Forum Activity for @strumelia

Sheryl that's so cool-  be sure to keep us posted here as you progress.   Brian still has a set of four walnut bones he carved when he was in college, several decades ago!   He can play a little, but chooses not to (a true gentleman? lol).   That set is bigger than average, and is too big for my hands, so I can't really play his nice vintage set.  I now keep a round can, like a 'vase' of bones, on my desk.  

I like to think this hamster is playing tiny bones: 

Lisa, you got me going. I ordered a classic style set made of walnut; I was looking for a mellow sound. I'll keep y'all posted on my progress.

Dom Flemons is one of our own, Durham, NC based member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. I was hoping they were going to be at this year's Wide Open Bluegrass Festival in Raleigh, but no. I'll have to settle for Alison Krauss & Union Station!  

A great trio of instructors!  I'm sure it was a lot of fun with those three!

The use of gut strings comes up at least a couple times a year.  As John Knopf says, I wouldn't use them on a modern built dulcimer.  Gut strings are ony marginally useful on a dulcimer.  They are generally too quiet, as most modern made dulcimers are built too heavy to poduce good sound.  You pretty much need a new nut and bridge as the gut strings are much larger in diameter. 

I doubt if nylon or gut strings are readily available for dulcimers, but tenor or baritone ukulele strings might work. This would be a trial and error excersize, because mass is so much different than with steel. As mass of string goes up, the note at the same tension goes lower. Given the limited top movement on a dulcimer, I'm not sure they would produce much volume. Volume with steel strings can often be limited on a dulcimer. That's the nature of a fretboard glued tightly to the full length of the instruments top. Nylon & gut strings do have a softer, more mellow sound. They also have less tension, making it easier to play with tender fingers. I may experiment with a set of ukulele strings and see how it works out. Limited sizes may be a problem, though, making it hard to get the tunings we want.. Violin & guitar family instruments used gut for a long time before steel became available, and friction tuners were fine with them. Because of the gear ratio of geared pegs, they work particularly well with steel strings. Violins with steel strings almost always have some type of fine tuner to allow the small adjustments needed for steel strings. It isn't really the slippage that causes issues, it's the fact that nylon/ gut stretch so much when tuning. The tuner has to move more length of string to adjust the note up or down. Geared tuners for nylon string guitars usually have  very large diameter shafts or fast gear ratios to deal with the stretch factor of non metalic strings. Smaller diameter friction pegs would work better than larger ones when used with steel strings. But then you are back to dealing with the hole sizes the instrument was built with. 

I wouldn't use nylon or gut strings on a modern dulcimer.  They were made to use steel strings.

If a friction peg slips, the screw on the end needs to be tightened, that's all.

Paul,

(friction pegs work best with nylon or gut strings)

Are these strings easy to find at any guitar music store in standard dulcimer sizes? Would the nylon or gut strings have a more mellow sound?

Thank you for all you info  on the fiction pegs. I too am minimizing the tunings and keeping it tuned to DAA less tension than DAdd. The pegs seem to be holding the tune so far, good since the only work I want to be doing now on this dulcimer is to play it.

Met David Pedersen on my trip hope to Oklahoma.  Played for 2 or 3 hours together.  Then, as has been said several times, Ken Backer and his wife, Lin, at Jim Fawcett's last night.  Great time on Jim and Bev's porch.

It sure was great to meet Ken and Lin Backer and my old friend Rob at Cracker Barrel last night and the good time jammin on "The Porch"

That pie wasn't too bad at all.  Yinz guys can come back anytime. 

Wonderful Ken, it is great you all met and got to play music on Jim's porch.

Hey, Ken, you met some of my FOTMD/in-person friends!  And I can attest to Bev's skill in the kitchen. 

Last night Lin and I had the best time with Rob Lackey, and Jim and Bev Fawcett.  After supper we sat on the porch at the Fawcett's lovely home in the country and played music.  And I have to mention Bev's delicious zuccini pie!

I was at a Renaissance faire years ago and saw people parading playing the bones along with bodhran players  It was cool but I didn't think I would ever play either. It looked way too complicated.  Several years to the future, I have both now and play ok.  I saw Dom's videos on the bones and bought two pairs of rosewood bones. I carry them with me everywhere, kind of like a talisman. When I walk my kids (canine versions) I play. They hate it and howl at me.  I think because I am scaring the jack rabbits away they like to chase.   I too, like Jan, have castanets. I bought a small pair from the locate nation brand name music store.  I also carry them everywhere.  I don't play them like traditional Mariachi.  I play them slower. They make a great companion to bllue grass traditional music.  I tried the spoons but because I need two hands where I don't with the bones and castanets I don't use them as much.  Anyone wanting to learn to play the bones should watch Dom's videos.  They are very helpful.

Glad to hear you just needed to tighten the screws on the tuner knobs. My knobs came in and I was able to get my tuner problems all fixed also.

Marg, tightening the screws on the end of the tuner knobs increased the friction and fixed " the problem."

Charles, back in June of 1967 I got my first radio with FM. No kid back then listened to FM. It was the domain of dull old people's music. So I hit the FM button and out came the Paul Butterfield Blue's band. They played the entire East West album. I was totally blow away. By 1969 I learned every harmonica solo on that record. Today I rarely play harmonica much. I'm totally immersed in Appalachian fiddle tunes... Robert.

If you use a capo, it may not fit on an extra wide fretboard. A wide fretboard, and a long scale length, may mean some long stretches if you play chords. Some things to think about before having a custom fret board made. 

Happy for you Charles! 

Are you replacing tuners? The holes that were drilled for the original pegs may not fit all replacement tuners, as shaft size may vary. If possible, measure the original so you can buy some of the same size. If you are changing from tapered violin pegs to another style of tuner or friction pegs, you may have to plug and redrill the holes. Banjo and ukulele friction pegs require straight holes, while violin pegs, Pegheds, and Perfection pegs require tapered holes. Geared tuners use straight holes, but not all shafts are the same size, so you may need to widen, or plug and re drill the holes. You will also need pilot holes for the screws that hold geared pegs in place. Filling tapered holes, or tapering straight holes would be the trickiest jobs of these. Particularly if the holes have worn over time and are no longer round. Some players like the esthetic of traditional violin pegs, some don't care what is there as long as it works. All friction pegs work best with nylon or gut strings, the high tension of steel strings tries to loosen the strings, and makes them tricky to tune. I got very tired of the constant messing with the friction 5th string peg on my first banjo and had it replaced with a geared peg. I have one ukulele with friction pegs, but the nylon strings work a lot better than the steel did on the banjo. I do have to keep a small screwdriver in the case to tighten the pegs, over time banjo & ukulele friction pegs work loose and won't hold tune. At least every 2-4 weeks one or more need to be tightened.  My prefference is geared tuners, I only want to play it, not do surgery. Particularly at a gig.  I don't use multiple tunings on my ukulele, so I minimize the tuning there. My other instruments are all subject to multiple tunings, but they all have steel strings. 

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://carts.badgerie.com/images/handtrucks/convertible.jpg&imgrefurl=http://carts.badgerie.com/handtrucks.html&h=283&w=233&tbnid=RIz19LxPAKQMkM:&docid=EGaJDgLbqsUwdM&ei=Bn7KVfm9McPCggSJpb3oCg&tbm=isch&ved=0CFcQMygbMBtqFQoTCPnYjcyQoscCFUOhgAodiVIPrQ

As long as it fits in an overhead bin or under your seat they can't make you check it. If you are among the last to board, and bins are full, you have to put it under your seat. If it won't fit there, it gets gate checked in the cargo hold. I have one very large bass dulcimer that won't go under the seats. I don't take it on airplanes because I only have a fabric case and had to make that myself. No way will I chance them throwing a set of golf clubs on top of it in the cargo hold. But if there is no space in the cabin, they do have the legal right to make you check your instrument. You can read the rule on the TSA web site. That is why I mentioned the smaller size dulcimers in my earlier post. Most normal Mt. Dulcimers will fit under the seat. A pair in a double case probably will not fit under the seat. A jumbo monster like my bass dulcy will not fit under the seat. Heck, it doesn't really fit in my lap! I have to angle it so the top faces kinda forward. But it may be because my stomach leaves too little room!

Well, I pulled the trigger and purchased a Seydel Blues Session Steel. What sold me was the stainless steel reeds, they claim to last 5 times longer than brass. I have blown out quite a few reeds over the years - I do love to WAIL on my harps!!

There are many USB microphones available for under $100, many for $50 and under. I use a Blue "Snowball", It's priced in the mid 50's, They also make one called the "Snowflake" that's in the mid 40's ( Amazon prices).

Ken, so happy you are down to meet Patty, Jim and Rob, hope you have a good time jamming n eating guys!

I'm with Paul -- I trust FedX/UPS hardle more than airline baggage handlers.  With the new ruling, they cannot force you to check your dulcimer.

Lots of people seem confused about how to create a new forum discussion.  It is easy.

First, within the Forum you want to take part in, click on the "+" button to "create" a new discussion.

Second, choose a descriptive title for your discussion. The title should have enough information that others can tell what the topic is.  Titles such as "Two quick questions" or "friendly advice" are not very informative. Instead, "questions about noter technique" or "how do I use a capo" are much more helpful.  

Third, describe your question or comments in the text box, where you can embed pictures, or link to other sites or other pages on this one, insert smilies, and more.  

Fourth, click "Create New Topic."

Fifth, don't forget to "follow" your own discussion to receive notifications when others reply.

Not sure I trust Fed Ex any more than Airline Baggage handlers. I saw that video where they threw the TV over the fence.

I've never had a problem flying with a dulcimer. Just about any mountain dulcimer should fit in the overheads. If it doesn't fit in the overhead, it still may fit under the seat, or the flight attendants may have space in a closet. The one I took on aircraft is a pretty much "standard" sized dulcimer. But if you are concerned, you might want to buy a small model such as Ron Eweing's Dulcimette, or McSpadden's Ginger. I'm sure there are other makers building small models, just can't think of names offhand. Mine has flown on about a dozen airplanes with no issues. I would never check it, though. Baggage handlers are less than careful. If you think it may end up checked, make sure you have a sturdy case, not a fabric case.

Have fun Ken!!!

Oh, and Patty.... Thanks for giving me the designation of "gentleman".  Sure beats my usual title of " old geezer" 

Patty, you were the first FOTMD member I ever met in person and it was a pleasure.  Tomorrow Lin and I are having supper with Jim Fawcett and Rob Lackey, followed by a jam session.  Looking forward to it!

I use the Herco Flex 75 picks. They're fairly stiff, but with some flex, they have "grips" on both sides so they don't slip, they're made out of nylon and don't seem to wearout, and I don't get anything like the pick noise I get from other picks I've used (including one I made from an old credit card).

Sandra, to post an instrument for sale, start a new discussion in the For Sale Forum by clicking the "+" button.

Then you need to add the relevent information. The title should include the type of dulcimer and the words "For Sale."  Then describe the dulcimer, including details such as your asking price, and include a picture or two if you can. Click "create new topic" when you're done.

Would love to post a dulcimer for sale but don't seem to be able to figure out how to do so

I have really enjoyed meeting the Wartz attendees. Too many names to remember but good souls all of them.

I'm listening to it now.  Great job!

I recently met Ken Backer who is a very nice gentleman. I'm honored to have met him and to hear him sing to us. That was a treat. Ken, if you are reading this, you come back. We'll be waiting for you. 

I like to keep things as simple as possible.  :)

You could record with the microphone on your computer, save the file to convert to mp3, then attach the file to an email to your daughter. 

D, I don't worry about asking too many questions on FOTMD. If there ever was a place where you can put yourself out there, and get opinions and advice from seasoned players, this is it. 

I'm coming in to this discussion a little late. I have a MacBookPro and use GarageBand to do audio recordings with the built-in microphone. In GB I choose the acoustic guitar setting and then adjust it by turning down the treble setting and turning up the bass setting. If you listen to the second scheitholt podcast at dulcimuse.com, I recorded the piece I played on my Mac.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."