Forum Activity for @ken-longfield

Ukulele construction

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Work on my 00 size guitar is stalled as my friend who is helping me with it is renovating his home. The renovation is taking most of his time, so we do not find time to get together. So I looked through my shop and discovered that I have lots of scraps waiting to be used on other projects. When my son was here from California in June, I asked him if he would be interested in a soprano size ukulele for himself and one for his son. He replied in the affirmative, so I decided to go ahead with the project. I am now making six ukuleles; three from mahogany and spruce and three from rosewood, spruce, and mahogany. I spent the last few weeks thickness sanding wood, making forms, and other prep work. Today I bent the first set of mahogany sides. I have one neck roughed out. Here are a couple of photos of the bending.

updated by @ken-longfield: 01/13/19 05:09:18PM

Thinking About Buying a Ban Jammer

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

Patsyannie, I have owned my Banjammer (made by Mike Clemmer at Wood 'n' Strings Dulcimer shop in Townsend, Tenn.) for 8 years.  I have never mastered playing the "real" banjo playing techniques (like "claw hammer") but I really like the sound you get when you play songs like "Camptown Races".  I also play slow songs on it though...it's a lot of fun to experiment!

For anyone who is interested in learning to play a Banjammer (which you can play like a dulcimer or play it clawhammer style like a banjo) the Clemmers will be hosting the 5th annual Banjammer Gathering in Townsend, TN the first weekend in October.  Here's a link http://www.banjammer.com/    I went the first and second years and it was a LOT of fun!

 They have classes for beginners/novice and intermediate/advanced levels.

 

updated by @jan-potts: 09/12/17 09:57:11PM

Thinking About Buying a Ban Jammer

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

I am new to this group. Just started dulcimer lessons a couple of months ago. Heard of this instrument called a banjammer, went to YouTube and I fell in love with the sound!!! Can anyone out there tell me if the enjoy playing one? I love my dulcimer, don't get me wrong. I was just curious. Thanks

Hearts Of The Dulcimer Podcast In Its 3rd Year

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast - Episode 28
A Conversation with Judy Collins

  http://bit.ly/hotdpodcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We spoke with legendary award-winning singer-songwriter Judy Collins about her good friend Richard Fariña. We also explored the importance of Judy Collins’ Fifth Album in introducing the dulcimer in the mid-1960s. With additional commentary by Neal Hellman and readings from Richard Fariña’s cousin Omar Lugones.

 

Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast can be found on most podcast apps.
Here's the link to Hearts of the Dulcimer on iTunes: http://bit.ly/hotdpodcast

 

Don't use a podcast app or iTunes? You can listen to all the podcast episodes directly on our website: http://dulcimuse.com/podcast

We also have a resource page for every episode, where you can find photos, videos, and song lists. Here's the resource page for this episode:  http://dulcimuse.com/podcast/resource/028.html

updated by @patricia-delich: 09/11/17 01:46:38AM

Lucky find, needs some work, 6 string Edd Presnell

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Wow, George, that is a big critter!  Enjoy! 

Lucky find, needs some work, 6 string Edd Presnell

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Well, I got the 6 string Presnell all fixed up, re-strung and tuned. 

Knew about the crack on the back but found some fairly serious separation on the tail in several places. But got some feedback and had all the proper clamps etc. to fix it up, can't even tell there were any issues now!!

 I was surprised at how large this dulcimer is. My 1966 3 string is 34 1/2 long, VSL of 29 inches, 4 1/2 inch upper bout, 6 inch or so lower bout, 1 3/4 inch deep body.

 The 1972 6 string is 42 inches long, 2 1/4 inch deep body, 5 1/4 inch upper bout, 7 inch lower bout, and a 3 1/4 inch VSL !

 Sounds great, I've attached a couple photos to show the size contrast.

 I love a success story!

How do I tune this Bass Dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Yes, for sure it has a very big Hummel like sound and tone, I have done a variety of tuning it it and seems to play well in most, great fro jam sessions, can be very well heard with accompanying instruments.

How do I tune this Bass Dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

OK, so the VSL scale length is 28 1/2"... that actually the same I believe as a typical McSpadden dulcimer- that's not unusually long at all!   It's apparently the other dimensions that make it 'big'-  and the 6-string two inch wide fretboard is quite wide.  The 3 " deep body is very tall as well.  Seems like it'd have a big boomy hummel like sound with all thos strings and the big soundbox.

How do I tune this Bass Dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks for the reply's! Sounds like Linda's may have been the original tuning for this dulcimer. Ken It may have been set up to play Galax because of all the small  strings but hard to play because it has 6 strings the fret board is 2" wide the peg head is massive, biggest one I've ever seen  it is 9" long and 2 1/2 ' wide  3 1/2 inches deep  where it connects to the dulcimer. I named  (Baby Hewie )  for those of you that name your dulcimers. Lisa the VSl  length is 28 1/2 " nut to bridge I've always wanted a bass and thought this one may make a good one. Am I wrong in thinking that because of its size it would make a good one or does that matter? 

How do I tune this Bass Dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

The long size of this dulcimer means you will have to calculate what gauge strings to put on it in order to get a particular tuning you are after.  You won't be able to simply tune it like a regular mountain dulcimer or a regular Galax dulcimer, without paying attention to string gauges (thicknesses).

George gave the overall length of 44", but you really need to tell us the scale length in inches: from nut to bridge.

updated by @strumelia: 09/02/17 08:58:15AM

How do I tune this Bass Dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Glenda -- your dulcimer sounds as if it were set up to be a Galax style instrument without having the double back.  It would be tuned ddd (not DDD).   

To change it to a bass instrument you would need to replace all of the strings (one at a time), and re-tune.

How do I tune this Bass Dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

 Search George's posts, because he put up a sound clip just a couple of weeks ago! I think the thread was "How Do I Tune This Thing?"

 

I have one of these dulcimers now too, and when I got mine the two center strings were tuned an octave apart, with strings gauged for that purpose. I've just left it because it gives a very different, rich sound!

How do I tune this Bass Dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

George I have this exact same dulcimer. Iv'e had it a couple of years. I know  very little about it. How did you determine it was a bass dulcimer? mine is strung all across with what looks like .09 strings I was just thinking about turning it into a bass . strange that I should see this post! What size strings does yours have on it?  How does it sound?  It just makes seance now that this should be a Bass . Do you have any sound clips ? 

Lucky find, needs some work, 6 string Edd Presnell

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

What a cool find, George! 

Hearts Of The Dulcimer Podcast In Its 3rd Year

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast - Episode 27
Dulcimer Week in the Wallowas

http://bit.ly/hotdpodcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dulcimer Week in the Wallowas is an annual adult music camp held over the July 4th week and is devoted to learning the mountain dulcimer. This episode is about our experience at the camp with interviews and music from the festival instructors and attendees. Featuring Heidi Muller, Bob Webb, Stephen Seifert, Aaron O’Rourke, Rob Brereton, and the 2017 attendees.

Listen to the episode, see photos, videos, and more: http://dulcimuse.com/podcast/resource/027.html

 

updated by @patricia-delich: 08/28/17 06:06:09PM

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Beautiful autumn weather here. Started day picking banjo before the real picking began. Picked corn for the market, then back to the banjo.
Girlfriend brought me a crumb cake, she went up the field to pick tomatoes all day. I sat on the porch eating cake, picking banjo and snoozing. Later another girlfriend came by with fresh brownies. She went up the field to load her car with vegies and cut flowers. I sat on the porch till midnight eating brownies playing my Galax, and fiddle... What a great day... Robert.

Dulcomore Dan or John Knopf sound clips

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Such decisions. Definitely want a traditional instrument for noter drone playing.

Dulcomore Dan or John Knopf sound clips

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Richard, I don't think you can go wrong with either Dan's or John's. You just might end up with both, lol 

Dulcomore Dan or John Knopf sound clips

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks, Patty. Beautifully done and beautiful voice of the dulcimer.

 

Dulcomore Dan or John Knopf sound clips

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Richard, I just linked to my Old Joe Clark video. I am playing one of Dan's traditional dulcimores.

Dulcomore Dan or John Knopf sound clips

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Gail... thinking of you today.  What you did was so full of love and strength.

I'm afraid the closest I came to the porch thing was that I spent several hours painting our new porch doors with several coats of blue paint before they are to be hung.  Had to work against the clock today, with more to paint on them tomorrow... the paint (primer plus two coats) has to all be totally dry by Monday morning early when the guy comes to put the doors on.

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I played my baritone ukulele in Gail Weber's living room....that's as close as I came.  Tomorrow afternoon we'll be joined by Karen Smith Gratto and we'll play whatever comes to mind.

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I packed-up Mom, Dad, and a mountain dulcimer and we met my favorite guitar player about a 50-minutes drive from here at my folks'.  We really wanted to participate. :) 

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Strumelia, I'm sure you'll enjoy your porch every bit as much as we do. We forget we have a living room or dining room altogether! Except when it's rainin' sideways.

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Yup! Just came in from the screened porch; played with my guitar-playing buddy. Started with Shady Grove,ended with Dona Nobis Pacem (Give us Peace), which we sang, too. Anybody out there want to be the third part? As it was we sounded pretty good, and for once drowned out the neighbours' dogs and kids on the trampoline! ;-) 

Peace to all, Annie

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Lots of heavy rain with Harvey down in TX, the pond behind me came up really quickly this morning but I did play the dulcimer today. I hope you all had a nice day and had time to play, on your porch or inside. It has been a comfort having my music help drown out the rain & emergency alerts.

Lucky find, needs some work, 6 string Edd Presnell

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

George, that is a very nice find. If you can close the crack by squeezing the sides, a little CA glue in the crack and clamp across the body should do the trick.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Lucky find, needs some work, 6 string Edd Presnell

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Well, I lucked out and found a 1972 Edd Presnell. Overall decent hape, but on the back there is a crack, I was aware of it but had to have it anyway!

 I've done some minor Dulcimer repairs and restoration, no Luthier, but was a custom Goldsmith for many years so have lot's of very fine, detail tools.

 Looking for suggestions, method that is best to repair that, I am attaching pictures so you can see it,

 Thanks in advance, Was surprised by this find, have seen 3 and 4 string Presnells, own a 3 string, but have never seen a 6 string before..

 

updated by @george-desjardins: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM

Dulcomore Dan or John Knopf sound clips

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks all. I did not realize sound and video clips were so easy to find. I had never even thought to look.

 

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I like Sutliff but this was Low Country...

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Are you smoking Sutliff Buttered Rum?

 

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I love coffee & drink my fair share but not 3 cups at night but hope you enjoy yourself, sounds like a grand evening.

(Today we are getting all the screens )

    How lovely, many enjoyable times to come.

I think we are in for maybe a lot of rain Saturday but I will step out on the patio no matter what for a few strums than continue back inside.

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I'll be spending the next three hours on my porch. 3 cups of coffee, one pipe of buttered rum tobacco, and a banjo... Robert.

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Lisa, congratulations on your porch. My favorite place to play, read, talk and nap. Your will love it.

Sitting on our porch, I love opening the glass windows, then it turns into a screen porch. Turn the fan on, grab a harmonica, and wait for the birds to arrive. Almost always.

Yep, I figure your and your flutes will do the same.

Dulcomore Dan or John Knopf sound clips

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Richard, David Bennett has posted videos of himself playing his walnut Thomas replica on his page here ("Down in the Valley", "Holy Manna", "Send the Light") , and Robin Clark posted a couple with his poplar Thomas replica on his page, including "Coleman's March".  Robin also did some soundtracks with it ("Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss", etc.)

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I'm glad to get the update on your porch, Lisa.  I was wondering about it.  I contacted a couple people about coming over to play but no one can make it.  So it will be only me.  But I told my dulcimer group today (50 miles away from here) about playing on the porch on Saturday, so I expect some of them will. 

During the eclipse I played You Are My Sunshine on the porch. Dulcinina  (thinking of changing my handle to Dulcinerd)

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Sandi, I just luuuuv that plan you made, especially the table and tea on the sidewalk to pull folks in.  

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Lisa, you're going to have a great Saturday out there with your instrument(s)!  

I was hoping to get a line-up by time on my porch, but I haven't.  I'm just putting out a call to anyone who might come now.  We live in the city and plan to put a table out on the sidewalk with some sweet tea and cups, a homemade sign, and an extra chair or two.  Our porch is smallish, but we are excited for whatever happens!  ~even if it's just us~

Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Congratulations Lisa! I know how you feel. I have a back porch attached to my kitchen, that for 30 years used to store stuff not worthy of being in the home, but too good to toss. Last year I remodeled my home, except the porch. Finally cleaned it out. Still need new screens but otherwise I made it very livable.
I absolutely love sitting out there... Robert.