Well, I finally dug out the Maxwell and looked at it. Yes, it has 2 wound strings. I tuned it D D A AA and it sounds pretty durn good to me
More often than not, I can't find a .09 string when I need it!
Old strings can get floppy even if they were the right size back in the day. I can relate ;-)
Thanks lisa for the info.
The nut & bridge look fine and since the 9 should fit snug I wonder if the 10 or 11 string maybe wouldn't fit. Only way to tell, is to try. The 9 just seems loose, could be it's just time to change out the strings anyway. Why did you go with a 10, did you not have a 9 or just wanted to have it a bit heavier? I may try the 10 first, to make sure it fits. A new string maybe all it needs.
Other than that, I do like this dulcimer. It packs a lot of wonderful sounds
I have a Bill Berg 5-string hourglass that measures 27-1/2" from nut to bridge. Bill recommended these string sizes:
.24-.09-.13-.11-.11
The wound bass string is on the outside. For the inner string on the bass course I often use a .10 instead of a .09 and it works fine. You can try .11 if you want, but I don't think string size is your problem. Bill knows how to set up a dulcimer and I am certain your MD did not leave his workshop with string interference.
Ken's right that changing strings is the first thing to try, since it's easy. But I'm wondering: does your MD have the original nut and bridge? Have they been damaged? If somebody took a file to the bass slots (perhaps to install a second wound string instead of a thin octave string) then they could have messed up the string spacing. The .09 string should fit snugly in its slot. If you can, post a close-up photo of the nut and bridge.
Rarely do I pass up an opportunity to suggest that people learn how to strum with a lighter touch, but unless you're strumming like a gorilla that isn't your problem; it's the dulcimer's problem. :-)
Hi George,
I struggled with this issue for a while until I eventually broke down and bought a Zoom H4N. A handheld device that runs on batteries, it makes CD-quality recordings and only takes a few minutes of reading the manual (or watching a YouTube video) to figure out how to use its basic functions.
However, that item is kind of pricey. Luckily there are lots of good mics that you can use with your laptop. The Blue Snowflake and Blue Snowball are pretty popular. I had the Snowflake at one point. I also bought a Samson Go Mic that works the same way. It's tiny but it makes a great recording, and you don't have to be right in front of the thing to get clear sound.
All of those items can be used with the sound recording software that comes with your laptop or iPad but are much better than the internal microphone.
Also, please note that there is a whole Group here at FOTMD devoted to Home Recording and I'm sure you'll get better advice there.
Saw Joes posting on the stringing on this Mize, and agree, who knows how many times it's been restrung with whatever range of strings.
Also Joes comment on what fine craftsman Mize and Orthey were, But he left one other fine craftsman off that list. Mr. Joe Sanguinette himself.
I stumbled across one of his Elk River Dulcimers, #1322 on a random E bay search, picked it up just for the beauty of it, and have not been disappointed one lick with it as far as intonation, sound, play-ability, would be a cold day in hell before I ever parted with it now, one of those sight unseen gems!!
Take a look at the photos of the one I was lucky enough to find.
All I can say is if you are ever fortunate enough to come across one, don't hesitate, grab it up!!
That is a BEAUTY! I love the lines, the sound holes and the hearts in the strumming hollow. The simple chip carving adds a whole new element to the design that is splendid and simple. Thanks for sharing these photos. Its a very pretty dulcimer!!!
thank you george for your kind commnents about my work. i am always glad when i hear someone is enjoying one of my dulcimers.
Thanks ken,
That is what I was thinking, just too thin. The 11 does make more sense.
I've been wanting to post some sound clips, but seriously technically challenged. Whats the simplest way you all record and post "soundcloud", You tube etc. What are you using to record, or better yet, what do you recommend?
Hi Hoosier,
This is something I am in the process of changing around for Forums. The site has just had a large software update and things are being changed a little and tweaked.
Please read my post of an hour ago where I talk about this forum post sequence, and follow that thread:
http://fotmd.com/forums/forum/site-questions-how-do-i/25868/software-updates-of-jan-2-report-bugs-here
Thanks all for your comments and ideas...I will experiment with different size strings. I put a set on and it is really sweet but think I'll put heavier gauged strings on for a bit more volume. So far I'm finding its best tuning is most comfortable in Ionian as it doesn't have a 6-1/2 fret. I've got it up to Ebbbb but will try Eebbb
That is one gorgeous dulcimer Joe/ George!....wow!!!!!
Saw Joes posting on the stringing on this Mize, and agree, who knows how many times it's been restrung with whatever range of strings.
Also Joes comment on what fine craftsman Mize and Orthey were, But he left one other fine craftsman off that list. Mr. Joe Sanguinette himself.
I stumbled across one of his Elk River Dulcimers, #1322 on a random E bay search, picked it up just for the beauty of it, and have not been disappointed one lick with it as far as intonation, sound, play-ability, would be a cold day in hell before I ever parted with it now, one of those sight unseen gems!!
Take a look at the photos of the one I was lucky enough to find.
All I can say is if you are ever fortunate enough to come across one, don't hesitate, grab it up!!
I checked against the Strothers String Calculator (known to be "light") According to that you should have
D = 19w; d= 10, A= 13
But since that is light, I would use D= 22w or 24w, d= 11; and A = 14
The D and d octave couplet may indeed be hitting each other occasionally since that .09 you have is so floppy. Change strings before trying anything else.
27.5"
DdAdd
The inside d string is tuned like the 2 melodies. I got it used & this is how it came but looks like original stringing.
I was wondering if instead of the 9 string maybe I could try an 11, unless there is some reason for the 9
Thanks
your 5 string probably has been re strung a number of times. unless u can find someone who knows how Mise strung it u have to experiment
you have a gem there with the Mise and the Orthey. i knew both of these exceptional craftsmen
How long is the scale from nut to bridge, and what have you been tuning it to?
I have a 5 string Berg, The inside string next to the bass is a thin string, tune high d as the melody strings. The heavier wound bass, the outside string tune lower D. the 2 strings are close together, like the melody strings.
I just asked a question on these strings on the General Mountain Dulcimer discussion about maybe trying a bit heavier string next to the bass
String gauges on it now:
.024 for the wound bass string
.009 the string next to the bass string
.013 the middle string
011 for each of the two melody strings
I have a 5 string, elliptical long scale BERG dulcimer
Question: It has 2 base strings:
The heavier string is the outside string, the thiner string inside next to it.
Sometimes I feel they are hitting themselves from the strings vibration;
String gauges on it now:
.024 for the wound bass string
.009 the string next to the bass string
.013 the middle string
011 for each of the two melody strings .
Great sound. Tignor's are very underrated. Hope to take both of mine in the studio this year and record using them.
That's the first Tignor teardrop I have seen. Very nice. I have an early 70's small hour glass. Yes post a sound sample.
Beautiful teardrop Tignor. I have 2 hourglass Tignors, one with the small body style and one with the later, larger body style. I love them both, especially the larger one. You need to post a sound or video file of you playing it. I'd love to hear it sing.
Your friend did a very nice job of restoring the instrument. It looks good. I trust that you are enjoying playing it. Thanks for sharing.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Love my TMBs. Love Bruce and Don playing together!
Hi Stephen! Yeah that's like fiddle cross tuning for key of A.
Don may have learned this from fiddler Bruce Green, they play together a lot as you know (aren't they both terrific?). Here, Bruce is likely in that A cross tuning on his fiddle: https://youtu.be/aJL2DeQZutw
Hey are you still playing your great TMB box dulcimer much? I just watched your lesson video on it the other day, again .
Maybe someone mentioned this already, but I learned from Don Pedi to tune EAE. The A is on the melody string at the 3rd fret.
Like I said, guessing at the J11, but think you need to lose the second wound string and lighten the gauge, But sometimes it's all up to the "ear" as to whether slightly heavier or lighter strings "work". Either way, great find, a Bob Mize 5 string with wood friction pegs, Do you know what kind of woods?
As for the George Orthey, still one of my faves, Not always in the mood for it, but when I pick it up and randomly strum, it draws me right in and hooks me, such a unique voice.
"Dulcimer is the voice of Angels". George
Thanks Rob and George.... good advise all around. The pictures of the Davis help because I can see that mine was strung all wrong which does not help the sound. I'll take the strings off tomorrow and polish the frets and play around with different string gauges. I thought that J11 also meant just intonated but it definitely says J11 not J1 so I don't know. And his fret pattern is unusual to begin with....and yes George, you did buy one of my dulcimers, the George Orthey with the flower sound holes...
I'm basing this opinion on my old Bill Davis 5 string, also I have seven 6 string and have never seen, or strung it with 2 wound strings. Although i received one that some one strung with way over blown guitar strings.
The set up I use on the Davis, because it is a larger than average dulcimer, .011, .011, .012, .013, then the wound, .024.
I have a Mize also so know they are much smaller than the Davis, So you might try .010, .010, .011, .012, wound at .023
Tuned to DAD, but holds really killer in CGC too. Yeah, that's different tuning, but sounds great on larger bodied, "bassy" dulcimers.
Did I buy my Edd Presnell from you?? Pretty sure I did buy one from you at some point, but good luck with the 5 string, I love it. The Bill Davis is dated roughly around the late 60's
One last thing, Is it J11, or maybe JI? Just intonation?, Just guessing now.
I know what you mean. There are still a lot of James's in Braxton County, WV, some of which live on the same road as Sylvan did. I've thought about contacting them and asking about his string set up. Wasn't Bill Taylor taught by Mize? If so he might be able to help with what the setup was.
Thanks Rob,
I'd be curious to know how your Maxwell is set up. Right now it just sounds " interesting" ...I think that it was made really deep for a reason but I dont know what that was. I had a Robert Mize 4 string that sounded sweet as honey in DAAA but this one I can't figure out. I don't wasn't to take the strings off until I know what's what, but it's really not playable yet.
I received a 3 string Sylvan James instrument with 2 wound strings and one plain. Whether that "right" or not, since they were new strings, I tuned them D-D-A. I'll have to look at my 5 string Maxwell and see how it's set up. But I'd say the 2 wound strings to D and all the others to A. Gives you some interesting chordal harmonies.
Hi All,
I just recieved a 5 String Robert Mize dulcimer with a very deep body (2"). It is set up with 2 wound base strings and 3 size 10 or 12 strings spaced equidistantly except for a double melody. I've never seen a dulcimer with 2 wound strings before and am confused as to how to tune it and what size strings to use to replace the old ones.
It was built in 1977 and # J11.....I don't know what the J stands for or if the 2nd wound string was a mistake. If anyone has any info or wisdom on this I'd really appreciate it!
Thanks...
Lynn
Yes, in an ideal world all instruments would be priced to be accessible to all people. However there are always those pesky variables like cost and choice of materials, hours and experience level of labor, construction or finishing methods, shipping costs, rent and location, etc. Not all building options that increase the price of an instrument are mere cosmetic matters such as elaborate pearl inlays or gold plating.
It's always a bit problematic to compare established brands. Things like appearance and tone are especially subjective. One person might love the appearance and tone of a particular dulcimer, while another person might find the same instrument unattractive and not like the tone at all. This happens to me all the time, yet I'm always surprised when I find I have completely different 'likes' than someone else.
I think June Apple brand tends to be overlooked too often by people looking to buy a new instrument. I especially appreciate that they offer lesser known kinds of instruments that are harder to obtain, like hummels and scheitholts- at accessible prices.
I can certainly appreciate a post from a happy customer who is enthusiastic about a particular instrument and builder, and I understand that Greg is not being compensated. But that said, I'm removing a couple of the specific pricing comparisons with other brands from the thread because I wouldn't want other makers feeling they had to post their own promotional comparisons to counter it.
Thanks!
P.S. Greg- how about a picture of you new dulcimer? I'm sure we'd all love to see it!
I stick mine on the back below about the tenth fret. Works well and doesn't get in the way of strumming. In the attached picture I'm using it and you can't even tell it's there.
Thanks Ken and Rob. Hopefully tomorrow I can start playing with it.
Short answer: as a Schatten Dualie user for 20 years now, both on guitar and dulcimer, it varies from instrument to instrument. You have to do some experimentation.
Where Ken suggests is a good place to start. I usually place mine below the lower sound hole on the right side of the instrument as I'm facing it. If the bridge isn't at the end of the body, usually sort of beside the bridge.
It's the best stick-on pickup you can get. I only wish I'd gotten another 15 years ago when the music store in Salisbury, MD, had them on close out.
Half way between the edge of the fretboard and the edge of the widest part of the widest bout. If there's a soundhole go above or below it. Avoid the place where you strum (most of us do not strum at the strum hollow).
I got a wonderful Schatten Dualie Outside r acoustic pickup for my dulcimer and wondered where the best position to place it would be. Any tips? Thank you!
I have Scheitholt, deluxe he built for me many years ago and it is almost always a go to instrument.............top notch and just grand in every respect.
