You have received good advice. Put new strings on it of the right gauge, tighten the tuners that slip, make sure your electronic tuner is calibrated to A=440 and tune as Skip said, A and D below middle C.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
@davesterino Vizsla is sophisticated! :)
Indeed, she has good ears! I think she prefers drone-noter to chords, but she is generally amenable to both styles :)
That tuner should work just fine. Check the calibration, it should be set to 440.
Maybe one of the folks here will recognize the name and the instrument. In any case it will be fine to learn on. The one thing I can think of that may cause a problem later is it may not be made for equal temperament tuning. As long as you play alone that should not be a problem.
Certainly looks good for a starter instrument.
As mentioned, the tuners are easily tightened to keep the tuning pegs from slipping. Tighten them 1/8 turn, and then try to adjust the tuning and see if they still slip.
New strings -- you'll want "loop end" strings, not "ball end" strings. Any set of strings labelled "Dulcimer" will be adequate to learn with. DO NOT take off all the strings at the same time. Take off one; replace it. Then take off another one...
You may have broken that middle string because you might have been trying to tune to "the wrong A". Do you have an electronic tuner? If not, here's a link to audio files where you can hear the correct notes to tune to:
http://susantrump.com/tune-your-dulcimer.html
When tuning strings, Do Not tune 'still' strings. Hold the tuner and pluck the string. While it's still humming, give the tuner knob a quarter turn. If the sound if the string did not go up or down, STOP, and move the tuning knob back. You have the wrong tuner for that string. Try again.
FYI, I've attached a copy of an article I wrote several years ago called I Just Got A Dulcimer, Now What? It is an illustrated glossary of dulcimer terms so we all speak the same lingo. Plus it has answers to many beginner questions about the tuning, playing, care and feeding of your instrument.
Hi Lisa, I'm up the road from you in Cary. We have a lot of dulcimer groups, workshops, and jams in NC. Welcome to the club. IMHO, a good cleaning and conditioning, and some new tuners and strings, and it looks to me like you got lucky at the thrift store!
Lisa, can you tell us the length, in inches, between the nut and the bridge? If it's 28" or longer, it might be a bit of a strain for those cheaper older tuners to hold the strings up to DAA or DAd. I have an old 1970s kit dulcimer that had tuners like yours, and the screw threads just didn't hold very well anymore. Perhaps if you get slightly lighter gauge strings, and/or tune down a step to CGG or CGC (instead of DAA or DAd) ...the tuners might be better at holding.
I wound up replacing the tuners on mine with some new (but using same sized holes) inexpensive tuners... that helped, but actually it didn't totally cure the issue for my kit dulcimer, alas. Mine remains a little frustrating to tune. Your mileage may vary.
It' looks good to me. There may be a label inside at the lower hearts. The pegs can be adjusted by tightening the screw on the end of the pegs, it won't take much. New strings are probably justified but you can loosen then move the longer of the melody strings to the center position temporarily. Loosen it enough to remove it from the nail on the end and move it over also. The D and A you're looking for are the ones just below middle C. You can find a sound bit of C with a search.
Hi Lisa,
I am no expert, but I'm thinking you just need a new set of strings. As far as the pegs slipping I think that might easily be fixed too. It looks like there is a screw that goes thru the tuning peg. Maybe if you just tighten it slightly it will hold better. I wouldn't tighten it too much. Just enough to hold the peg in place. Hope this helps some. I'm sure someone else more knowledgeable will chime in soon if I am wrong. Good luck!
Hello all,
I am new to this group and the dulcimer. I purchased a used dulcimer at a local thrift shop and quickly fell in love with the idea of learning to play the instrument based on some videos I watched. My original goal was to use this instrument to see if I could learn to play and later upgrade.
The first thing I did was attempt to tune the dulcimer. I was trying for DAA. I had to work a bit to get the D to hold, but eventually I got it. The middle string was very challenging because I realized the pegs were slipping. I could see it slowly turning. There was a high pitched sound as the peg turned back. Eventually, I could get to A, although it didn’t hold for long and I started to work on strumming. On an attempt to tune the middle string to A, it popped. Now I am left wondering if this instrument is good enough to learn the basics on and have new strings installed, or if I just need to find another dulcimer. After looking at pictures of other Dulcimers, I suspect this may not be very well made. I will attach a few pictures and I appreciate any feedback. Thanks so much.
Hi Don -
I purchased mine at the Evart, MI Funfest this summer and I think it was about $180. I am not seeing the stand on the Gary's website yet- https://www.prussiavalley.com/ but I am sure you could give Gary a call to discuss. It can be folded up nicely for transport. Let me know if you want some photos.
Welcome Lisa!
For determining whether your instrument is playable or needs work, I'd suggest you create a new discussion in the following Forum:
-use the Plus (+) button to create a new discussion.
I also suggest you look over our site Groups and join any that interest you- that makes it even more FUN to be on the site! :)
Be sure to explore the various links along the TOP navigation bar to get familiar with the site layout.
And here's a forum for asking questions when you can't figure out the site settings or how to post something:
https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/site-questions-how-do-i
For anyone looking for general info on whether a song is copyrighted or public domain, also for online lists of public domain songs and tunes, please see our Group on the subject:
https://fotmd.com/strumelia/group/40/public-domain-or-not
Remember, to post in a Group you must click the "JOIN" button there to join the group first. You can click the button again at any time to UNjoin the group, btw.
I have one of Gary Sager's dulcimer stands. Beautiful oak and has multiple adjustments available to customize to your needs.
MP3 is always good. I think what most members seem to do is to add their audio file to the site's audio section, and then they just post a link to the audio clip as it appears on FOTMD.
To add an audio to your site content on FOTMD, follow these simple steps:
Any audio or video files you add to your profile page sections/tabs will appear and be searchable in FOTMD's Audio or Video collections, as seen in the top navigation bar for the site.
Thanks, Lisa. I was able to download the file after you changed the setting. I had to delete the "dms" at the end and add the "." before the mp3 to get it to play in "iTunes".
David, you did a good job in restoring the Keith Young dulcimer. It sounds great. Thanks for sharing your work with us.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
1- go to your Profile Page (by clicking right on your NAME itself at top right of any page on FOTMD).
2- select the appropriate TAB in your profile page (Video or Audio, etc) (see my screenshot below)
3- then click the PLUS+ button at upper right to add a new audio item, and choose whether to upload a file from your computer, or to select one of your existing SoundCloud files. Enter the info required for your new Audio file or Video. Be sure you are complying with site rules on copyright etc.
Remember- you can go directly to your profile page from anywhere on FOTMD by simply clicking right on your name at top right link.
Well I was able to play the song with little trouble. The dulcimer sounds great, Dave. It's got a nice deep voice.
I say "little" trouble because Windows first asked me what software to use to open the file (shouldn't that be automatic?) and then claimed the file extension was unrecognizable, but when I told it to play the file anyway, it worked fine.
Ken, can you please try that again? I've changed an audio setting on the site.
Dave... sounds wonderful! If he were alive, Keith Young would be super pleased at how you've brought his dulcimer back to how it was when it was first completed... perfect, gleaming, and brand spanking new.
When I try that Lisa, I get a message that says "mp3 files are restricted to streaming only." Is that just a Mac problem? I tried a drag and drop and got this message from https://fotmd.com/forum/download/forum_file/32795/Baby-O%20Audio%20recording%202018-11-02.mp3 Error: offsite media downloads are blocked
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Irene, I had a little trouble with the soundbite too. But it worked when i did this: click on the text instead of the picture icon, which actually downloads the file to your computer. Then RENAME the file so that it ends in .mp3 (nnot just mp3 without the . ) After renaming, my usual music programs will open and play the file on my computer.
TOTALLY BEAUTIFUL. however, the sound bite can't be heard, maybe send another way? Thanks for posting so much on this dulcimer as it taught me a lot too about restoration of old dulcimers. aloha, irene
Thanks for the recommendations. I'll look into those. Our local music store didn't have any electronic metronomes. So for now I'll try the apps.
I'm using Soundbrenner on an Android phone at present (just the free app not the gadgets that can go with it). It is OK and easy to use.
Most importantly, I searched for one with a 'tap' button - and I use that all the time to set the speed. It means I can hum a tune and easily tap in exactly the speed I want to play it at.
It's finally back together - with no glue on the nut or bridge and new strings. I'm really happy with the results.
I've attached an 'after' picture also of the whole instrument, and a pretty rough around the edges sound sample.
I'm grateful to everyone for the sound advice (pun intended) and the encouraging words. This has been a good experience.
I use two. Both free. MetroTimer and Pro Metronome. Why two? Because I am lazy. The MetroTimer is always left in 4/4, Pro Metronome is always left in 6/8. I play a lot of Irish music but it takes several keystrokes to convert either metronome from 4/4 to 6/8. If you really want to use just one Pro Metronome seems easier to adjust and set up. I often convert it to 9/8 for slip jigs and hop jigs. I may simply think it is easier because I change it more. MetroTimer has been in 4/4 from day one.
MertoTimer has an easier timing function, if you want to set it for two minutes or three minutes or whatever. That might be more useful for a drummer. Pro Metronome does have a timer and it works, it simply takes a couple more keystrokes to invoke it.
Oh my goodness I thought I was the only one who's pets react to playing an instrument.It is very odd I have two cats one loves music the other one loathes it.I also play Piano and accordion.When I play any of those instruments along with the Mountain Dulcimer my one cat goes crazy to the point of my having to stop playing.
We got him as a kitten from the pound about 7 years ago he was badly abused.I am wondering if his previous owner played an instrument bringing back bad memories for him causing him to act this way.Or maybe my playing is really bad...gee..never thought of that. lol
@davesterino Vizsla is sophisticated! :)
I love my waiter's tray stand! I like to stand and play and the tall one is a comfortable height for me. Like Ken said mine will hold two dulcimers which is nice when you like a couple tuned to different keys. Another reason is underneath makes a good place for your case or another instrument.
Our vizsla barks, growls, and gives me some distance when I play ukulele or penny whistle. She doesn't seem to mind at all when I play dulcimer though!
You did a great job making a new fine tuner!!
I too personally suggest you not use any glue on the nut or bridge when putting them back in. As long as you don't remove all strings at once, you'll never have to worry about them moving around or getting lost. String pressure hold them in beautifully. It's handy to be able to easily remove them if needed, without the risk of them cracking due to stubborn old glue.
"Best" is what works for you. There are a number of stands, as Dusty mentions. I found a waiter's tray table works 'best' for me. There are several height sizes available, you can usually find them locally at restaurant supply houses, and they don't have premium prices usually associated with niche goods.
As far as securing the dulcimer, it will depend on the stand, how firmly it holds the instrument in place, and how 'active' you are while playing. Some folks need a small bungee or strap or two; some just need a rubber pad. I don't need anything to hold different dulcimers in place; in fact I often have two on the stand for a 'hot swap' of different tunings.
Don, check out this video by @Christine-Shoemaker. She is using a stand by Gary Sager of Prussia Valley Dulcimers. It looks fully adjustable. Something like that would probably be the best option.
Other good options are keyboard stands or even an ironing board.
I would like to stand up more. I’m not an exercise buff.
When you use a stand, how do you secure your dulcimer?
Is a waiters stand best?
Thank you.
I Just Got A.pdf - 1MB
