Forum Activity for @ken-longfield

5,000! What I'm most grateful for. . .

OFF TOPIC discussions

Amen to that Robin.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

5,000! What I'm most grateful for. . .

OFF TOPIC discussions

Well said Robin ! If I had'nt 'joined' I doubt very much if I would be making or playing now, I knew of some outstanding MD players, none of whom played N/D, or used a quill ect ! Different now

John!

5,000! What I'm most grateful for. . .

OFF TOPIC discussions

It's a given, I think, for many of us that the "Friends" part of FOTMD is the "thing" for which we are most grateful. . .At this 5,000 milestone, though, it also occurs to me how grateful I am that this site has been instrumental (haha) in the re- surgance of the noter and drone style of play. I had seen precious little to help me with learning ND style before FOTMD popped onto the scene. The available recordings in the style were few and video demonstrations were scarce not oh-so-long-ago.So, thanks to Strumelia for her noter and drone blog-- it's how I stumbled onto FOTMD in its earliest days-- and for starting "Friends"! And a big thanks to you all for making this neighborhood a nice place to learn-- I've learned lots-- and spend some time.Happy strumming, y'all!
updated by @robin-thompson: 08/02/23 03:15:05PM

Loop vs. ball end strings

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

Dusty;

The ball can be carefully crushed if necessary, been there, done it.

Loop vs. ball end strings

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

You are right, Jean. The only difference between the two is the way the string connects to the instrument. There is no difference in tone or functionality. In general ball end strings are easier to find because they fit guitars that use end pins. If ball end strings fit over the little brad nails on your dulcimer, or if you have a dulcimer with end pins, then go ahead and use them. If not, loop end strings are the only option.

Loop vs. ball end strings

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

From the comments so far, it appears thatthere really is no functional difference for tone or playability. I'm using ball end strings on instruments that have very slim metal pins to anchor the string. It always looks as though the pin is so slim that the ball (really a brass circle inserted in the loop) will save some stress that would occurif I were to put the "naked" loop on the pin. And I save the old brass circles, too, and re-use themon a plain loop if that is possible. About where strings break, most of the time mine break at the tuning peg, but the last time a string broke, it was at the pin below the bridge. Really. And I was able to save the brass circle since it was still on the pin.

Thanks to everyone who answered, and of course more input is welcome. I've played for about 20 years and never have had a good explanation of loop vs. ball end.

Loop vs. ball end strings

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

Robert,

Please explain how you use them for bushings on loop end strings.

robert schuler said:

Whenever I change strings I save the ball ends. I always find uses for them. Keep some and use them as bushings when using loopend strings... Bob.

Loop vs. ball end strings

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

I've saved lots of ball ends!

robert schuler said:

Whenever I change strings I save the ball ends. I always find uses for them. Keep some and use them as bushings when using loopend strings... Bob.

Loop vs. ball end strings

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

Whenever I change strings I save the ball ends. I always find uses for them. Keep some and use them as bushings when using loopend strings... Bob.

Loop vs. ball end strings

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

Jean,On my instruments that will accommodate both types, I prefer to use ball end. However, I'll use whatever I have on hand when I need a string change. (I also re- tune a lot.)

Loop vs. ball end strings

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

No difference as far as I'm concerned. Strings break near the tuner whenever they break on me, that's the area that the metal is worked the most.

Loop vs. ball end strings

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

I never had a ballend string break at the ball. Loop end strings need a larger pin to support them. I use 1/8" brass as loop string anchors which has the same support as a ball. You should be able to tune to any of the common pitches without string breakage. Check for string pinching and binding... Bob

Loop vs. ball end strings

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

This may have some discussion threads already and if so I apologize for not finding it. My question concerns using loop or ball end strings. The two types seem to be interchangeable on my instruments, in that the little nails that hold the strings will anchor both types easily. Is there some preference based on performance, or functionality, or some other characteristic that would guide me? I like the look of ball ends better, go figure what that is all about. I'm not on good theoretical ground with this idea, but it seems to me that the ball end puts less strain on the string, thus lessening (delaying is more the case) the likelihood of a break. I find myself replacing just the melody string on my Folkcraft fairly often, but I retune that top string a lot to accommodate different tunings. Thanks for all the (anticipated) helpful comments.

updated by @jean-van-erem: 08/04/23 05:48:01AM

I looked at your dulcimer Kitty. I don't think the holes were enlarged as the shafts of the new tuners appear to be narrower than the holes. I can send you three rosewood violin pegs if you wan't to try them. If I lived closer to you, I'd do the work for you. You could remove on tuner and try the peg. It it works then you could remove the others. Email or PM me if you want to talk about this some more.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Tuners with bushings leave a 3/8" hole more or less... You might have to fill the holes with wood plugs and redrill and taper new holes. If holes are not to large you might get by with thick shaft viola pegs that are used in restoration work... Bob

Hi Kitty. The answer is: it depends. If the original holes were enlarged, the pegs would have to be specially made to fit. If they were not enlarged it would be no problem at all. I can't recall if the Pickows used commercially available wood pegs or if they made their own. If they made their own, then someone would have to make copies of them. Didn't you post a picture of your dulcimer here somewhere? If so, I'll see if I can find and give a bette informed opinion. I'll look for some other pictures of dulcimer made by the Pickows.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Dulcimer competitions

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Winfield rules apply at Coshocton because the winner then advances to KS. Particulars are available on the Dulcimer Days website. The Rust Belt's got just the right amount of oxidation. ;)

Ken Hulme said:

One of the biggie competitionsis Winfield, KS.

Get out of Rust Belt, Richard, and come down to the Sunshine State. We'll start that Old Fogies Dulcimer Championship and Grouper Eatin' Competition. Should be real successful, as most of the northeatern US and Canada migrates here between Thanksgiving and Easter. Literally 10% of the population of Canada comes to Florida annually....

Dulcimer competitions

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

One of the biggie competitionsis Winfield, KS.

Get out of Rust Belt, Richard, and come down to the Sunshine State. We'll start that Old Fogies Dulcimer Championship and Grouper Eatin' Competition. Should be real successful, as most of the northeatern US and Canada migrates here between Thanksgiving and Easter. Literally 10% of the population of Canada comes to Florida annually....

Dulcimer competitions

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Looks perfect, Robin .. thanks.

Dulcimer competitions

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Richard, there is a dulcimer competition at Roscoe Village (Coshocton OH) in eastern Ohio in June.
www.Coshoctondulcimerdays.com

Dulcimer competitions

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks Dusty. Sounds like someone needs to set up something for us seniors. You know, the first annual "over-the-hill mountain dulcimer and wheelchair shuffleboard jamboree."

Although I'm not in Hong Kong any more, I'm still in pretty isolated circumstances, at least when it comes to the dulcimer. No open mikes around here, just closed coal mines and factories mostly.

There are an enticing number of dulcimer festivals out there, and so far I've only been to one. But I haven't dug up much on competitions.

Dulcimer competitions

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Richard, I have no experience with competitions personally, so I can't give you the specific advice you seem to be after. I can tell you that there are no age limits, but the dulcimer national champions of the last several years seem to all be pretty young. I think that is probably due to a couple of factors. One might be that some young folks out there are playing pretty darn good dulcimer. Another might be that once you win you lose the drive to do so again, so many of the best dulcimer players simply aren't interested in competing or no longer feel the need for such accolades. Another might be that judges like to pretend the demographic data for dulcimer players does not skew pretty old, so they are consciously or unconsciously biased towards young folks.

If you are serious about the competitions, you should look into the specific rules and prepare yourself to work for a year or so gearing up for one. Some might mandate that you play a traditional song, for example, or there might be specific categories in which you can compete. I personally enjoy your playing a lot, but you have a very unique style of play. I seem to remember what feels like a lot of original material (and a lot of bending on the middle string!) in your playing. That might work for some competitions and not others.

But if your reason for seeking a competition is only to give your playing a little kick in the pants, I might ask why it has to be a competition. Do you ever play open mics? It might be that preparing for a performance is all you need to get back in the proverbial saddle. Additionally, although initially developing material for a competition might involve some creative playing, you will also spend a lot of time just playing over and over the same arrangements. Even if those arrangements are really good, you are likely to feel bored by them after the second or third month of playing them ad infinitum.

Lots of FOTMD members have been national dulcimer champions: Linda Brockinton, Sarah Morgan, Aaron O'Rourke, Erin Rogers, Nina Zanetti, Larry Conger, and some others whom I am forgetting right now. You might consider contacting them directly and asking for advice.

Dulcimer competitions

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Now that I'm back in the US for awhile, I find myself growing complacent with my dulcimer playing. Maybe its just because I'm getting older, but I haven't felt like I've made any progress in awhile, and I'm often disinclined to play.

The idea of participating in a dulcimer competition is appealing, not because I could possibly win anything, but I think it would sharpen up my focus and improve my playing.

Any suggestions on where I might throw my hat into the ring? I'm in Pa. Also, are there age limits? Are the contests only intended for young people?

updated by @pristine2: 06/11/15 07:40:26AM

What is a V-pick?

I've been experimenting with a V-pick and find that I am liking it more and more. It is a large ULP.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Good for you, Maryann. I have the V-Pick Bing Lite and make sure it's in my pick bag. Be careful, though, it's hard to find when you drop it. LOL

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the dulcimer or music

OFF TOPIC discussions

It is normal to get butterflies when performing.The trick is to get them all to fly in formation!

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the dulcimer or music

OFF TOPIC discussions

Thanks Dusty and Maryann.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the dulcimer or music

OFF TOPIC discussions

Q: How many dulcimer players does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

A: We'll never know; they keep arguing about modes even in the dark.

- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -

When tyrants tremble thick with fear

And hear their death knells ringing

When friends rejoice both far and near

How can I keep from singing?

-- traditional American hymn

- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -

"And when one person taps out a beat, while another leads into the melody, or when three people discover a harmony they never knew existed, or a crowd joins in on a chorus as though to raise the ceiling a few feet higher, then they also know there is hope for the world.

-- Pete Seeger

- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -

And I have this one on my home page:

New arts shall bloom of loftier mould,

And mightier music thrill the skies,

And every life shall be a song,

When all the earth is paradise.

-- John Addington Symonds from "These Things Shall Be"

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the dulcimer or music

OFF TOPIC discussions

Reply by Cindy Stammich on March 1, 2014 at 11:09pm

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the dulcimer or music

OFF TOPIC discussions

Reply by Regina Bartlett on February 28, 2014 at 11:03pm

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the dulcimer or music

OFF TOPIC discussions

Thank you Ken!!!

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the dulcimer or music

OFF TOPIC discussions

It has been said "We may live without music, but not so well"
There is so much truth in this!

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the dulcimer or music

OFF TOPIC discussions

Chris Stammich posted this in the Drifting Thread:

Just for fun.....

Once upon a time I wanted to start a collection of "favorite sayings" regarding the dulcimer, or music in general.

Tull Glazener was gracious enough to get me started with "String Side Up".

I loved it! However, I didn't keep at it, so I thought now would be a good time to see if anyone here has something fun to add

So, I decided to create a discussion just for this topic.

My favorite saying: "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Another one I've seen on a poster is: "There ain't no notes on a dulcimer. You just play it."

I'll try to copy the other responses for the Drifting Thread and post them here.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

updated by @ken-longfield: 09/09/23 09:44:31AM

As a beginner - which is better?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Kevin ! From what I have seen of his work you will not be disappointed ! Enjoy your journey, and share it with us, this site is very accommodating to all

JohnH

As a beginner - which is better?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks for the advice. I have traded a few emails with Dave Lynch and ended up purchasing one of his student models today. Now this journey really begins!

As a beginner - which is better?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Both are good instruments. With the Sweet Woods student you have the option of trading it in later for another model. On the other hand the custom Folkcraft will be a lifetime instrument. That's not to say that the Sweet Woods student can't be a lifetime instrument as well.

There are many places on the Internet where you can get free instructional material for learning mountain dulcimer.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

As a beginner - which is better?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hi, Kevin!
When I bought my first mountain dulcimer, I didn't yet know enough to know what features I would prefer in an instrument. It took many months of strumming and listening and learning before I discovered my own preferences. . .
With Dave Lynch's student model, you would have a well- made inexpensive instrument and be able to take all the time you want to explore the various facets of mountain dulcimer play.

As a beginner - which is better?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Kevin, without knowing anything about what makes the Folkcraft "custom," and having heard nothing but good things about David Lynch's beginner instrument I'd say go for the Sweetwoods. I got a great deal on my 1st one and, like your post above, I had plenty "left over" to invest in books, records (at the time) and instructional material. See some of Dusty Turtle's posts on this subject; he makes some of the best points I've read.

As a beginner - which is better?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


updated by @kevin-nichols: 06/11/15 07:40:25AM