Forum Activity for @ken-longfield

Help! New (old) Dulcimer w/ loose tuner knob

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

Marlie, following up on John's post, are you able to turn the screw in the tuner that is giving you trouble? If so, tightening the screw will increase the tension on the tuner and prevent it from turning on its own when brought up to pitch (when the string is in tune). If you can't turn the screw you will need to find someone who can remove it for and then replace the tuner. The tuner appears to be one used on ukuleles. Dulcimer makers used both ukulele and banjo tuners. I will look in my spare tuner box the next time I'm in my workshop (tomorrow) and see if I have one that matches the one in the photo. If I have have one, I can send it to you and you or someone you know who is handy with a screw driver can put it on you dulcimer for you. No charge for the tuner or mailing it to you if I have one.

I could probably send you a screw from an old tuner too.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

updated by @ken-longfield: 12/29/22 08:51:40PM

Recommendations for best software for splitting PDFs?

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

If I understand correctly, you already have large PDFs of your books and are just wanting to split them into individual song files?

If that's the case, and you're on a Mac- the built in Preview program works just fine. Put the pdf into "thumbnail" view, and then just drag the individual pages onto the desktop (or for multi-page scores, you can drag page 2 and up onto the thumbnail sidebar of your page 1- hope I'm making sense). I don't know PC programs, but surely someone here would.

Recommendations for best software for splitting PDFs?

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Good afternoon and Happy Holidays!

I am looking for recommendations for the best software for splitting PDFs, I am tired of lugging these books around. Someone recommended a specific software, costs $15, but I can't recall the name.

TIA for any and all suggestions!

JAL

'Have fun everyday...'

Help! New (old) Dulcimer w/ loose tuner knob

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

Hello, Marlie!

It seems you have a very common type of inexpensive tuner on your dulcimer.  These are called friction or "Grover" pegs, and are used quite a bit on dulcimers.  They work on the theory of squeezing against their mounting holes.  The smaller the string gauge, the less they have to grip the hole.  As you get to the wound bass string, more tension is required to stay put, thus more gripping action is needed. Usually all one needs to do is to tighten down the end screw until the peg grips well enough to stay where you put it.

I would take the damaged screw to the local hardware or home center near you, and show them what you have.  Maybe somebody there could find another similar one for you.  Or a guitar repair shop (such as Guitar Center) might be able to find a similar one that would work for you. The main thing is to be sure to reassemble the peg properly, with the little fiber washer in there that gets squeezed when you tighten the screw down.  I hope these ideas will work for you. Good luck!

Help! New (old) Dulcimer w/ loose tuner knob

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

Hello.  Looking for some advice if you have time to help a fella out.

I received a Dulcimer from my Mom for Christmas. I'm not sure who made it though, it doesn't say the maker on the inside or out.

I discovered, as I attempted to tune it - specifically the Bass String - once I let go of of the knob, the tuning peg slowly starts to unwind just a little bit.  It doesn't seem to want to stay put.  

After a couple of failed attempts, I then tried to use a screwdriver to unscrew the screw entirely to dive deeper into this problem - and then managed to, unfortunately, damage the screw. 

I am not certain if original problem was with the screw, or maybe the nut that holds it in place.  ??

I was able to take the string off in its entirety so i could play it - (the other strings sound great!) and I have ordered new strings online but need some guidance on what you think I should do before putting them on - and where I might source a new screw!

Thank you! 

updated by @marlie123: 12/28/22 08:04:48PM

The Positive Thread...

OFF TOPIC discussions

Merry Christmas to all of our dulcimer friends.

The Positive Thread...

OFF TOPIC discussions

Thankful for friends & family who survived Hurricane Ian whether they lost everything else, or nothing; thankful the dulcimer which has brought me so much joy over the years; and thankful for having been alive for nearly seventy-five years and having seen the changes, good and bad which have taken place around the world.

The Positive Thread...

OFF TOPIC discussions

I'm thankful for a warm, well-lighted home to live in, family and friends, a meaningful job, the dulcimer that has brought joy and peace to thousands of folks worldwide, and like Richard, this Christmas season, I'm thankful for Christ stepping down from Heaven's splendor to be born as a baby, to show us God's love and the gift of salvation.

The Positive Thread...

OFF TOPIC discussions

I am thankful for the Christ Whose birth we celebrate this time of year, for His love and peace and joy given to all who accept His gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins.

The Positive Thread...

OFF TOPIC discussions

Things I am grateful for:

I am thankful for the many friends I have met through  the Friends of the Mt. Dulcimer website. They have sent me many touching messages of encouragement that I cherish.

 I am also thankful for the mountain dulcimer itself which produces such sweet, soothing music.

I am also thankful for family who take time to record my videos and encourage me to enter this larger world of sharing.

What a blessing to have found such a community that offers such peace, joy, and encouragement!

The Positive Thread...

OFF TOPIC discussions

List 3-5 things you are grateful for right now. 🙌🏻  🎄  💕

Various Chords

Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!

I'm talking about your chord chart. What tuning is being used when following your chord chart?

(and you should probably make a note of it on the chart itself, since dulcimers use various tunings)

Various Chords

Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!

I use the DAA tuning and play with a noter unless I am playing chords.

Various Chords

Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!

That's correct.

What dulcimer tuning are you basing your chord chart on?

updated by @strumelia: 12/20/22 10:54:25AM

FOTMD needs your support

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Just a little reminder that this site costs money to keep running, and for 14 years it has survived thanks to the thoughtful donations of members.

Rather than always being the same few people who donate regularly... are there any members out there who enjoy using FOTMD but have perhaps never made a donation? We could use a little monetary boost before the end of the year, to cover server costs etc. 

Today I'd like to appeal especially to members who have never donated before.
To make a donation, use the Paypal donation button at the top of the fotmd Home page. (you don't need a paypal account to do it, just a credit card can be used).

Any amount is appreciated, no matter how small. But if you donate $35 or more, a "Patron" label is applied to your profile page.

Thanks so much, Friends!   

updated by @strumelia: 12/31/23 11:45:32AM

Various Chords

Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!

I have attached a PDF file with the various chords using frets one through six.  There are others but these I have found will allow you to play most songs.

I was going to upload the Crescendo Music Notation file, but the Message program here would not allow it.  I assume such files are blocked due to potential viruses and other types of software which can damage computers.

Again, I recommend the Crescendo Music Notation software.  I have purchased it, but the public free one will accomplish most of what a person needs.

Information on Jim Good Appreciated.

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

I realize this is an old post, but I wanted to share some news on Jim Good.  I'm a WV native, looking to purchase a new dulcimer next year, and googled for WV luthiers.  I found Jim's Mastertone website for the first time and marveled at his beautiful instruments.  I emailed and asked for a price range and told him I would like to visit his workshop when I go back home next year.  Mrs. Good replied and told me that Jim had a stroke and is in a nursing home as a result and hasn't built anything since 2018.  Please keep the Good family in your thoughts and prayers.  

Looking to Upgrade/Add to my Dulcimer Collection

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

Thanks, Ken.  I.D. Stamper was a KY dulcimer legend and he only recorded one album - Redwing on June Appal Records.  The first time I ever heard Darlin' Corey was on that album.  I just love it, too!

"Perfect" Edd Presnell dulcimer?

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Well, they might be dated and ravaged by time, but then again so am I.  There is amazing stuff on those sites, especially for folk who like the music from the era of good old Alphonso X.  Jessica Comeau has a few Cantigua's on youtube that are great.

Looking to Upgrade/Add to my Dulcimer Collection

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

I believe John does put feet on, and he would certainly do so by request.  Freeing up the bottom of the dulcimer to vibrate acts as a natural natural amplifier, giving you a noticeably louder voice...   I love Darlin' Corey!

Looking to Upgrade/Add to my Dulcimer Collection

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

Well, I have been really impressed with everything I have seen on the website.  My goal for 2023 is to perform at the Smithville Jamboree in July.  Like I said, I haven't made up my mind yet, but I can definitely see myself singing "Darlin' Corey" at the Jamboree while accompanying myself on the TMB.  

John, the Schnaufer/Conaster article on TMBs says that some builders put little feet on the TMB; to lift it off the table and allow it to resonate more.  I couldn't tell from the pictures on your site if you put feet on your TMB.  What are your thoughts on that?

"Perfect" Edd Presnell dulcimer?

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

Unfortunately, my tech skills are medieval. My various websites have been ravaged by time and circumstance and no longer are current. I am, slowly, reluctantly, trying to update everything. Bear with me.

"Perfect" Edd Presnell dulcimer?

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

Wow Curtis..........I just read most of your website postings.........who knew?  There's enough material in there to keep anyone with an interest in music and all sorts of other things occupied for days.  I dare say anyone who reads your work would agree that your one of the hidden treasures on this site.  I going to post a link to it so that other people can read your material and not take my word for it.

https://curt.bouterse.com/

"Perfect" Edd Presnell dulcimer?

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

Sounds like a great opportunity to me. If I were buying it, I would do so unfretted and install the frets myself.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

"Perfect" Edd Presnell dulcimer?

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

Opportunity Knocking!

Looking to Upgrade/Add to my Dulcimer Collection

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

Michael -- John is being modest.  he is one of the top five or six replica/traditional instrument builder out theretoday.  His Uncle Ed Thomas Kentucky hourglass dulcimers are very sought after!

Looking to Upgrade/Add to my Dulcimer Collection

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

John, I can't do anything until after the first of the year, and I haven't really made up my mind yet, but would you please send me a PM with the price of a TMB?  Thanks very much.

"Perfect" Edd Presnell dulcimer?

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

This sounds like quite an opportunity, Curtis!  I've never heard of such a thing before, unless you count the dulcimers that John Jacob Niles commissioned  which had no frets per his request.  I personally think he ruined them by fretting them his way, but that's just me talkin'..

updated by @john-c-knopf: 12/16/22 10:05:24PM

Looking to Upgrade/Add to my Dulcimer Collection

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

Thanks, Michael!  I derived my music box design from that very article.  That's the type of article I just eat-up and refer to over and over-- the history, the mystery and the revival of these old forms!  So many dulcimer folks these days have never seen or heard anything about these primitive dulcimers.  Including ME, several years ago!  I want to preserve them with my work.

Looking to Upgrade/Add to my Dulcimer Collection

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

Ken, Thanks for your comments.  I agree, I like the traditional look of John's TMBs.  Ron Gibson has an article on his website about why he builds a modernized TMB and I get that.  But I'm pretty traditional about dulcimers in general.  There's a great article on TMBs co-written by David Schnaufer and Sandy Conaster at:  https://dulcimerarchive.omeka.net/histtnmusicbox

Looking to Upgrade/Add to my Dulcimer Collection

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

John, I checked out your FB page.  You do beautiful work!  I'm following you now on FB.  That sounds so sinister, doesn't it?  I'm following you, John!    I clicked "follow" because I couldn't figure out how to send a friend request.  I'm not on FB very much.  The Galax is beautiful.  I noticed the frets are just under the first string.  Did Galaxes traditionally have just one melody string?  

"Perfect" Edd Presnell dulcimer?

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

This is not exactly a sale but a query. I bought a walnut 3-string dulcimer from Edd Presnell in 1984 and asked him Not to fret it because of previous intonation problems. I had intended to fret it (with old-fashioned staples), or have it fretted professionally, but never did.

This would seem to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a serious collector-player. Is there any interest in having a vintage instrument from a famous maker which could be realized in perfect intonation (of your choice) or is this just an unfretted Presnell?

Serious inquiries and responses should write me at curt at bouterse dot com.

updated by @curtis-carlisle-bouterse: 12/18/22 08:42:17AM

Misplaced fret

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

Quite understandable, you have my sympathies.  I still think that the cost of the dulcimers should reflect in their playability.If the fret pattern is wrong or there are other reasons for it I would expect the builder to fix these issues or get the cash back, especially if you spent over 1000 bucks on it.
I'm not sure about the legal warranty period in your country. Here in Germany we have two years for new product from supplier. 
In any case: I would try this: Ask two other builders for their opinion on the instrument and it's fret positioning and general playing. Ask them for a offer to fix the issues. Then go to the builder and ask him for an explaination and what he could offer to you. 
You can do a first check yourself using following  a fret calculator: https://www.thekimerers.net/brian/YAFCalc/YAFCalc.html 

Best regards, Jost.

Looking to Upgrade/Add to my Dulcimer Collection

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

John's TMBs are very traditional and have a great voice.  The big difference is that John's TMBs are made to be played traditionally --  with the melody string only being fretted -- so they have frets only under the melody string.     Gibson's TMB isn't very traditional and has frets all the way across the fretboard.  

Misplaced fret

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I'd take a look at McSpadden's Bass dulcimer fret pattern and make a comparison to what you have on those dulcimers.  As the info there says they can be played DAD and while their's are three strings, I really think your OK.  Before I'd can that dulcimer I check the pics on McSpadden's site, especially since the odds of using those high frets are not very frequent.  Then again, I'm just a hack and I'll bow to the experts on here.  Here's a link........

https://www.mcspaddendulcimers.com/category/all

Misplaced fret

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

Yeah the fretboard would have to be replaced or planed down. I'm too OCD to live with empty fret slots. I'm sure it's not worth doing on a $700 Dulcimer, and I don't have the skills to do that myself,  This may be destined for the trash bin. I hope I can save the other one

Such a shame.  This has wonderful flamed maple on the back and sides

updated by @wmacky: 12/16/22 01:02:57PM

Misplaced fret

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

Hi, Strumelia

It's the same dulcimer and the same picture, just zoomed in?

About fret naming  - yeah sorry, I'm not used to the strange dulcimer fret naming thing.  Skipping the .5's when counting got me when I counted. 

However, just looking at the pick you can visually see there is a spacing issue around the .5 frets

updated by @wmacky: 12/16/22 09:01:17AM

Misplaced fret

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

wmacky, you said:
"For example fret space 13/ 14 is smaller than fret 15/16. Shouldn't the opposite be true?  Also look at fret space 6/7. the spacing is smaller than 7/8?  I believe those fret are 1/2 step apart right? Shouldn't  the frets that are a 1/2 step apart be getting closer as you approach the bridge?"

First of all-
From frets 6 to 7 is a whole step. (From frets 6.5 to 7 is a half step.)
From frets 13 to 14 is a whole step. From frets 15 to 16 is a whole step. From frets 7 to 8 is a whole step.

The other confusion here is that you seem to have posted pictures of two different dulcimers, both of which are similar to each other. One seems to have normal-ish spacing, the other seems a bit 'off'. For discussion purposes, we need to be clear as to which dulcimer is which, and which picture we are all commenting on.

Misplaced fret

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

The builder builds higher end dulcimers as well as guitars. I see this same fret issue on some other dulcimers he has built but not all of them?  How could a experienced builder make the same mistake over and over?

I'll pretty OCD about such things and that feeling of frustration I had before is returning.  I may have revert back to closet storage.  It's a shame as I was originally pretty excited about learning it.

Thanks for the help confirming

updated by @wmacky: 12/16/22 07:16:26AM

Looking to Upgrade/Add to my Dulcimer Collection

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

I make old-fashioned TMB replicas, Michael.  You can see some of them on my Facebook page under "John Knopf".  They're patterned after ones made in middle Tennessee in the late 1800s.