Forum Activity for @strumelia

Advice on beginner’s dulcimer

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

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.

Advice on beginner’s dulcimer

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

@skip, thank you. There is no label inside the dulcimer. There is a sticker on the back that says 559-1261. It came with a little booklet by Robert Hahnen copyright 1978, but I don’t know the age of the dulcimer. I used a tuner from my son’s violin days. Should I not use that?

Advice on beginner’s dulcimer

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

@kevin-r, thank you. I did turn the screw in the end of the peg ever so slightly after multiple attempts to tune the middle string. Once I did that, it would still turn back, but much more slowly. Perhaps the strings that were on it were not installed properly? It did seem that the middle string was significantly shorter than the others, but maybe that’s normal.

Advice on beginner’s dulcimer

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

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.

Advice on beginner’s dulcimer

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

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!

Advice on beginner’s dulcimer

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

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. 

Waiter’s tray stand

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

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.

 

 

 

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Welcome Lisa!

For determining whether your instrument is playable or needs work, I'd suggest you create a new discussion in the following Forum:

https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/instruments-discuss-specific-features-luthiers-instrument-problems-questions

-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!   :)

https://fotmd.com/group

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

Waiter’s tray stand

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

How much do Gary’s stands cost?

How to be sure about a copywrite?

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.

updated by @strumelia: 11/03/18 02:14:05PM

For anyone looking for how to upload an AUDIO file to FOTMD's Audio section, please see the simple instructions here in this other discussion:

https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/site-questions-how-do-i/32804/how-to-add-an-audio-mp3-or-soundcloud-clip-to-fotmd

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

Got it. Helps if I read the instructions. :-)

Waiter’s tray stand

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have one of Gary Sager's dulcimer stands. Beautiful oak and has multiple adjustments available to customize to your needs. 

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hello, I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this site. I am an absolute beginner and am a little overwhelmed. I purchased a used dulcimer that I found at a thrift store last week. I came home and started listening to some dulcimer music and became enthralled with the idea of learning to play. As a mother of five, with ages ranging from 22 to 7, I am at a point in my life where I feel that I need to do something for myself. I stumbled across Strumelia’s YouTube videos and was hooked. I am fearful that the instrument is not a very good quality one though. My oldest played violin for many years and we learned early on that for the best chance of success, you need a decent instrument. Which is the best forum for me to post a couple of pictures and ask some questions about the dulcimer I have? I need to determine if I can proceed with this one or start looking for a new one. Thanks in advance.

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

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:

https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/site-questions-how-do-i/32804/how-to-add-an-audio-mp3-or-soundcloud-clip-to-fotmd

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.

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

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."

How to add an Audio MP3 or Soundcloud clip to FOTMD

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

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.

updated by @strumelia: 11/03/18 01:26:00PM

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

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.

 

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

Strumelia, is there a preferred format for audio files? I just assumed mp3 would work and didn't try to play it after I loaded it.

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

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. 

updated by @strumelia: 11/03/18 11:29:47AM

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

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."

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

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.

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

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

Using Metronome apps

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

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.

Using Metronome apps

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

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.

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

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.

Using Metronome apps

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

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.

updated by @pondoro: 11/02/18 09:15:38PM

How does your pet react to your Dulcimer playing?

OFF TOPIC discussions

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

How does your pet react to your Dulcimer playing?

OFF TOPIC discussions

@davesterino Vizsla is sophisticated!  :)

Waiter’s tray stand

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

 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.

How does your pet react to your Dulcimer playing?

OFF TOPIC discussions

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!

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

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.

Waiter’s tray stand

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

"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.

Waiter’s tray stand

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

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.

Waiter’s tray stand

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

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.

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

David D

Great job on the fine tuners.

James Jones sells a great hard case. Here is the link.

https://www.jamesjonesinstruments.com/appalachian-dulcimers-ac

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

Personally I would not put any glue on the nut or bridge.  String pressure alone will hold them in place.  I would not have taken all the strings of at once either, but again, that's just me; I remove and replace one string at a time so that things stay together.

Case -- making a wooden case is easy using 1/4" poplar "hobby wood" from Home Depot or Lowes, or thin plywood.  I use simple ballistic nylon straps to hold the lid on mine, rather than mucking about with hinges and thin wood.  Bob Gerard, one of the members here, makes beautifully painted wooden cases.    A cloth gig bag is also easy to make, or the ultimate protective cloth bags are made by The Dulcimer Bag Lady -- dulcimerbaglady.com

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

So it turns out i do have two original fine tuners, and managed to make two more this evening. Also picked up some strings at lunch, so hopefully tomorrow I can string it and see how it will sound. My other dulcimer is a bit smaller and I'm curious at this point to compare. 

Attached a pic of the tuners (originals on the left), the bridge, and the nut. The nut actually has a spot of glue on it, and I assume it was fastened in when new. I have some titebond original and titebond hide - either would work i suppose to refasten the nut?  Or something else?

Great advice on the tuners!

Any suggestions as to a case for this?

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

Richard- good eyes there!  

My advice is to get one extra button to keep in your case.  Might as well if someone is already making them... and I found that if my string breaks at the bridge or tail piece area, the fine tuning button can come off the string and literally fly off across the room. This actually happened to me twice over the years. Now I keep a fine thread threaded through all the buttons' holes and tied in a little loop..it's not very obtrusive and prevents those buttons from 'making a break for freedom'.  Otherwise, if you're sitting in the grass somewhere or are someplace playing at night... you may just have to kiss that little wooden button goodbye.       lolol   Never hurts to have a spare!

updated by @strumelia: 11/01/18 04:54:26PM

Keith Young Dulcimer

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

David D. It looks in your initial pictures like the fine tuner for the bass string is down where the strings curve under the end of the fretboard to anchor. So you may need to only get 2 made to match.