it. Maybe you can record a simple tune for us on it soon.   :)

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

I still have to work on the wooden box. I will show before and after shots. The box itself, is designed specifically for the dulcimer, and is padded with the Maxwell Tartan. It is made out of spruce ply, but should not be problem to fix the missing wood piece, and the dents.  Probably will re-stain it as well. 

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

There are six positions on the bridge and nut. It can be set up for 3 strings, 4 strings equidistant, or any mix. (5 holes drilled in the foot.)

I'll post the spacing when the string sets arrive. This instrument is designed to move the strings pretty much anywhere across the fret board. I have already tried it with the old strings.

updated by @nathina: 12/17/20 04:30:49PM

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

I am going to set it up for the melody close, and then close for the middle, and equal distant for the bass. I think I remember that is how Maxwell normally set up his units.

Just received a John A Maxwell

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Indeed.  It looks from the notches in the bridge that it is set up for 4 equidistant strings and a double melody.  But those of us who want a three string set-up would have to make some adjustments.

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

I fixed the tuning pegs. They are holding extremely well so there is no need for beads. The strings will be replaced to lighter gauge which is a trick I use to have pegs hold even better. Another thing, every time I have seen someone discuss peg "lube" they point to the insertion point, but there are two friction points on each tuner. The insertion and the exit. Both need to be prepped. 

On this instrument for some reason they were using a 0.32 on the bass string. Perhaps attempting to make a baritone dulc, but although the pegs will now hold it, they were not meant to be under that much tension. There are a few other tricks I was taught.

updated by @nathina: 12/17/20 04:10:09PM

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

The string spacing is interesting. What string arrangement are you going to use?

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

Nice job, Nathina.  That dulcimer is really shining.

Now that I see the placement of the bridge, though, I fear there is insufficient room for those fine tuning beads.

Just received a John A Maxwell

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It's really looking good. Nice work.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

This is the fully restored fret board and soundboard of the The John A Maxwell. Waiting for appropriate string set. Now onto repairing the case. Tuning has been checked and frets are good. Kept the lucite nut and bridge which was a trademark of his. I'll do a before and after on parts of the case when finished.

A most embarrassing question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

What is interesting to some of your comments is that playing DAAA is my Zen dulcimer; relaxing and soothing. I don’t feel intense concentration; the opposite; it’s like I let the Instrument play itself.

What makes Christmas music sound Christmassy ?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I think maybe it has a lot to do with memories of past Christmas’s. If you had lots of good ones while a child and also thru your growing up years, and your personality or general make-up leans toward being a generous person, then the sounds of this time of year might invoke a spirit of good feelings. Just a thought. I say this because I have some friends who really struggle at this time of year because of memories of bad, or traumatic things that have happened thru the years at Christmas time. It’s all they can do just to get thru it and music does nothing to alleviate those feelings. I also believe one’s faith has something to do with it. Again, just a thought.

updated by @kevin-r: 12/17/20 02:30:58PM