Forum Activity for @5kwkdw3

Thanks Dusty!  That was very informative.  I've had some "previous" bad luck with capos.  Specifically on the dulcimer I refer too, it had a relative short fretboard height off the sound board.  The capo I was using had to really hug the top of the dulcimer in order to "fret" the strings enough.  Long story short, somewhere along the line I ended up pushing in dimples (rather unsightly ones at that) in the side of the fretboard.  But I do see where you're going and appreciate the information.  I do sort of want a dulcimer/baritone dulcimer book of tab since my wife has expressed renewed interest in learning the instrument.  That would be ideal for me if my wife and I could play some tunes.  I was thinking that if there were written "duet" music for the two, then the parts for the baritone might be slower for one and easy as well?  Maybe I'll have to dust of my staff book and write my own parts as I did way back when for my church?  My newer (already 3 years old) computer and an early copy of Finale music notation software didn't like each other and the Finale folks couldn't offer a compatible upgrade.  They did offer to sell me a new version though, hah.  With it I could scan in standard notation music and change keys and then convert it to dulcimer tab.  Boy how I miss that program.  Thanks again.  Kevin.

Hi @5Kwkdw3,

First, let me point out that there is a whole group here devoted to baritones, and the most recent discussion there is about how to tune to play with others. You might consider joining the Baritone Group and carrying on this discussion there.

It appears you are not principally interested in playing with other dulcimer players, but in playing with other instruments more generally. The basic issue, as I think you understand, is determining the key you will be playing in. 

If you tune your baritone to GDg, playing in the key of G will be easiest.  You can also tune AEa and play in the key of A.  If you are tuned GDg and you capo at the third fret, you will be in the key of C, and at the fourth fret you will be in the key of D.  If you are tuned AEa, you can get the key of D with a capo at the 4th fret and E with a capo at the 5th fret.

So just with those two 1-5-8 tunings, you can easily play in the keys of A, C, D, E, and G.

If you have a 1.5 fret, there are other possibilities as well, and depending on your string gauges you might be able tune a bit higher than A or lower than G.  Be careful, though, tuning too high since you may break a string. 

There is some tab for baritones, but you don't need it.  If you are in a 1-5-8 tuning such as GDg, you can use all the tab for dulcimers tuned DAd.  You will simply be playing in G instead of D, but the tab will still work.  I tab everything out in DAd, but I often play that stuff tuned EBe or CGc or GDg or AEa, and sometimes a half step lower or higher than those tunings depending on my mood.

By the way, I see you have a Probst dulcimer in your picture. I, too, have a Probst, and it is currently strung as a baritone!

If you are not familiar with capos, take a look at this video . I posted it about two years ago in response to a similar question here at FOTMD. I demonstrate the capo on a standard dulcimer tuned DAd, but hopefully you'll get the point.

Thank you!  We will let you know.how it goes.

BTW, the 'kit' he had been looking at, sold also, but we didn't watch that one, or know how much it sold for....

Thanks Susie for your comments.  That's also pretty much the case with me (playing solo), but from time to time I do come across a guitar, violin, etc. that I'd like to play with.  It was playing for my church that I think was my first reason to tune everything in G.  Not so much for the other instruments, but for me.  (I didn't have to think that much).  I did a fair amount of the "arranging" for the instrumentalists who'd play together so I appreciated making it simple for myself.  The most difficult was when a young college student wanted to join in but had a trombone.  I forget now what it was keyed in, but remember it was a "head scratcher" for me to pen his part.  Kevin.

Kevin, welcome back. I remember corresponding with you about our Olympia Walkabout Dulcimers. I have a Folkcraft Custom Baritone, tuned to A. I haven't yet sat down to try to play with others. For me, it's about my personal use and loving the lower tones in all the standard tunes. So, I use my regular music when playing my baritione. 

I have read a few articles that may help. Just google "playing baritone dulcimer with standard dulcimers". Hope this helps.

The ebow is an interesting concept, certainly.  From doing some digging, I see that it will work, however temperamentally, on non-amplified acoustic instruments but very quietly; with sufficient experimentation to find one or more 'sweet spots' where it works best. 

Congrats, looking forward to your report after you get it. I think you should be real happy with a McSpadden. Usually, you can't go wrong.

Howdy All:  First, my apologies for not being around for quite some time.  A move, health issues, hobby cancellations, etc. have finally lead me back to the dulcimer and a couple new instruments.  YEAH!  My latest is again from Ron Ewing and is a Baritone.  It's a six string in his "Aorell" body shape.  It along with my other Ewing are both in the 1-5-8 tuning, but both are in G.  So that I guess, puts my baritone a full step lower than normal and my dulcimer a 5th? lower than normal.  I'm weird I guess?  Other instruments are a banjo and mandolin so the key of G made sense to me.

I was wondering though, what folk normally did (excuse my above tunings) with your baritone to play with others?  Also is there any known tablature out there written specifically for a baritone dulcimer?  When I learned my first musical instrument in grade school (clarinet), my brother and I had several duet books written specifically for the clarinet.  I thought that would be perfect if such a book existed for a standard dulcimer and for the baritone.  Any thoughts?  Kevin.

Ever hear of an ebow, a bit more then half way through, Jerry Rockwell on the video. It's been around for years for guitars but i'm thinking of trying on a dulcimer.

What do you think?

I'm happy you enjoyed this, friends!  

I have no idea whether Citera is usually played with a noter or not.  This sure sounds like dance music to me.  However, the folks directly behind the young woman playing didn't seem to be toe-tapping or anything to indicate they were ready to break out into dance.  :) 

Thanks everyone for your input.  It is very encouraging.

DH DID win the auction last night for the dulcimer.  He got it for around $146.50 and around $20.00 for S & H.  So we think we got a good deal and that the seller was fair.  We will know for sure when it arrives.

Did you win the Ebay auction for the McSpadden?

The signature is at least proof that the dulcimer was not made from a kit, something you have to look out for with used McSpaddens.

McSpaddens tend to maintain their value pretty well over time, and they are all well made, so they're a safe bet if you have to buy one without playing it first.

I don't know if a Citera is usually played with a noter or not, but the performance was really impressive! Robin, thanks, for bringing it to our attention.

McSpaddens are known to be well made and are very reputable.  Also, you can contact the company if you ever need assistance or have questions.

Richard Stolze was an employee at McSpadden/The Dulcimer Shoppe for many years.  It should be a high-quality dulcimer.

The signature means virtually nothing.  I understand that the employees take turns signing batches of instruments.  It's not like the signee actually built the dulcimer.  

That's a good price, certainly and it appears to be in decent condition.

Hi Everyone:

As the title says, my husband has become interested in having an instrument of his own, after buying me one for Christmas.

He has been looking on eBay--that's where he bought mine--a Lucky Diamond 1975--and was looking at a very cheap model that is going down in 7 hours that we (in al of our experience--which is none!) think is a kit. 

After researching here and seeing Sturmmellia's post warning about cheap knock-offs on another popular site.

He decided against bidding on that one, but is looking at one that is supposed to be a McFadden.  Here is the link.  Any opinions???

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Appalachian-mountain-dulcimer-Mcspadden-signed-Richard-Stolze-31783-1995-SSW/274204031025?hash=item3fd7d57831:g:yq0AAOSwGj9eHjry

Thanks!

Robin,  thanks for posting this one.   I wanted to hear what his songs were like and he told of the song where he "found his voice".  I really really enjoyed it.   Monday Morning video, David Olney.   Aloha 'Oe to David. 

and she is just beautiful.   All that fast playing and she is calm as a summer's morning.  I loved this one.  Thanks Robin. aloha, irene

Please tell Lynn to give me a call, there are a fair number around that can be bought for really good prices if you are patient.  I just bought an almost new, rarely played  25 year old McSpadden for $150.00. and that included case, noters, strings, picks and all sorts of stuff.

So far as the crack is concerned I wouldn't worry too much about it right now if it is holding. , though folk like KenH and KenL can tell you more than I.  Anyway, tell Lynn to give me a call before he decides to buy one any time soon.  If its a local deal, I'll check it out with or for you if you wish.

I'll have to try tomorrow when I can put it out in the daylight.  It barely shows.  However, we tried Ken Hulme's suggestion with the thin superglue.  My husband held it in position for about 15 minutes.  And it seems to be holding.  It is one of the rounded edges of the f sound holes.  It did not break all  the way through.

Lynn has gotten interested  and is eyeing a cheap one on eBay.  I have warned him of our Moderator/owner's post about cheap knock-offs on another site.....

Can you post a picture of it?  

How did you make out with this?

I just cracked one of my f shaped sound holes yesterday while practicing.  My crack sounds much like yours--except that it is much smaller, and I'm  broken-hearted over it.

WOW!!! Thanks Robin!

This was brought to my attention by Facebook postings from Steve Seifert and Dean Robinson (Elvensong).  This young woman's play is jaw-dropping and wonderful!  

Indeed Robin!

I read the account of David Olney's passing from a woman who was on stage with him at the time of his death.  His chin went to his chest and all thought, at first, he was just pausing. . . We should all be so lucky as to go so easily.  Rest in peace, David Olney.    

One of the greatest Americana singer-songwriters died during a concert at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.  There is no question that his loss will be mourned by any Folk Musician who appreciates incredible talent and skill as well as a host of professional entertainers..............such a sad loss.

@lisavb  I fingerpick. Exclusively. I was taught to play by fingerpicking. While playing chords and all, I have the habit of anchoring the ring finger on the treble string. But even though I to not use a noter, I use the side of my thumb for sliding on the treble. As a result, I have a gray to black stripe in the side of my thumb and a wee notch in the side of my thumbnail.

Ayup, I know what you mean, having nothing that NEEDS to be done and being able to be a couch potato. But yeah, it is a bit different when that is forced on you by the weather. Come summer, here in sunny Phoenix and the temps go over 110 for days, even a couple of weeks at a time, going outside is not usually one of the options available to us.

This thread is cracking me up, too!  @ferrator, how did you acquire the "callus stripe"?  Just years of use, or some specific event not unlike a frying pan?  

We were trapped for several days last week with snow and ice.  Not a huge amount of snow, but the ice...  This is a bad place for snow (Seattle and suburbs), with all the hills and bridges.  And our street is not maintained by the city, so it's dig, dig, dig.  I used to live in Minnesota--at least it's built for snow there.  

Love days where I have nowhere I must go and can hang around the house and do what I enjoy--like today.  I do not love days where I *can't* get out.  That just scares me.

@irene I understand what it is like to have your ability to get out and about hampered by the weather. Shouldn't be much longer though before you will be back church and making music! :) 

A Joyous noise, eh? :)

Here, in the desert, we have been having what passes for winter with temps at or below freezing. This is just NOT something we are prepared for.

@irene  You are one good egg! It is a joy to swap posts with you! :)

30 harps? I have been considering building a harp! A smaller, travelling style, Troubador (?) type of folk harp. But in a studio apt. with no access to a decent workspace, I am at a loss at to how to do that, if at all. Any suggestions?

As it is I am still finishing a Kantele, but the lack of space is hampering that.

While I smiled writing the last post....on a more serious note (pun intended)..........I thought of the reasons to go to Church for me.  Leading the singing for a congregation is a sure JOY and being with friends and hearing words taught in sincerity and Love of our Savior.   To keep me from getting callous's of the heart, to partake of the Sacrament and renew my covenants is the real reason I love to attend Sabbath Day Meetings.  So go to church folks where ever you live....and don't get callous's on the heart.   aloha, irene

Yeah, Ken, I suppose that would only be of interest to me, really😀 I just sent an email to Bill and I‘ll reply with the eventual outcome.

Cheers!

Glen

.00001 or .00002 …  rounding up/down the 5th decimal is not really relevant.  String gauge recommendations are not set in stone.  Going up or down a gauge or two is very, very common.  There are no String Gauge Police!   We all start with some recommendations, and then go up or down experimenting to find what works best for your on a particular instrument.

For example,  I build and play traditional dulcemores, and do not use wound bass strings at all.  The Olde Tymers didn't use wound strings -- that is a mid-20th century "guitar" affectation more or less, which makes the overall sound less "high silvery" than a traditional sounding instrument.  

Remember too that string gauges vary with the VSL of the instrument.  26" VSL dulcimers use different gauges than a 29" VSL instrument to reach the same tuning.  

Funny thing about my string measurements - I had rounded down the fourth digit of 5 on all of them, but I see that Bill’s vid on restringing shows him using .024 (wound)/.009, .013, .011/.011. If I had rounded up instead, my measurements would have matched the proper string sizes. So this appears to be his stock setup😀