Forum Activity for @annie-deeley

Does size really matter? 28.5 vs 26

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

And, Jan, your playing is lovely 😊.

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

It's pretty easy to adjust that string height by sanding a tiny bit off the bottom of the bridge (and maybe the nut)  Start a new General thread about that, and we'll talk you through the process.   

Dulcimer records

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

The only one I own is the Pacific Rim Project; I was gifted a copy by Robert Force a couple years back when he came to the Mount Dora festival here in FL.  

Dulcimer records

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Here is my dulcimer record collection. A few are not exclusively dulcimer, but have enough, I reckon. Anyone else listen to dulcimer on vinyl?

updated by @jennifer-wren: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

My husband bought me my first dulcimer 13 years ago on eBay from Pakistan, or somewhere unexpected like that. It's an hourglass with heart shaped sound holes. I call 'her' Dulcina. I still play it now and then, but the strings sit a bit too high for my liking. The fretboard sits nice and high, which I do like since I use a noter. It came with a wooden noter, which was a nice touch. It was delivered while we were out one day, and some kind postal worker tucked it underneath our porch, presumably to keep it safe. We didn't see it and my poor husband was a bit panicked until he figured it out!

Bill Taylor

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thank you Jan for your input, and I was really happy to see the response from Mark.

That must have been awesome to have Bill for a week-long class!

Sounds awesome!!!

 

Bill Taylor

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Mark!  Thank you so much for responding to this!  I hope all is well with Bill and his family.  It makes me very sad to know that he has stopped playing and stopped building dulcimers.  I only ever had the privilege of meeting Bill the one weekend at the KADC retreat.  He is a truly a wonderful person, and sooooo talented.  The dulcimer I have is beautiful and has such a wonderful sound.  One of the fun moments (one of many) from that weekend was when Bill played and sang "The Preacher and the Bear". 

When you see him again - please tell him I said hi.  He won't know who I am, but he made such an impact on me....I was pretty new to the dulcimer, and he showed me what the dulcimer community is all about!

Thank you again!  And sorry for rambling.......

Does size really matter? 28.5 vs 26

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

I'm very fond of dulcimers with a shorter VSL (no longer than 26.5 if possible).  The ease of making the chords has really improved my playing over the past few years!

Bill Taylor

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

It would be my privilege to get to meet Mr Taylor!  

 

Bill Taylor

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Mark, I'm so glad you saw this question and responded to it, knowing what a great friend Bill is to you.  I was waiting to see if anyone was going to respond and if there was no response, I was going to suggest they contact you--I knew you'd know!

I had Bill for a week-long class at Dulcimerville (I think), held in Black Mountain, NC and my friends and I still talk about what a great class that was.  He was a great instructor, luthier, and is, as you relate so well, continues to be a kind, wonderful man.  Thank you for writing this message!

Bill Taylor

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Bill stopped playing last year. And I can say with all the love and humility I can muster that I helped him finish his last dulcimer. 

He is still kicking around Pine Mountain and Maryville. I talked with him and Barbara tonight, and they said they've been working in the garden--mostly feeding a really fat groundhog! 

He's got some instruments left for sale in a shop, but I forget which one. I'll try to find out if someone is looking for one.

His ability and desire to work with any pretty wood he could find drove me to explore other woods, too, and he helped me take my building to a higher level because of that. His instruments are beautiful and play so well. They are a reflection of this kind, wonderful man.

Oh my that Loooow Dixon D would be far beyond my stretch for fingers.  

I have Dixon brass in low G and Bb, and Dixon polymer in low A and Bb.  That low G is my current stretching limit.  They sound great- I like these Dixons in the low keys!

Robert, I'd love to hear the version of Sally Garden you play... I seem to hear various versions, as it's a real 'tune family' kind of tune.

Lucky frogs!      

updated by @strumelia: 05/07/17 02:04:25PM

Does size really matter? 28.5 vs 26

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

Interesting. I noticed a comment that longer VSL gives more tension with the same gauge strings...
But longer dulcimers use heavier gauge strings, yes? My experience going from 26 to 28.5 VSL is more mellow tone and sweetness, along with being able to tune all over the place (several times whenever I play) with no broken strings in the year I've had the dulcimer. Thank you Ron Gibson!
Just my 2 cents worth.
Enjoy your day, all!

Does size really matter? 28.5 vs 26

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

I am glad to learn this information also, thanks for the question and the responses.

I am  personally learning by experience the variations, with my newest 25" VSL and the other  26 1/2" ones. They each have lovely tones and it will be interesting to know what one I favor most (nt yet sure!). I may do a 25 1/2" on the one I am making now....

Does size really matter? 28.5 vs 26

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

Thank yall so much. That is all some great information! 

 

Down by the salley garden is a great whistle tune for beginner's. In the evening I like to sit on the porch and serenade the frogs with my Tony Dixon low D. The frogs do stop and listen, at least that's what it seems. It's good to have an appreciative audience... Robert.

Does size really matter? 28.5 vs 26

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

If using the same gauge strings, those on a dulcimer with a shorter VSL will require less tension to reach a given pitch than one with a longer VSL.  This helps playability not only because frets are closer together making it easier to chord down at the first few frets, but also because bending notes is easier, vibrato is easier, and playing in general is just easier with less string tension. 

But there *are* definitely well-known effects on sound as well. String tension and length affect overtones and harmonics.  The greater the string tension, the greater the higher overtones produced. Longer string lengths also give more space for harmonics and overtones to “breathe” (ie, sound separate).  With shorter scale lengths there is less separation. As a result, longer VSLs will give more brightness, clarity and definition in the tone, while shorter ones will give a “sweeter” sound with more warmth/darkness, less clarity and fewer overtones. Longer VSLs and their increased string tension tend to give you more volume and attack also, and more of that twangy “silvery-ness” traditionally associated with a mountain dulcimer.     

Many guitar builders will tell you that the tone begins with the string and everything else is a modifier; that you start with the scale length and then go from there, choosing woods, body shape, body volume, type of pickup, etc. to get the tone you are looking for.

Incidentally, if you don't want to believe me, there are plenty of well-respected dulcimer builders who have written about scale length and its effect on tone before (Jerry Rockwell and Janita Baker come immediately to mind, for example).

updated by @brian-g: 05/06/17 09:15:32PM

Does size really matter? 28.5 vs 26

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

VSL only affects the distance between the frets, not the sound

 

Dist from Nut

28” VSL..............26” VSL

1. 1-19/32........1-29/64
2. 3-7/64.........2-27/32
3. 4-17/32.......4-9/64
4. 5-7/8..........5-23/64
5. 7-5/32.........6-33/64
6. 8-11/32........7-39/64
7. 9-31/64........8-41/64
8. 10-35/64.......9-5/8
9. 11-35/64........10-35/64
10. 12-1/2..........11-13/32
11. 13-13/32.......12-15/64

Does size really matter? 28.5 vs 26

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

There are more variables and that is the wood...   It also has a volume difference.  

Does size really matter? 28.5 vs 26

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

Hi D, I am glad you asked that question for I have wondered about this myself. I understand the total size of the dulcimers is the same. I think the advantage would be in the fact that the frets would be slightly closer together which would help in playing chords.  

Does size really matter? 28.5 vs 26

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

I have decided to lose all of my longer vsl dulcimers. The Mcspaddens have that traditional 28.5 and the Folkroots has 29 (I think). I do love the sound of the Mcspadden though. I just can't do that longer vsl anymore.

I'm wondering how I would like a 26" Mcspadden. For those who have heard the standard vs the 26" of the Mcspadden, what are your thoughts? Big difference in sound, or just better playability? 

Bill Taylor

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Does anyone here know if Bill Taylor is still building and/or playing the mountain dulcimer?

I have one of his dulcimers and I love it!  Many years ago I went to a KADC (Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club) weekend workshop.  Bill was a part of it.  He is a wonderful person and a great player!  It would be so nice to hear from him!

Thanks!

updated by @cindy-stammich: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM

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

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

@marg It would be neat to start a thread on 26 August to share our porch (deck, patio, sidewalk, yard. . .)  playing adventures! 

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

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

 Dulcinina, that's sounds heavenly.  

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

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

We had a screened in porch built on the back of our house in February.  Our back yard is long and narrow and completely private.  I have 2 wicker rockers, a bistro set and a small table-desk out there.  I have old timey perennials that bloom at different times, bird feeders and a bird bath.  I play my dulcimer out there a lot.  It's a dream come true. Dulcinina

Back to the Luthier you go

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

We all slip once in awhile -- a reputable dealer will take it back and give you your money back.

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.

OFF TOPIC discussions

Don't buy some sort of highly processed monk fruit sweetener, but just the juice without additives, or the dried melon itself.

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.

OFF TOPIC discussions

I have not tried monkfruit but do know of very many recipes using dates.  

Back to the Luthier you go

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

I had a return a few years back. I forgot to install a 6+ staple!!!!! He mailed it back, I installed the staple and shipped it back to him. I paid for shipping and that I know of he didn't have a problem with the inconvenience. Warranty is life time on wood and play ability......

 

DAN

www.dulcimore.com

Back to the Luthier you go

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

Have you ever had to send a dulcimer back as soon as you got it? WITHOUT NAMING BRANDS OR LUTHIERS, I was curious what caused you to send one back and was the return policy one you could live with.

I just received a dulcimer on Friday and the intonation was off on the bass string on many frets and there was just a funny 'off' sound every time I strummed. It wasn't cheap so I sent it back. (Also since I had mentioned earlier I had ordered a Sweetwoods baritone, I wanted to clarify this was NOT the sweetwoods baritone) 

I'm hoping the maker will refund my funds and not make a fuss. I just know I wouldn't play it. 

Again, without naming names, what has been your experience with sendback?

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.

OFF TOPIC discussions

I was looking at the sweetener aisle this morning and wondered about monkfruit. I have gotten completely away from most all sugar but might want to sweeten an oatmeal crisp fruit dessert and wondered if any of you have ever used monkfruit and if so, what brand or form did you use?

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

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

(playing on August 26 )

Wouldn't it be something if after taking a count, we ourselves could break/or set a record of FOTMD playing on our porches. I think I will invite my dulcimer group to come join me on the patio (hope that counts as a porch ;-)

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

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

The back porch on my childhood home was very small. Our front porch, on the other hand, was expansive. I remember lazy summer days sitting on that porch and reading books such as Tom Swift Jr. and the Hardy boys. Unfortunately, in those days I did not pay an instrument. It was also fun to listen to the storms come down the Hudson River with the thunder echoing around the mountains. Now we have a very nice back porch and I'll be playing there on August 26 if we are at home then.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

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

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Jan that sounds so nice.  :)

Funny how much everyone has in common in various ways...  In new york city as a child on Bleecker street, we had no fans or AC so as little kids in the sweltering heat of Summer we would secretly take our pillows and a towel and sleep outside on the iron fire escape.  That was our 'back porch'.  This was six flights up (no elevator btw).. so you can imagine how startling that was to wake up in the morning all sleepy and look down.      lolol  krazy kid stuff...

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

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

When I was a kid growing up in NC, we practically lived in the small back porch half the year--ate all our meals out there in the summer and the rest of the year my mom would enjoy a cup of coffee (or iced coffee) out there on sunny days.  We had a handy window over the kitchen sink that opened up onto the porch and it was great for passing food out and dirty dishes back in!  I remember snapping a lot of beans on that porch, as well as helping get peaches and other foods ready to can or freeze.  Lots of good memories!

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

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Strumelia,

I feel my dinning room is outside. My table inside is pushed up against the wall & my dulcimers, music & all the misc have taken over the rest of the room. Thanksgiving 2 years ago, we had 16 of us around the table outside with 5 little children 4 yrs & under. It was so nice with enough room for everyone to feel very comfy. I hope you too will be very happy with your new porch.

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

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

 

 

*THANK YOU, ROBIN!*  ~that's one of the few things I actually do miss about fb~

Lisa, your porch plans make me so happy!

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

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I downloaded the image from the Play Music On The Porch folks on Facebook. 

 

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

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Yeah the new porch is going to change things a lot for about 8 months of the year.  Our house is pretty small- we have no dining room and only a small table for 4 in the kitchen to eat.  So when we have family or friends over we have to move the living room coffee table to the side and open up a folding table there to eat.  And our existing porch is only 7 feet wide so again, you can barely jam 4 people around a little table to eat.  It'll be so nice to fit our 3 grown children and their spouses and us all (8) together on the porch when they visit!- at least between April and October or so.

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

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

That's nice Lisa. 14' x 14' is a good size. You'll enjoy it!